The Poor Relation Read Online Free PDF

conniving Judith Palmers had been challenging and entertaining at one time, he now saw them as greedy, selfish women who’d d o anything for money and a title.
    His thoughts were suddenly disrupted as he espied a large dark looming figure creeping along the tall hedges.  And heading directly toward the hedge was the stalker’s quarry--Miss Chloe Woodforde.
    Cursing under his breath, Camden decided his best chance of overtaking the hulking brute was to take him from behind.  With the other man’s attention on Miss Woodforde, it was easy for Camden to sneak up and deliver a crushing blow to the back of the Goliath’s neck.  But instead of going down, the brute grunted, turned, and tackled him.  Still, Camden managed to deliver several solid punches to the man’s midsection before he connected with the man’s jaw.
    The giant went down.  Camden leaned over and wiggled the massive head back and forth but got no reaction.  The leviathan was out for the full count.
    “Who’s there?”
    Camden heard Miss Woodforde calling over the yapping Yorky.  Running fingers though his hair, Camden stepped over the inert man-mountain, pulled down his vest, straightened his jacket and shot his cuffs. 
      He reached the end of the hedge just as Miss Woodforde was making the turn.  Grabbing her arm and stirring her in the direction of the Court, he asked, “What are you doing here, Miss Woodforde?
    “I heard noises,” she said, looking over her shoulder.
    “Ahhh, yes, I’ve been walking about.”
    “It sounded like two people fighting, my lord.”
    “No doubt you heard me clearing my throat.” Damn, Camden thought, the woman had to have a death wish.  “What are you doing out?  A stable hand should walk that dog at night.”
    “I enjoy walking the gardens at night.  It’s not something I can do in Town.” 
    She sounded a little breathless, so Camden slowed his steps to a more sedate walk and released her arm.  “Where is your maid?”
    “My aunt’s abigail helps me when I need assistance.  Besides, it is peaceful in the country and especially at a place like Clairmont Court.  I feel quite safe.”
    “Nowhere is a beautiful young woman safe, Miss Woodforde.”
    “I appreciate your consideration, my lord.”
    A low chuckle escaped Camden.  “I’ll take that to mean ‘mind your own business.’”  They stepped up on the terrace, and he took her elbow and guided her toward the salon’s French doors he’d left unlocked.  “I believe I owe you my thanks for not giving me away.”
    She lowered her eyes.  “It is none of my business, my lord.”
    As they reached the French doors, he drew her to a halt and studied her for a moment, then said, “Still, I thank you and hope we can keep this between ourselves.
    “You have my word.”  Her large hazel eyes met his, and again he was struck by her openness, her honesty.
    Camden picked up Lady Caro and handed the dog to her.  “Good night, Miss Woodforde.” 
    He watched her traverse the salon and enter the hallway before he closed the French door and made his way back to the hedge.  Rounding the hedge, he stopped.  Whoever the brute was, he was gone.  He scanned the gardens and the perimeter of the woods but saw no one. 
     
     
     
    ***  Chapter 4 *** 
    After rising early and dressing in a green and yellow sprigged muslin gown, Chloe headed downstairs to break her fast.  Aunt Sophia would not stir before lunch, so Chloe decided to spend the morning exploring the Court’s extensive grounds and, specifically, the area around the hedges.
    It was early enough that she was surprised to find the breakfast room already occupied.  Dressed for riding in a brown coat and leather bre eches, the Viscount Camden rose upon her entrance and gave her a most engaging smile.  “Late nights do not seem to bother you, Miss Woodforde.  You look lovely this morning.”
    The warmth in his eyes brought heat to Chloe’s cheeks, and she quickly lowered her eyes.