Unconventional Suitors 02 - Her Unconventional Hero Read Online Free Page B

and distract you from your pain.”
    Adel laughed despite her sadness. “Like a hero in some fairy tale? Someone who will come and rescue me from my tower of gloom?”
    “Yes, precisely,” Katherine said, her face lighting up with a smile of her own. “Surely there is someone who would be eager to rescue such a fair maiden as you. Is there anyone you have met during our time in Town who strikes your fancy?”
    “You know there is not; for if one had piqued my interest, you would be the first to know about it.”
    “Well what about Lord Straton?”
    Adel froze, Katherine’s query catching her completely off guard. “Are you meaning to tell me that you have a tendre for the man? Is that why you wish to speak of him?”
    “Goodness, no,” Katherine giggled. “Though you cannot deny that he is enormously handsome.”
    Truth be told, Adel could not deny it, but she was not about to tell Katherine that. “I think his overbearing manners distract from any other charms he may possibly possess.”
    “Remember when we were younger and we’d imagine we were princesses?”
    “Of course I do,” Adel breathed, relieved that Katherine was no longer talking about Lord Straton.
    “Well than surely you remember how you always described your prince, the one who would rescue you from the fire breathing dragons or vengeful villains.” When Adel remained silent, Katherine continued, “Your prince always had dark hair and dark eyes with broad shoulders and the strength of ten men. He was confident and commanding and wanted nothing more than to rescue you from your awful plight, even at the risk of his own life. Whenever I see Lord Straton, I cannot help but recalling your youthful dreams, thinking that perhaps he will be the prince that comes and rescues you from your sadness.”
    Adel felt uncomfortable as Katherine spoke. “Your imaginings are nothing but fanciful wishes. Lord Straton is nothing like the prince of my childhood dreams. He is arrogant and insensitive, and I highly doubt he would ever risk his own life for the welfare of another.”
    “You judge him too harshly,” Katherine stated boldly.
    “And you judge him too mercifully. You do not know enough of the man to be able to rightfully judge his character.”
    “With all due respect, Adel, nor do you.”
    Adel turned on Katherine, her agitation causing her voice to rise. “Suffice it to say that I know enough of the retched man’s character to deem him completely unsuitable for me. He will never be my prince.”
    With that final heated statement, Adel rose, her earlier sadness having been replaced with anger. “I think I will return to my bedchamber and see if I can sleep a bit longer.”
    Katherine gave her a sad smile. “Do not be mad at me, dear sister, for I can’t tolerate your displeasure towards me.”
    “It’s not you I am displeased with,” she admitted honestly. “The mere mention of Lord Straton seems to have the power to set me on edge. Do forgive me.”
    “But of course.”
    Adel retreated to her room, grateful for her sister’s gentle kindness. She hadn’t meant to snap at her or make her feel as if her anger was directed towards her, but if Katherine had even the slightest glimpse into Lord Straton’s true nature, she would never again dare to liken him to a prince.
    Adel climbed into her bed once more, her mind still reeling as she recalled the encounter with Lord Straton on the balcony several nights prior. She closed her eyes and tried to dispel the awful memory, praying that sleep would overtake her and give her a much needed reprieve.
    ***
    Though she had been successful at falling back to sleep, by the time Adel had been dressed and readied for the day, prepared to join Katherine and Aunt Tabitha in the parlor, she did not feel anymore rested than she had before.
    The parlor was nearly silent when Adel walked in. Katherine was sitting on the settee embroidering a wall hanging she had been working on for ages while Aunt Tabitha