A Cantata of Love (The Code Breakers 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

laughed again. “I feel fine.”
    Michael placed her feet back on the ground and took a step back to scrutinize her more closely. “You do look a bit pale. Why were you napping?”
    Hen smiled shyly, her green eyes, identical to his own, sparkling. “I’m not ill. Where have you been? Why didn’t you come straight home?”
    “After I was shot, I developed a fever and went into a coma.”
    Her hands fluttered at her chest, and she stepped backward as if she might fall.
    “You insufferable ass.” Rathbourne’s face contorted in anger. He pulled Hen next to him. “Why would you shock your sister that way?”
    “My sister doesn’t shock easily. Tell him, Hen.”
    Hen patted her husband’s chest. “Cord thinks I’m some sort of fragile flower.”
    Michael snorted.
    Hen did a small curtsy. “Thank you. It is so good to have you home. Isn’t it, Cord?”
    Rathbourne’s tense face relaxed when he looked down at Hen. “Of course. Now you don’t have to spend any more time worrying about him. I’ll take care of him.”
    Michael bristled at Rathbourne’s challenging tone. “Why did you marry hastily?”
    Hen stepped away from her husband and linked arms with Michael. “I know it comes as a big shock. Let’s go to the drawing room before Uncle Charles and Edward join us. I’ll explain everything.”
    Rathbourne’s jaw twitched again, and by the way his eyes constricted, he was anticipating retribution. Michael smiled faintly at his brother-in-law’s annoyance.
    “Yes, I want to hear why you married without my knowledge or permission.”
    “You must be joking.” Rathbourne disengaged Hen’s arm and placed it on top of his.
    Michael planted his feet apart and drew his shoulders back, tight, to confront Rathbourne. “I am responsible for my sister’s safety and future. It was my prerogative as head of my house to make the decision.” Although he knew he never would have prohibited Hen from marrying the man of her choice. “How do I know you didn’t marry her for her dowry? A man with your reputation…”
    Hen gasped. “Michael!”
    “If you weren’t Henrietta’s brother, I’d beat you to a pulp. In fact, I’m still considering it.”
    “Don’t hold yourself back.” Michael stepped closer.
    “You both can stop this ridiculous male blustering right now.” Hen’s eyes darted back and forth. “My decision to marry Cord wasn’t dependent on either of you. It was mine alone.”
    Michael immediately felt contrite. Hen wasn’t quick to anger.
    Rathbourne wrapped his arms around Hen and kissed her on the top of the head. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry. You’re absolutely correct.” Hen circled her arms around his waist, pressing close to her new husband.
    Michael heard her say under her breath, “You promised not to bully my brother.”
    “You don’t need to protect me, Hen. I can stand up for myself.”
    Rathbourne raised his eyebrow in a supercilious manner that Michael detested immediately. “Like you did in France?”
    “Oh, my God. I’ve forgotten Gabby. She’s waiting in the drawing room,” Michael said.
    “Gabby? Who is Gabby?” Hen asked.
    “The lady who nursed me when my fever almost got the best of me.”
    “A lady who allows you to call her Gabby?” Hen smiled.
    “You brought an unknown French woman to our home?” Rathbourne demanded.
    Michael stiffened at the disdainful tone. “I took her to Kendal House, but had to bring her here since my entire family had been moved here without my knowledge.”
    Hen took his arm again. “Oh, Michael. I’m sorry I couldn’t notify you.”
    “You don’t need to apologize to him,” her husband said. “It was your brother who decided to steal a code book and get shot.”
    “I didn’t decide to get shot. And my plan was sound—decipher the code and return the book in the morning.”
    “This is old history. No need to discuss, Cord.” Hen’s voice was forceful; she was not in the least intimated by Rathbourne’s menacing