A Lady of Letters Read Online Free PDF

pursuit of pleasure. His luck at the gaming tables was legendary, as was his prowess at sport... and seduction. More than a few whispers during the interminable morning calls she was forced to make with her mother and sister had reached her ears concerning his all too obvious charms.
     
    She found herself thinking about the sensual curve of that broad mouth, and what it would feel like to have them pressed against her own—
     
    What in heaven's name was she thinking of, to entertain such improper, not to speak of absurd, notions! Why, she loathed the man, and it was clear he felt the same way about her. But it seemed her body was intent on betraying her intellect, feeling a perverse attraction to the most unsuitable choice imaginable. Her hands flew to her cheeks. They were hot to the touch. Perhaps she was coming down with a bout of fever, for only a sudden illness could account for such a delirium.
     
    Or perhaps she had merely stepped too close to the blazing fire.
     
    She retreated to her desk and took out a leather journal from the locked top drawer. If she could not concentrate on her research, she could at least begin to review her notes on what had taken place during the past several months in the area surrounding Greenfield Manor. In a matter of minutes all thoughts of mesmerizing blue eyes and masculine smiles were gone, replaced by the chilling images of three children, all of whom had disappeared without a trace.
     
    Her rapid scribbling ceased only when a soft knock came at the door. "Still at work? Don't forget that you promised to attend the Louden's ball with us tonight." Marianne sat down on the comfortable sofa, her face still flushed a becoming pink from the jaunt in the park. "I thought you had finished your essay for Mr. Prichard."
     
    Augusta nibbled at the tip of her pen. "I have. It is now time to turn my attention to the plight of our neighbors. Mrs. Roberts asked for my help and I mean to do my best to discover what is going on."
     
    Marianne's expression turned to one of concern. "I don't like the idea of your getting involved in such things. It might be dangerous. Why not write to Papa? He will think of something."
     
    "Papa is in Vienna and not likely to return for months. There is nothing he can do."
     
    "Then speak to the magistrate."
     
    "Squire Hillhouse!" Her brows arched up. "That bumbling fool won't lift a finger to help a mere tenant," she said in some disgust. "Besides, he couldn't unravel a crime if the evidence were twined around his bulbous nose and tied in a pretty bow. "
     
    Marianne brought her knees up to her chin. "If only Edwin were here to advise—"
     
    "Well, he is not," said Augusta rather sharply. "So it is up to me." On seeing her sister's stricken expression she bit her lip. "I'm sorry, lamb." she said gently. "I miss him terribly, too."
     
    Marianne swallowed hard. "How do you mean to start?"
     
    Augusta gestured to the open pages of her journal. "First, I am compiling a list of all the gentry with residences within twenty miles of the village."
     
    "Are you really so sure it is someone who lives nearby, and that he is... one of us? I mean, couldn't it have been the work of a band of ruffians merely passing through. I have read of such things—"
     
    She shook her head. "It is unlikely. I have had Jamison make inquiries in all the neighboring towns and there are no other reports of children gone missing, plus the time between each occurrence makes the chance of it being a random act quite slim." She took something from her drawer and began to twist it between fingers. " Furthermore, the last child to disappear was Tommy Atkins. He was a big lad for his age and there were signs of a struggle near where he had been working in the field. This was found at the scene."
     
    Marianne craned her neck to see what it was. "A scrap of material? What possible clue is that?"
     
    Augusta held it up for closer inspection. "A scrap of expensive brocaded silk, with an