A Reckless Promise Read Online Free PDF Page B

word? Oh, yes— safe . Mrs. Boxer, forgive me, but a thought occurs. Could you have perhaps kidnapped your niece?”
    That question came close enough to the target to be uncomfortable.
    â€œOf course not! Why would I do any such thing?”
    â€œOh, I don’t know. Perhaps to find yourself a deeper gravy boat than the one you might be offered—if any—by John’s other relatives?”
    â€œI thought I’d told you. I am Marley’s only living relative.”
    â€œAnd that would be her only living relative on John’s side. Is the child as unfortunately lacking in family on her late mother’s side?” He leaned in even closer. “Mrs. Boxer? Cat caught your tongue?”
    Everything now rested on her answer. Marley’s future, and her own. And the lies were piling up.
    â€œMy sister-in-law had no family of her own, as they’d perished in a fire while she was away at school. There is no one else, my lord.”
    â€œPoor imp, her entire life has been one long litany of tragedy and loss. Save for her dearest aunt, that is.”
    Would he just stop smiling and shut up!
    â€œBut she is not without hope. You promised John. John is dead. As her aunt, I have decided where her best future lies, and that is with you. Please don’t force me to rethink my decision.”
    He stepped back a few paces, and Sadie realized her hands were shaking.
    â€œI would never do that. At least not until I understand what the devil is going on here. Are you going to tell me the truth?”
    It wasn’t easy, but she kept her gaze locked with his.
    â€œI’ve told you the truth.”
    â€œVery smoothly, yes. Very nearly as if you’d rehearsed every word, save for a few unsettling stumbles. Perhaps a few tears might have made it all more convincing.”
    Tears? She was more than ready to box his ears. How dare he be so clever.
    â€œI have no time for such miss-ish indulgences, my lord. I have a responsibility.”
    â€œAs do I. Yes, Mrs. Boxer, you’ve driven your point home. Make yourselves comfortable in my absence. And then we’ll have us another small, hopefully more enlightening conversation.” The viscount strolled to the closed door and opened it with a flourish, inviting her to leave.
    If she were Marley, she would have kicked him in the shin. But she wasn’t, and since their newly acquired safe haven hung in the balance, she would do her best to behave.
    â€œI can’t help but wonder. Did you kill him?” His Lordship asked as she walked by, her chin once again held high.
    Sadie stumbled, nearly fell, so that he grabbed her elbow to steady her. She felt light-headed, her knees nearly turned to water, her vision blurry, and for a moment she thought she either might vomit on His Lordship’s shoe-tops or faint at his feet.
    â€œSteady on, Mrs. Boxer.”
    She had no choice but to pretend to have not understood the question.
    â€œForgive me, I stubbed my toe on the carpet. Did you mean my husband, my lord? I suppose you would think his death a happy release, married to me. How very droll of you.”
    â€œNo, Mrs. Boxer. I was referring to my friend John. You’ve been a puzzle to me since you first stormed into this house. It would seem your lot in life has improved immeasurably thanks to your brother’s demise, no longer forced to care for him as he continued to linger on after his wound. I hadn’t considered your husband. Should I? No, don’t answer, not on either head. I’m certain I’ll find out soon enough, as I do so love a puzzle. In the meantime, I have no fears for my ward. After all, she’s your golden goose, isn’t she? In any case, I’ve now changed my mind about keeping her here. Be ready, both you and my charge, to leave for London in two hours.”
    â€œHer name is Marley, my lord. I suggest you become familiar with it. And I will add that you’re extremely