The Lightkeeper's Ball Read Online Free PDF Page A

ten the last time I saw him, and he barely noticed me.”
    Katie stepped toward the door. “Stay calm. You have to meet him sooner or later.”
    Olivia rose and nodded as two men stepped into the room. She studied the face of the man who had caused her so much heartache. Harrison’s shoulders were broad under the cotton shirt he wore. She’d expected him to be in a suit and exuding wealth and power. His dark hair curled above his ears and along the nape of his neck. He reminded her of a sleek panther that hid its power and true danger until one least expected it.
    He stopped when he saw her. “There you are,” he said.
    She recognized the voice at once. Harrison Bennett was the man who had rescued her from certain death. Her words left her and all she could do was stare.
    “We’ve been scouring the sand and the dock for you, Lady Devonworth,” he said, glowering. “I told you to stay put. Do you have any idea how much worry you’ve caused?”
    She found her tongue. “I could hardly stay alone on a dark beach when someone had just tried to kill me. And I must say I resent your tone, sir. You hardly have the right to order me to do anything.”
    His scowl deepened. Then his dark gaze lightened and he laughed. “You’ve got a temper, Lady Devonworth.”
    Katie stepped between her and the men. “It’s good to see you, Harrison. I’m sorry to say Jennie is in bed. She’ll be so disappointed to have missed you.”
    Olivia didn’t care for the amusement on Harrison’s face. And she did not have a temper.
    The other man chuckled feebly at the obvious tension in the air. “You must be the mermaid Harrison pulled from the sea. I’m Will Jesperson.”
    Olivia smiled and held out her hand. “Your wife has befriended me when I needed it most, Mr. Jesperson. Thank you for your hospitality.”
    “We’re honored to have you in our home,” he said. “How did you end up here?”
    Katie helped him out of his anorak. “You can interrogate her by the fire. I’ll get some cookies and coffee.”
    Olivia watched Harrison. Surely women flocked to him. Confidence oozed from his broad shoulders. His square jaw was clean shaven, and his black hair curled a bit on his collar. He returned her perusal, and she averted her gaze.
    His brown eyes held no recognition, just curiosity. She extended her hand and glanced at Katie. “You know my name, but you have not introduced yourself.”
    He took her hand. “Harrison Bennett.”
    Olivia managed not to snatch her fingers away as he bent. When his lips brushed her skin, she nearly yelped. As soon as it was seemly, she put her hand behind her back. “Are you a businessman, Mr. Bennett?”
    “My father and I own some diamond mines in Africa,” he said. “We also have a silver mine or two and a few lumber tracts. Our newest acquisition is a black-diamond mine.”
    With his deep voice and smooth manners, she had no doubt he managed to sell investors on anything he wanted. “I’ve never seen a black diamond. How interesting. I should like to see one.”
    “The local jewelry designer recently purchased some. I should be delighted to show them to you.”
    Jewelry wasn’t something she was able to buy right now, but the ruse would allow her to spend time around him. “I need to let the servants at the Stewart manor know I’ve arrived and am unharmed. If you wouldn’t mind escorting me to the residence tomorrow, perhaps we could stop by the jewelry store on the way.”
    His brows rose. “There is no one in residence there.”
    “No indeed,” she said. “Mrs. Stewart is still mourning the death of her daughter, but she urged me to stay as long as I like. I’m quite tired of the season’s parties. The idea of spending time in the country is most alluring.”
    His smile faded. “If you are close friends of the Stewarts, why did you not immediately indicate you recognized my name?”
    “You’re right. I should have done so at once. I’m sorry for your loss.” The words of