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

hand. “You don’t believe in coincidences any more than I do. What are the chances that your brother just happened to bring home Valmont’s sister?”
    “I am being sensible. Have you forgotten that she saved my brother’s life? And the poor woman is going to learn her brother is dead. I can only imagine how terrible the blow will be.” Hen wrapped her arm around her husband’s waist. “Darling, you would never want me or Gwyneth to be treated in such a harsh manner. She can stay in the east wing, away from the library and the family rooms.”
    Rathbourne smoothed a wisp of hair along the side of Hen’s cheek. “You’re right. Let her rest tonight.”
    He turned and spoke to Michael. “You will not share the news of her brother with her. We will make arrangements for her.”
    Hen gave him a pleading look. “A very sound plan. Don’t you agree?”
    Michael didn’t want his sister to have to play peacemaker, but Rathbourne tested the patience of a saint and Michael was no saint.
    “She has to be exhausted, and to deliver crushing news after her journey will make it more difficult for her,” Hen added.
    “Fine. But if she is not to stay here after tonight, where will she stay?” Michael asked.
    Rathbourne placed his arm around Hen’s shoulder, tucking her to his side. He kissed her on the top of her head. “I don’t want you to be upset. Why don’t you go and have tea with her while I speak with your brother and Ash. We will come up with a plan for Mademoiselle de Valmont.”
    “You won’t bully my brother.”
    “For heaven’s sake, Hen, I don’t need to hide behind your skirts.” Michael frowned at his sister.
    Rathbourne raised his supercilious eyebrow again. “It won’t take long for Ash and I to decide, then Kendal can join you in the drawing room with Edward and Uncle Charles.”

Chapter Six

    When the door opened, Gabby startled and sat more upright on the settee. A petite woman in an unadorned green morning dress entered the drawing room. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a simple knot at her neck. At first glance, Gabby thought this tiny woman was a servant, but the winged arc of her eyebrows, the straight nose, and the luminescent green eyes resembled a familiar face.
    Gabby stood and tried to smooth the wrinkles out of the ill-fitting dress she had been wearing for over a day. She patted down her wayward curls that hadn’t been tended to.
    “ Bonjour, Mademoiselle De Valmont.” The lady curtsied, her French accent as impeccable as her brother’s. “Welcome to Rathbourne House. I’m Lady Rathbourne.”
    Gabby curtsied and spoke in English. She wanted Lady Rathbourne to know she spoke English as fluently as the lady spoke French. “Thank you for your hospitality. I apologize for the inconvenience of my visit. Lord Kendal had originally planned for me to rest at Kendal House to break up my journey.”
    “Michael explained how demanding your trip has been. You must be weary.” As Lady Rathbourne smiled, the resemblance to her brother was even more apparent. She had the same round dimples in each cheek and the same shining eyes that tilted up in the corners. “Please be seated. Let me ring for tea before the gentlemen descend and nothing will be left for us to eat. You soon will have the opportunity to meet all the Harcourt men.”
    “Thank you, my lady.” Gabby reseated herself on the damask settee and folded her hands in her lap.
    “I owe you an incredible debt. You saved my brother’s life. He just told me of his wound and his fever.”
    “You owe me nothing. Lord Kendal and Denby risked their lives enabling me to escape France.”
    “Yes, Michael explained that you needed to make a hasty departure, but he never actually explained how you met.”
    “I’m sure you are interested in the circumstances.” Gabby understood Lady Rathbourne’s interest in Gabby’s sudden appearance. Did the proper English lady believe Gabby wanted to manipulate her brother into