Promise Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

dark hair and eyes to my father while Adrian acquired his fair looks from our mother.” He eyed her. “It’s sounds as though you cared a great deal for my brother.”
    She nodded. “I miss him.”
    “ So do I, little one.”
    “ Leah misses him as well, but...” Her gaze dropped to the pile of pebbles she’d collected. “She doesn’t like to talk about him. It’s as though she cannot bear to speak his name. Papa says she keeps things to herself much too often.”
    “ I’m certain your sister will confide in your father if she feels it’s appropriate.”
    “ She confides in Lady Ashburn. Becca told me.”
    Nicolas knew better than to interrogate his stubborn cousin. Anne would never betray a confidence. Or a friend.
    After a brief silence, she asked, “Are you attending the Bal Masque this year, your Grace?”
    The question took him by surprise. “I’m not sure. Let’s see now, the last Bal Masque I attended was…”
    “ Ten years ago. Just after my birth.”
    “ Yes, that’s correct. How did you know?”
    “ Lord Adrian told me.”
    Nicolas picked up a stone and skipped it across the water. The smooth ripples widened before disappearing near the water’s edge.
    “ Sometimes she cries,” Kat declared, her tone casual.
    “ Who?”
    “ Leah, silly. Mostly at night.”
    He skipped another stone. “Have you mentioned this to Lord Greyson?”
    “ No. Papa doesn’t understand women.”
    Nicolas laughed. He couldn’t help himself. He liked Katrina Sheridan because she didn’t know any better than to speak the truth. Regretfully, that would change in a few short years.
    “ Will you help her?”
    “ Your sister?”
    She nodded.
    “ What do you think I can do?”
    “ Well, you are Lord Adrian’s brother. Perhaps you might become friends.” Her brow wrinkled. “It would not be improper, would it?”
    Nicolas stared across the lake. “No, I suppose not.”
    The rumble of a carriage sounded in the distance. He turned toward the distraction. A sleek, black vehicle traveled away from Greyson Manor.
    Kat stood and dusted off her day dress. “I’d better go. Papa is leaving for the hunt after lunch, and I’d like to wish him luck.” When he got to his feet, she stuck out her hand. “It was very nice to meet you, your Grace.”
    “ The pleasure was mine, Miss Katrina.” Nicolas held her small hand in his, and a clever idea popped into his head. “You know, it might be considered terribly impolite if I didn’t escort a lovely young lady safely to her door. May I?”
    “ Yes, of course,” she dutifully replied. “Would you care to stay for lunch?”
    “ I wouldn’t wish to impose.”
    “ Don’t be silly. Papa adores company.”
    “ In that case, little one...” With a smile, he offered his arm. “I’d be delighted.”
     
    ###
     
    Leah stuffed the money she’d saved over the last few weeks inside her reticule and drew the strings tight. Perhaps this time she could persuade Miss Santiago to take Edwin to a reputable doctor to examine the child’s clubfoot. With one last glance in the mirror, she hurried out of the room. Rounding the corner near the stairs, she nearly collided with her father.
    “ What’s your hurry?” he asked.
    “ Lady Ashburn and I have decided to visit Cambridge Town.”
    “ Before lunch?”
    “ We’ll dine later. I’m sorry to rush off, Father, but I have to pick up the Bal Masque invitations before the printer closes shop.”
    “ Are you taking Katrina along with you?”
    “ No, she’s spending the night with Becca.” Leah placed a quick kiss upon his cheek and headed for the stairs. “We’ll go over the guest list when I return.”
    “ I won’t be here.”
    Leah halted and turned.
    “ I’m traveling to Farnham later this afternoon,” he explained.
    “ Oh, yes. The hunt. How long will you be gone?”
    “ A few days.”
    “ Then I wish you much success.”
    “ Thank you, my dear. While you’re in Cambridge Town, give some thought to