The Letter Read Online Free PDF Page A

held.
    Michael extended his arms, his palms up. “I’m not here to hurt you or your mother, James. My only intention is to see the two of you are taken care of.” How the hell did one go about proving to these two he would never hurt them, that he would rather die than harm a boy who might be his son or the mother of that child?
    “You are a cheat and a liar, sir. My father said you were not to be trusted. If you don’t leave us alone, I will use this knife. Do not think I won’t, sir.”
    Well, at least his small, would-be assassin was polite, but Michael was quickly tiring of the accusations. How long was it going to take him to earn their trust? First things first, however. He needed to convince them to leave with him. Would the boy’s protectiveness extend to doing what was best for his mother? No time like the present to find out. He walked to the table and picked up a potato. “Is this your dinner tonight?”
    Diana glared at him. “I don’t think that is of any concern to you, my lord.”
    He kept his gaze on the lad. This was a conversation between him and James. Although Michael regretted excluding her, he and the boy needed to agree they both wanted what was best for her. Still holding out the potato, he waited. Finally, James gave a sullen nod. Michael placed the potato back on the table and picked up another one.
    “This is tomorrow night’s dinner?”
    Another nod, this one displaying an air of defeat.
    Michael pulled out a chair. “Please sit, and for your mother’s sake, listen to what I have to say.”
    Diana put her hand on James’ shoulder. “Jamie, go outside. I need to talk to Lord Daventry.”
    He shared a look with James. What Michael understood and she didn’t was that even at ten years of age, James believed it was the responsibility of a man to take care of the women in his life, be it wife, sister or mother. The boy had been the man of the house for a year now, forced to grow up too fast, but his mother treated him like the child he was. Michael could see James resented it.
    “You may keep the knife, and if you feel threatened in any way, or if you fear for your mother’s safety, you are free to use it.” Michael allowed a small smile of amusement to form on his face. He couldn’t allow James to believe he had the upper hand. “Of course, I will likely take it away before you do any damage, but you might get a lucky poke or two in.”
    “Jamie, go outside.”
    The boy looked from his mother to Michael. Michael shrugged, letting him know it was his decision. James approached the table and moved the chair further away before sitting. He gripped the handle of the knife, pointing the blade toward Michael.
    “I will listen to you, sir, and then you will leave.”
    “Fair enough.”
    Diana stepped forward. “My lord, if you have something to say, say it to me. Do not involve my son.”
    Michael had pointedly not looked at her during his battle of wills with James, but did so now. Her eyes showed a spark of fire, the first she had displayed since he had approached her at the stream. It pleased him to see it. It gave him hope that the Diana he had once known was there, even if buried deep.
    He pulled out the only other chair and gestured to it. “Please sit and listen if you wish, my lady, but he is old enough to have a say in this decision.”
    At his words, James sat up straighter, giving Michael his attention. Michael waited to see what Diana would do. The fire faded from her eyes. She turned away, went to the window and stared out. He had the urge to go to her and comfort her, but she wouldn’t welcome him.
    He turned his attention to James. “Please listen to what I have to say before you refuse my offer.” The boy hesitated before nodding. Michael noticed James had lowered the knife to his lap.
    “Thank you. I want to take you and your mother to my hunting lodge. I have an abundance of food there and plenty of wood to burn for warmth. If the two of you stay here, you will