Loving Protector Read Online Free

me.”
    “I am sure it will, dearest.”
    With their purchases completed, they
returned to Lady Bedlington’s house, only to find she had visitors. As they
approached the drawing room, they heard Her Ladyship say, “It is most
irregular, Brook.”
    “I realize that Aunt Agatha,” said the
Colonel, “but it is how I wish things to be for now.”
    “Ah.” Mr. Benedict cut in, with what
seemed to be a warning note in his voice. “I believe the ladies have returned.”
    “I have pleasing news,” said Lady
Bedlington, after the greetings were completed and everyone was seated. “My
nephew and his friend, Mr. Benedict will be staying with us for a few days.”
Lady Bedlington was an elderly woman of indeterminate age. She was known for
her sharp tongue, but could also be very charming. Calista had liked her
immediately, although their meeting the previous evening had been somewhat
brief.
    “I hope we will not intrude upon you,”
said the Colonel.
    “Not at all,” said Evelyn. “It is, of
course, her Ladyship’s business whom she invites, but we are all very pleased
to see you again.”
    “Yes, I have been hearing about your
adventures,” said Lady Bedlington. “Really what is this world coming to when
three ladies of good standing are assaulted in such a way? They should hang
them all.” Calista could not be certain, but she had the distinct idea that Her
Ladyship was being deliberately provocative rather than saying what she really
believed.
    “I fear you will disturb Miss Haywood by
saying so,” said the Colonel. “She is very sorry for the highwaymen.”
    Calista blushed, feeling that he was
teasing her. “I only feel, as I told you, Colonel that a man must be very
desperate to turn to crime.”
    “I concede that, Miss Haywood. I did not
mean to cause offence.”
     “You are a young woman with a good
heart, Miss Haywood,” said Lady Bedlington, “and I cannot censure you for
that.”
    “I too think it is tragic,” said
Blanche. “I imagine the poor man lives in a hovel, without doors or windows.”
    “I rather think he would have trouble
leaving the hovel if there were no door,” said Mr. Benedict. When he saw the
flash of anger in Blanche’s eyes, he added hastily, “Forgive me, Miss Kirkham,
I only talk in jest.”
    “I am sure you are thought very amusing
amongst your own kind,” said Blanche.
    “Blanche,” Evelyn hissed under her
breath.
    “My father, Mr. Kirkham, was part of the
nobility,” Blanche said to Lady Bedlington, ignoring her mother.
    “Kirkham? Kirkham?” Lady Bedlington
frowned. “I do not believe I am familiar with the Kirkhams. I know your mother,
of course, as one of the Morehamptons. A very fine old family from Midchester.
Do you remember them, Brook?”
    “Yes, indeed, though I had not had the
pleasure of meeting Mrs. Kirkham until yesterday.”
    “But you had, Mr. Benedict, I am sure.
In fact,” Lady Bedlington smiled and it was very charming, “I remember you both
stealing my apples. Scrumping they call it in Midchester.”
    “I am most embarrassed that my mother
did such a thing,” said Blanche.
    “Do not be, child. She was young, and full
of high spirits. You may not believe it, but I was young once myself.”
    “You are young now, My Lady,” said
Blanche. “Why, I do not believe you can be a day over seventy.”
    “I am sixty-five,” said Lady Bedlington.
But as she said it, she winked at her great nephew. Calista lowered her head so
that her smile was not too obvious. “And you child,” Lady Bedlington said,
addressing Calista, “my great nephew tells me that your father was an
architect.”
    “That is correct, My Lady.”
    “I knew the Haywoods of course, as a
young lady. Everyone did. A most talented family. I believe your late uncle was
a painter was he not and that his portrait of the king is very well thought
of.”
    “I believe so, My Lady.”
    “The Haywoods were related to nobility,
did you know that, Brook?”
    “No, Aunt