No Other Love Read Online Free PDF Page A

entered the morning room. She cleaned the windows with a water and vinegar solution and carefully dusted the writing table, taking care to replace the pen, ink and sheets of paper exactly as they had been. Next she went around the room tidying books that were scattered about. It was not until she set the pile on a table that she noticed the book sitting on top.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson’s collection of essays had been a favorite of her father’s since its publication earlier in the year. Even now she could hear him reading aloud passages to her and her aunt of an evening, after they’d eaten and all the chores had been done.
    A smile curved her lips as she recalled the many times he’d referred to or quoted from it, so often in fact that she’d begun to tease him, making up silly quotes and insisting they came from Emerson himself.
     She heard her father’s laugh as if he were right beside her, and then her heart was breaking all over again. Silently she spoke to him, as she often did, once again promising she would not let his murder go unpunished. Tears coursed down her cheeks as she hugged the book to her chest, wishing with all her heart that she could have him back again.
    She stood there for several long minutes until gradually she became aware of someone watching her. She knew without looking it was Luke Fletcher.
    He was standing in the doorway, looking bigger and more intimidating now that he’d recovered from the fall. Dressed in a black jacket and trousers and gray pinstriped vest, he was unnervingly handsome.
    “Why are you crying?” he demanded. Crossing the room in two strides, he gripped her shoulders until she was forced to meet his gaze. With an urgency that took her by surprise he searched her face, genuine concern in his eyes, so near he overwhelmed her. She could smell the clean spice of him, feel his heat as he waited for her answer.
    “I – nothing. There's nothing the matter,” she finally got out, bewildered by his concern.
    “Did someone do something to upset you? Tell me what’s happened and I'll take care of it.”
    Rose didn’t know what to say. As much as she mistrusted him, she was also too aware of his attractions. But whatever her confusion, he was no friend.
    “I was merely remembering something that saddened me. Please let me go,” she said, pulling away from him. “I can’t afford to be seen with you, not after your interference.”
    That did the trick. His hands fell abruptly from her shoulders and he stepped back.
    “My apologies,” he said, his voice cold and formal. “I had thought I was doing you a favor.”
    “Unfortunately, now everyone thinks I'm offering you favors in return.”
    As soon as this was out of her mouth, Rose could have died of shame. Mortified, she looked at the floor, her face burning. What had come over her to speak like that?
    “I see,” he replied, his tone changing from anger to something unreadable. “How unfortunate to be accused of a thing like that without the pleasure of it being true.”
    Rose's mouth fell open. Of all the detestable things to say. But what had she been expecting, an apology? Men of his ilk didn't apologize to servants. And what did it matter? After all, she was better off for what he’d done.
    Yet she couldn’t seem to stop herself from saying more. He was too sure of himself, too forward with her, and his attentions would only cause her trouble.
    “I suppose it doesn't matter to you that I was hated within a day of arriving for something over which I had no control. No doubt you gave no thought to the girl whom I replaced, but I assure you she isn’t pleased to be back in the kitchen just because you’ve taken an interest in me.”
    “Well, I won't take back what I've done. Not if it means you slaving away in the kitchen.”
    “Someone has to do it. Why shouldn't it be me?” she countered.
    “Because it shouldn’t,” he answered, his voice suddenly harsh. “A fool could see you’re not meant for that sort