The Gilded Web Read Online Free PDF Page B

having an uncomfortable confrontation with James Purnell. He had expected an irate brother, bristling with fury, demanding satisfaction, perhaps even a duel. He had been apprehensive about the meeting, but he had been prepared for it. He would have thrown against such righteous indignation all the forces of reason and good breeding.
    He had not expected a man of icy self-control, a man who said little, but whose dark eyes burned with something that seemed not quite anger. They were eyes that watched very directly and seemed to penetrate to one’s very soul. No mannered speeches of carefully rehearsed platitudes would fool this man, Lord Amberley suspected.
    â€œI am afraid Miss Purnell was the victim of some unknown prank last night,” he said, “for which my brother appears to have been entirely responsible.”
    â€œThen I will speak with your brother,” James Purnell said. He stood close to the library door, a cloak still around his shoulders, his hat in his hand. He had refused to have them taken from him or to take a seat. “Lord Eden, I believe?”
    â€œI am afraid he is not at home,” Lord Amberley said, “and in his absence it is impossible for me to say exactly what happened, since I did not feel it appropriate to question your sister too closely. But Miss Purnell was confined in my sister’s room when I found her. I can only imagine that for some reason my brother thought her to be his twin. They are not unknown to such madcap activities.”
    â€œMy sister does not resemble Lady Madeline Raine in any way,” James Purnell said.
    â€œI agree,” Lord Amberley said. “Except perhaps in height and build. I can only suggest, sir, that you convey your sister home with all speed and return later to demand satisfaction from my brother.”
    â€œI certainly intend to do that,” Purnell said quietly.
    â€œWe will hope that the events of the night will never be made public,” Lord Amberley said. “I see no reason why there should ever be a blemish on your sister’s name. Even so, I shall, if I may, call on Lord Beckworth after luncheon to beg permission to pay my addresses to Miss Purnell.” His always firm jawline was more set than usual, his face pale.
    James Purnell looked back at him with his burning eyes. One lock of straight dark hair had fallen across his forehead. “Frankly, Amberley,” he said, “I believe my sister would be doing herself a disservice to ally herself to this family. But I can see that the offer must be made. I shall inform my father of your intention.”
    Lord Amberley bowed. “The time must be close to six o’clock,” he said. “You will wish to take Miss Purnell home.”
    Purnell did not move for a moment, during which time he leveled a penetrating stare on his host. “Was she touched?” he asked quietly.
    â€œNo.” Lord Amberley stilled his right hand, which he suddenly became aware had been clenching and unclenching itself at his side. “She was tied up and gagged when I found her, but I am almost certain that she had not been otherwise abused.”
    â€œYou must understand that I will demand other satisfaction from Lord Eden if you prove to be wrong,” Purnell said.
    Lord Amberley bowed and felt a moment’s relief as his guest turned abruptly to the door. But even as he reached for the handle, there came a jaunty tapping from the outside and the door opened.
    Lord Eden’s head appeared around it. “Edmund,” he said, “who on earth was…? Oh, pardon me. I didn’t mean to intrude.” He grinned cheerfully and made to withdraw.
    â€œYou had better come in here,” Lord Amberley said. “This concerns you, Dom.”
    â€œIntriguing!” his brother said, the grin returning to his face. He came into the room, flung his hat down on a side table, and nodded genially to the visitor.
    â€œDom,” Lord Amberley