The Lucky One (Brethren Of The Coast #6) Read Online Free PDF Page A

rosebud. “Are you celebrating something of importance, of which you neglected to apprise me?”
    “Why do you ask?” Given most ladies rewarded his efforts with a kiss, which often led to more enticing scenarios, her surprise had him wondering if he had miscalculated. “And is our first dinner date not something to mark with a suitable ceremony?”
    “Our first?” She blinked. “You wish to see me again, before this evening has commenced?”
    “Of many, I hope.” He could not help but chuckle at her expression of utter astonishment. During Dalton’s brief investigation of her history, the locals imparted one exceptional statement with frequency. With an unblemished reputation, and a well-established penchant for benevolent enterprises, Daphne Harcourt manifested the backbone of the family and, indeed, her father’s office. No matter the situation, she could always be counted on to provide assistance, which was why most citizens sought her advice over the governor’s. It was that fact, alone, that had swayed him and set his course of action in an altogether different direction. “And why would I not favor your company? Do you think yourself unattractive?”
    “I am unsure how to answer your query.” Daphne shrugged, and he realized, in that instant, she spoke the truth. Had he thought her fascinating? In light of her incredible beauty, which grew in epic proportions when contrasted by her staunch modesty, the woman was an enigma and far more arresting than any polished courtesan or uninspiring debutante. “And I have never studied myself in such detail, nor could I ever be considered an impartial critic, so I should refrain from a pointless self-assessment.”
    “Spoken like a formidable paragon and an angel of mercy.” He held her chair, and she sat. “I might think you too good to be true.”
    “But I told you yesterday that I am no angel.” She draped her lap with her napkin.
    “That is not what the widow Cartwright says, or Mr. Holmes, who sang your praises for the better part of an hour.” After situating a covered dish before her, he lifted the lid. Then he claimed his plate and assumed his place. “They are grateful for the ham, cheese, potatoes, and bread.”
    “Are you making a survey of me?” Fear invested her blue eyes, her face paled, and he cursed himself for frightening her, as that was not his aim. “It is no crime to feed those who cannot fend for themselves.”
    “In that, we are in agreement, as yours was an admirable gesture, my dear.” And he had no doubt the food she shared constituted a portion of the pilfered contents from his stores. What he could not reconcile was the theft of the brooch by one of her brothers, whose existence he uncovered from the innkeeper. “I commend your sense of compassion and would make a contribution to your charity, if you tell me what you require.”
    “Do you mean that?” With a tear-filled gaze and guileless desperation, Daphne humbled him, and he suspected she could be counted among the starving members of her community. “You would assist my cause?”
    “Yes.” As Dalton cut his steak, he monitored her progress, and he needed no further proof of her condition, as she devoured her meal, while humming her appreciation of the fare. “If you would accompany me to the market, tomorrow afternoon, we might fill your pantry.”
    “Oh, thank you. Thank you. I will compose a list, when I return home.” Then she stared at the carrots he had not consumed. “Are you going to eat those?”
    “No.” He shook his head.
    “May I?” For the umpteenth time, she stunned him, as most young women ate less than that essential to sustain a bird, when in the company of gentlemen, but she dined with unabashed gusto. Then and there, he vowed Daphne would never again suffer an empty belly.
    “Be my guest.” He scooted his plate toward the center of the table. “But I would caution you to save room for the final course, as I selected a delicious