Spirited Away Read Online Free PDF

you nothing better to do with Dr. Monroe than use her as sport?"
    Tristan crossed his arms over his chest. "What?"
    "Dr. Monroe. She came running in from the fallen oak, scared out of her wits. She said someone spoke to her in the bailey, but no one was about. I would like to know who ... and why. She's here to help—and by your bidding."
    Tristan scowled. "I don't know what you're talking about, old man. I had nothing to do with it. She just began turning and asking aloud 'What? Who's there?' I thought mayhap she'd seen me. Finally, she bolted. After I made sure she was at the door, I went to question the others."
    Jameson's gray brows furrowed. "And had one of them done the teasing?"
    Tristan shook his head. "Nay. The lads all denied it."
    The blood drained from Jameson's face. "If you didn't do it, sir, nor the others, then who did?"
    Tristan crossed the great hall to the hearth and stared into the burning embers. "I vow I don't know.
    She said someone spoke to her?"
    "That is what she said."
    Tristan cocked his head. "And what did the voice say?"
    "Save them."
    Save them? What by the devil's horns did that mean? He hadn't heard a voice, and he'd been right behind her, every step of the way. "I did follow her out. She shouldn't go alone. But I vow I didn't speak a word aloud." He thought a moment. "She was rather edgy. I knew she was afraid, but by the devil, I couldn't see what of." He met his butler's worried gaze. "Is she settled now?"
    "I believe she is, my lord."
    "Well, it's a bloody good thing I switched on the lamps in her chambers, since you didn't bother to.
    She could've fallen in the dark." He rubbed his jaw. "What is she doing now?"
    "I believe she is bathing, my lord."
    He cleared his throat. "Of course she is. She was soaked to the bloody bone. Now, we've another issue at hand. There is a small change in plans as to Dr. Monroe meeting me."
    Jameson raised one gray eyebrow. "How's that?"
    Tristan began to pace. Pacing always did seem to help him ponder. With a quick wave of his hand, he created the dying embers to instantly blaze. "I cannot allow Dr. Monroe to see me."
    Jameson inclined his head. "And why, pray tell, is that?"
    Tristan stopped and stared. "You know good and true, old man, that I did not want strangers traipsing over my land. I'm a private sort." He raked a hand through his hair. "If only that storm hadn't turned over the bloody tree." He leveled his gaze to his manservant. "I certainly didn't want any bothersome females to have to worry over. And now I have one for the saints only know how long."
    "That, my young lord, is a most lame excuse. Besides, you yourself said you'd like to find out more about the bones and armor."
    He paused. "Aye, true. 'Tis baffling." He let out an exasperated breath. "We've met once before, I'm afraid."
    Jameson blinked. "Come again?"
    "The wench. I've, er, well." He coughed. "We've met."
    "When, exactly?"
    Tristan paused. "Right after your Margaret passed." Saints, how it pained him to remember that sweet woman. Jameson's beloved wife had worked her way into Tristan's heart and taken root, and he mourned greatly for her. Yet another reminder of how useless it was to allow his heart to grow close to a mortal. 'Twould lead to nothing more than an eternity of pain.
    Jameson's expression softened at the mention of his Margaret. "I was gone but for a fortnight, sir. I had no idea you'd gained such trouble in such a short time."
    "I know." Tristan shook his head. "She was a lovely thing, even back then, although a bit gaunt. She came rambling onto Dreadmoor's lands, eyes wide with wonder, and then came up from the shore side as if she had no fear of the place, or what may lurk here." He shrugged. " 'Twas after that we hired our first barbican guard."
    Jameson cleared his throat. "I see. Strange, you've never bothered to inform me of this little adventure before."
    "Be you quiet, Jameson. As it goes, the silly lass decided to enter the kirk—no doubt to simply explore.