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

assortment from the bakery.”
    “You did?” A host of emotions invested her countenance, as she bounced with unmasked joy, and Dalton found her alluring beyond words. “I can’t remember the last time I partook of dessert.”
    “I shall remember that, for future reference.” When he retrieved a platter of sweets and displayed the tempting variety, her eyes grew wide with unconcealed excitement, and a strange sensation filled his chest. “Have I made you happy?”
    “Will you think me a simpleton if I admit as much?” How he adored her bashful grin.
    “Not at all.” As he served her a generous sampling, he leaned near. “As I find you inexpressibly captivating.”
    The poor thing choked violently on her wine, and he recalled his agenda for the night.
    “Let me assure you that I am quite boring, sir.” With recovered grace and ease, she dabbed the corners of her mouth. “There is little excitement in Portsea, and I daresay our provincial society would disappoint one acquainted with the cosmopolitan ballrooms of the ton .”
    “Present company excepted.” It was past due to initiate the interrogation. “So tell me of your younger brothers, and are they in residence?”
    Stopping mid-chew, she swallowed hard. “How did you learn of my brothers?”
    “As I said, from your neighbors.” He poured two brandies and passed her a glass of liquid courage. “Although they hold a rather vacillating opinion of—how did the butcher put it, oh, yes, ‘the two devil-spawn rapscallions.’”
    “I resent that mischaracterization, as Robert and Richard are nothing more than young boys, struggling to find their identity.” With high dudgeon, she folded her arms. “Despite the brevity of our association, I am sure you engaged in your fair share of harmless mischief, at their age. And they are accused of everything, even when they are innocent.”
    “And a great deal of not so harmless mayhem, most of which I blamed on my elder sibling, Dirk, so you have me there.” In order to impress upon her the gravity of the theft of the brooch, Dalton had brought the accompanying journal, which he hoped would foster sympathy for his plight. “I thought you might enjoy reading a bit of lore, regarding my missing family heirloom, as it possesses mystical powers and a vaunted past.”
    “I beg your pardon.” She snapped to attention. “Mystical powers?”
    “Indeed.” He nodded and handed her the leather-bound diary. “Read the opening inscription.”
    “All right.” Daphne flipped to the first page. “The parchment has yellowed, with age, and the ink has faded. ‘Ye lady what dons this brooch of ethereal sight, shall enjoy unfettered dreams of her one true knight.’ How remarkable.”
    “The entries describe what the brooch revealed to my ancestors, over the years.” While she perused the old tome, he availed himself of the opportunity to make an unfettered examination of her profile, which he found inexpressibly striking. “The most recent notation records a relationship between two people very near and dear to my heart.”
    “Oh?” Ignoring the fact that he had moved his chair to sit beside her, she turned to the last item. “You know Lady Amanda Gascoigne-Lake?”
    “She has persisted as Lady Amanda Douglas these twenty-eight years, and she and Admiral Douglas have two daughters, both wed and equally content.” He pointed to the conditions for inheritance of the unique piece of jewelry. “As Lady Amanda’s sister has no daughters, she intended to pass the brooch to Lady Cara, and that was my task, after I rendezvoused with George, Lady Olivia’s son, off the coast of Belgium.”
    “And is she still happy with her match?” A hint of sadness marred her delicate features. “As feelings change, over time, and some men seek satisfaction elsewhere.”
    “What a curious thing to say.” He frowned. “Let me alleviate any concerns, in that respect, as I am happy to report the Admiral and his lady remain very