His Black Wings Read Online Free PDF Page A

me for my lie.
     
    “No Sir.” I said still looking down. I could feel him studying me intently. Time seemed to stop until finally he spoke.
     
    “So everything appealed to you did it?” I nodded again.
     
    “I require someone to handle my correspondence, pick it up every day and run a few errands now and again. Other than that, your time is your own. I do however, keep late hours and would usually need your assistance from six pm to nine, say, every Friday?” He was looking at me for the answer. I only nodded my head not believing so far. Was he saying he actually only needed me for a few hours each Friday? Why would that merit someone moving in I wondered.
     
    “I also travel from time to time between my house here and in the country. You would of course travel with me. Is this a problem?” He was speaking like I had already won the position.
     
    “No, not at…” I stopped mid sentence. Naza! How could I forget my precious animal that saved me in one of life’s worst moments?
     
    “What is it?” He asked in a gruff way. Well I thought, this would be a deciding factor for him. If he didn’t want Naza, he didn’t want me .
     
    “I have a pet, she is like family to me.” There. I said it, the ball was in his court. He continued to look at me and then smiled.
     
    “A pet you say? What kind of pet?” He asked.
     
    “A dog, a wolfhound Sir. She is rather large. Right now I am nursing her, her forepaw is healing.” He seemed pleased.
     
    “A wolf hound you say? What happened to her?” Kurten flashed through my head, I looked down.
     
    “An accident…” was all I could say. He seemed to bristle if that is the right word to use to describe it.
     
    “She is healing now though.” I repeated.
     
    “Good. Yes, Naza may stay wherever you stay if you wish it.” I looked up sharply.
     
    Had I mentioned my dog’s name?
     
    He ignored my startled look.
     
    “She will be even happier in the countryside where there are rabbits for her to chase. Now is there anything else holding you back from this position , Lilly Cardindale ? Family, friends , fiancée ?”
     
    He placed stress on the name I was to use. I looked down at my hands remembering the funeral, my house, Kurten, and realized how alone I was.
     
    “Nothing.” I whispered.
     
    For the first time since the funeral, my eyes misted over and a lump in my throat prevented me from saying anything further.
     
    He went on pretending not to notice, even though I am positive he did. He seemed to me, more than a man. I sensed a wisdom, a knowledge of things I did not know existed. Yet I sensed he had his own sadness as well. I was self conscious of every word I spoke, every movement I made. I felt as though I was being sized up, weighed and measured, yet I did not feel as though he was interested in me, as say, perhaps Kurten was interested in me.
     
    “Then prepare your things and I will be by in the morning to collect you.” He stood up as did I. He opened the front door where a carriage waiting.
     
    “My driver will take you home. Don’t be too impatient with him. He can drive these carriages…rather slow.” He took my hand and helped me into the carriage. Shutting the door, he peered into my eyes.
     
    “Thank you Sir.” Was all I could muster. I was still somewhat shocked that I was able to retain the position.
     
    “Tomorrow…Lilly.” Was all he said.
     
    The driver lightly whipped the horse into action before Fredrick had even moved from his position. I had a feeling that if I turned and looked out the back, he would still be standing there, studying me.
     
    “Where to Miss?” The driver’s rough voice rang out.
     
    “The boarding house Sir.” Arriving within minutes, the driver helped me out and waved goodbye.
     
    That night I thought of Mr. Brighton. As Naza snored lightly, I softly stroked her head. I was happy that I could take her with me. I was eager to start work for Fredrick Brighton. I looked out into the