A Hope Remembered Read Online Free PDF Page B

“but I cannot disturb Sir Edward.”
    Though Colin didn’t catch the person’s reply, the voice was decidedly feminine.
    “You may call again in the morning. Good night.” Martin began to close the door.
    His curiosity getting the better of him, Colin strode forward. “Hold on a moment, Martin. Who’s come to call this late?”
    The older man stepped back and gave Colin a slight bow. “Master Colin.” Martin persisted in using the childish title. Colin had long ago given up correcting him—he’d likely be “Master Colin” until he died, even after he became baronet.
    Colin peered out the door. A young woman stood in the pool of light from the entry. She looked to be a few years younger than himself, though she exuded an air of dignity that disguised her true age. Her coat and dress, while tidy, had clearly seen better days. Beneath her wide-brimmed hat, her red hair had been gathered into an attractive knot, which extenuated her slender neck.
    A glance beyond her into the still brightly lit evening showed no waiting wagon or automobile. She’d clearly come here alone. But why? Strangers were rare in Larksbeck, and even more so at Elmthwaite Hall.
    She didn’t squirm beneath his scrutiny, but Colin noticed a flicker of exhaustion pass over her face as he studied her. How far had she come? He didn’t like the thought of turning her away, as Martin intended, especially seeing that hint of fatigue. A tug of compassion and interest prompted him to step back and motion her inside. “Why don’t you come in?”
    The woman looked from him to Martin, then apparently sensing no further complaint from the butler, she crossed the threshold into the house. “Thank you. I promise I’ll be brief.”
    Her voice revealed her American origins as the brighter light revealed details about her person that Colin hadn’t yet noticed. Light freckles draped her nose. Her eyes, wreathed by long lashes, were the color of the lake in spring. She clutched a battered suitcase in one hand and a wrinkled envelope in the other. Her gaze flicked to the nearby marbled table topped with its ornate vase of flowers, but their opulence seemed to have little effect on her.
    Turning those arresting blue-green eyes on him, she managed a faint smile. “As I told the gentleman here, my name is Nora Lewis. I’m the great-niece of Henry Lewis, and I’ve inherited his sheep farm. I was told Sir Edward Ashby could help me locate a Mr. Green, who would give me the key to my property.”
    Old Man Lewis had a great-niece, and an American one at that? Colin walked by the Lewis sheep farm and cottage nearly every day. He’d expected the property to go to the Tuttle family, though, who were related to Henry by marriage.
    “As I already informed her, Master Colin, Sir Edward—”
    “You are right, Martin. Father cannot be disturbed.” He turned from the butler’s annoyed expression to Nora Lewis. “Perhaps I might be of help, though. I’m Colin Ashby, Sir Edward’s son.” He had no idea why he felt compelled to help, other than a vague notion that if anyone was to her assist her, it must be him.
    “Mr. Ashby.” She nodded in acknowledgment. He liked the sound of his name spoken in her American accent. “Could you tell me where I might find Mr. Green?”
    “Mr. Green is my father’s land agent, but he doesn’t live here at the house. His home is down the lane a bit. You passed it on your way.”
    The tired lines on her heart-shaped face deepened. “I see. And which house is Mr. Green’s?”
    “It is late, Miss Lewis,” Martin interrupted with dismissal. “I suggest you return in the morning and all will be set right.”
    “Where is she to go, Martin?” The fierceness in Colin’s tone surprised himself.
    The butler drew himself up to his full height, which still meant his gray head only came to Colin’s chin. “The inn in the village, Master Colin.”
    “No,” Colin said, shaking his head. Not only was Nora clearly exhausted, but