Good Earls Don't Lie Read Online Free PDF Page B

don’t have it.” To prove his point, the boy showed his empty hands.
    “Then where is it?” he demanded. The boy’s answer was a shrug. His expression remained defiant, as if he intended to hold his silence.
    Iain reached inside the coat pockets, and not only was the ring missing, but also the letter from Lady Wolcroft. Damn it all, that was the proof he needed. And the smug expression on the lad’s face only irritated him.
    Continuing this line of questioning would lead him nowhere. It was unlikely the boy would tell him anything. Iain decided to try a different tactic. He gripped the boy in the saddle and turned Darcy back toward Penford. The servants there might know who he was and what to do with him. Iain could also summon the boy’s father if need be.
    As they rode onward, the lad remarked, “Are you kidnapping me?” The hopeful tone made it sound as if he was eagerto be abducted.
    He decided not to answer the question, since it was clear that the boy was unafraid of anything. Threats would do no good whatsoever, and until Iain found out what the boy valued, he would get none of his possessions returned. He continued riding toward Penford and asked, “Why did you and your companion steal my belongings?”
    “I didn’t steal anything. The horse followed me, so I decided to take him to Penford. It’s probably where he came from.”
    Iain didn’t believe that for a moment. “And what about my clothing? You just happened to find it and take it from me?”
    “I did find it. It was on the ground near the stream where I found the horse.”
    The boy’s story was filled with holes. Someone had knocked him from his horse and robbed him. And he just “happened” to find Iain’s horse and coat? No, not a word of his story was true.
    “You’re lying, lad.”
    The boy lowered his shoulders and gave a dramatic sigh. Rolling his eyes, he said, “You’re right, of course. I dragged you from your horse, and then I stole it and your clothing to trade for food for my family.”
    “At least your second story is more believable. Aside from needing food.” Iain turned the boy’s palm over. This was a lad who had hardly worked a day in his life. His fingernails were neatly pared and no dirt was beneath them. Not to mention his speech held the air of nobility. “You’ve never gone hungry in your life.”
    “And how would you know?”
    The boy’s taunt awakened the dark memories without warning. Iain had seen far more hunger than he’d ever dreamed of—and those nightmares would be with him always. Too many of his friends had weakened and died. Though Ashton had not suffered as much as other areas, the lack of food had devastated the tenants. Iain would never forget the cries of the children, or the wailing of their mothers when an infant succumbed to starvation.
    “Because I have seen people die from hunger. And you’re nowhere close to that.”
    The boy seemed to sense the shift in his mood and said nothing. He also stopped struggling on the horse.
    “What is your name?” Iain asked. “And you’d best be telling me the truth because Lady Penford’s servants will know who you are, won’t they?”
    The boy hesitated, but admitted, “My name is Beau.” The lad didn’t offer anything further, but Iain was convinced that he was a nobleman’s son. Everything from the boy’s speech, to his disdain for authority, spoke of breeding.
    In the countryside, everyone knew everyone. If he caused a stir or demanded justice, they likely would defend their own, for he was the outsider here. But the lad appeared to have little respect for consequences, and it was likely that he had played tricks of this nature before.
    It took only moments to reach the estate, where he found the coachman waiting for him. The man’s face was purple with fury, and other servants had gathered around.
    “What the devil is going on?” the coachman demanded. “First ye go off with one of our—” He paused a moment and inspected the