One Touch of Magic Read Online Free PDF

of real emotions and enthusiasms in a world of artificiality.
    He looked forward to seeing her work, to hearing her speak of it more. He still believed that that particular section of his land could be better served by crops and jobs, and he would have to tell her that very soon. He doubted that seeing her work would change his mind. But he did not have to say that just yet. Right now, he wanted to enjoy her company.
    All too soon, they arrived at Ransome Hall, and he was forced to take his arms from around her small, slim figure and help her down from the horse onto the graveled drive. Almost immediately, the front doors opened, and his uncle’s butler— his butler—Makepeace appeared.
    “Lady Iverson,” Makepeace said, too well trained to show any surprise he might be feeling at seeing her there. “What a nice surprise to see you today.”
    “Hello, Makepeace,” Lady Iverson said. “It has been far too long! I fear I had a bit of an accident, and Lord Ransome very gallantly rescued me.”
    “An accident, my lady?” Makepeace asked, his tone alarmed.
    “Her phaeton is stuck in the stream not far from here,” Miles explained. He had stayed on his horse, intending to ride back immediately to fetch her team. “I thought I would take some of the stable lads back to help free it. In the meantime, could you order the carriage to be brought about for Lady Iverson’s use? She is to meet her sister in Upper Hawton.”
    “Of course, my lord. Right away,” Makepeace answered. “Perhaps you would care to come inside for a cup of tea, my lady, while the carriage is summoned?”
    “Thank you, Makepeace. That would be most welcome.” Lady Iverson climbed up the stone front steps behind the butler, then turned back to Miles and said, “And thank you again, Lord Ransome. I do not know what I should have done without you!”
    “Not at all. I was glad to be of assistance, Lady Iverson. I trust we shall meet again soon?”
    She smiled at him. “Of course. Please do come to the site, whenever it is convenient. We are working on it most days.”
    “I look forward to it.”
    He looked forward to it very much indeed.

Chapter Four
    “Sarah! Here you are at last. I’ve already finished my luncheon, and quite despaired of your appearing before teatime. I was so worried—what happened?”
    Mary Ann leaped up from her seat before the fire in the private parlor of the King’s Arms Inn. The remains of a meal were indeed scattered about the table, and a book lay abandoned on Mary Ann’s chair.
    Sarah put her arms about her sister, and kissed her cheek. “I am so sorry, dear, but I was unavoidably delayed. There was a tiny accident with the phaeton. You know how Mother is always saying I’m a fool to drive that dangerous carriage about!”
    “An accident!” Mary Ann pulled back to examine her carefully. “Are you injured?”
    “Not a bit. But where is Lady Hammond?”
    “Oh, she left almost as soon as we arrived. She said she had to get to York before dark,” Mary Ann said carelessly. She took Sarah’s arm and drew her over to sit by the fire. It was a warm day outside, but the thick old walls made the room chilly. “It is quite all right, though. Rose is here, you see, and everything is very proper.” She gestured toward a young maid who sat in the corner, quietly sewing. “Let me get you some tea, Sarah. You must be so tired after your ordeal!”
    Sarah gratefully accepted the cup of tea Mary Ann poured for her; its smoky warmth was soothing after the long, arduous morning just past. But her mind still kept going back over her meeting with Lord Ransome, kept thinking about him, wondering about him and if he would keep his word to come look at the Viking village. It took a great deal of effort to pull herself back into the present moment, and her new duties as a chaperone.
    “Lady Hammond never should have left you alone here,” she murmured.
    Mary Anne laughed, and sat down in her abandoned chair opposite Sarah.