Stealing a Lady's Heart: A Regency Fairytale (Fairfield Fairytales Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

its contents.
    Charlotte gasped. “He demands my presence at his castle the day after tomorrow. He wants to discuss the terms of our marriage. He says that if I do not come to him, he will find me. He is threatening me! How did he even know I was here? How could he make such demands?”
    Charlotte was unaware of standing but she found herself in the protective ring of Graham’s arms.  Her own were wrapped tightly around his waist. Fear filled her mind. She looked up at him, desperate for more comfort but his face was grim.
    “Could your father have made arrangements with him?” Baron Fairfield asked, concern creasing his brow.
    “My father would never agree to give my hand away without consulting me and certainly not to him! We both agreed he was not a viable suitor.” Charlotte was afraid to say the marquess’ name. While it had to be a coincidence that the messenger arrived when she had said it, it made her uneasy to think of using the name again. She shivered despite the warmth of Graham’s embrace.
    His thumb gently stroked her cheek while his hand rested along her jaw. “First thing in the morning, we will escort you home to the safety of your father. He will tell us if he wishes for you to meet the Marquess of…” He stopped saying the name as Charlotte shook her head violently. He nodded once to show he understood. “Tonight, Will and Tom will guard the front door and your window. Nick, you stay out back by the kitchen. Set the servants around the house. Father and I will stay outside her door. We will leave at first light.”
    Charlotte leaned her head on his chest. Just this morning, she had asked if Graham was the useless son.  Now she realized that the locksmith and soldier was the leader of this house in a time of crisis.   At least in her crisis. He had saved her this morning and he was trying to save her again. She tightened her arms around him. His role here couldn’t have been more important.
    “Is it possible to send a letter to my father telling him I am coming home?” Charlotte’s eyes were filling with tears. She lifted her head and looked in his eyes. His softened considerably as he brushed the tears away.
    “Of course. But don’t mention the oddities of the messenger. Some things are best explained in person.” Charlotte nodded. She knew she should let go of him, but it felt so comforting to be held in his arms. She never wanted to leave.   
    As if he read her mind, he slowly removed his arms from around her and reached back for her hands, taking them off his waist. “Let’s get your letter done and pack your things.” 
    “All right,” Charlotte agreed but her feet were planted to the floor. Graham gently turned her and, placing an arm around her waist, began to propel her forward. Her hand found his and held it, drawing strength from him. She looked at the man next to her. Graham exuded masculine confidence. Despite the situation, it made her feel safe. It also made her tingle in ways she had never experienced before in her life.
    Upstairs, Charlotte penned a quick note to her father and sent it with one of her servants. He was the fastest rider and would beat them to her home.
    Another servant packed her things as Graham informed her entourage of the plans. The best riders would accompany her and the Fairfields straight to her father’s house. The rest of the servants and the wagons would make a more leisurely return.
    “Lady Charlotte, try to get some sleep. The morning will come soon and the day will be long.” He gently touched her shoulder.
    “Graham, I don’t know how to thank you.” She lowered her cheek to touch his hand. Tingling sensations shot through her body.
    He took her hand and kissed it. “You can thank me when I deliver you safely to your father.” With that, he was gone.
     

STEALING A LADY’S HEART

    CHAPTER FIVE
    Charlotte lay awake in bed for what felt like hours. Her fear over the night’s events turned in her mind.  Mixed in with that