The Romantic Read Online Free PDF Page A

know that was quite innocent. We were victims of villainy. Whoever expected that fishing boat to go off with all our garments on it and leave us stranded in that cove like that?”
    By “like that” she meant wearing only their chemises, or so the story went. Wet chemises, since the women had commissioned that fishing boat to take them to the secluded cove so they could bathe in the sea.
    —
Pen walked out of the cool sea. Droplets on her body and eyelashes sparkled in the sun like tiny diamonds. The soaked garment adhered to her soft curves like a transparent veil, and—
    “If you are honest, Mr. Hampton, you will admit that the outing to that cove can at worst be described as a bit reckless, a little headstrong, a tad ill-advised …” She groped for more diminutives.
    “Slightly naughty?”
    “Still, not scandalous, as this will be.”
    “This will be scandalous only if others find out. We will be sure they do not.”
    She blushed again and made a little awkward gesture with her hands, as if at a loss how to end the meeting.
    He memorized the image of her standing in his home.
    “Good night, madame.”
    “Good night, Mr. Hampton.”
    “Julian! Sir Julian, save me!”
    The cry came from the tower. Julian looked up to see pale skin at the arrow slit, high on the guards’ chamber.
    “I am up here, Sir Julian. Help me!”
    Julian grasped his wooden sword tighter. “I am coming, my lady!”
    Above on the battlements of Laclere Park’s medieval ruins, Vergil whacked his own sword against Dante’s as they fought for control of the castle.
    The plan had been for Julian to join Vergil, overpower Dante, and together rescue the damsel imprisoned by her evil guardian, Sir Milton. But Vergil could defeat Dante alone, and the lady was calling to Julian for help.
    Julian charged across the bailey yard, jumping stones that had fallen from the decaying fortress. He dodged past little Charlotte, who had been permitted to join them but only if she played Vergil’s squire. She stood safely in the bailey holding an invisible horse, shouting treasonous encouragement to Dante up above.
    Inside the portal of the guard tower, Julian pressed against the wall and listened.
    Above, Lady Penelope called again, her girlish voice gaining maturity in the stones’ acoustics. Another sound caught his attention as well. Bootsteps on the stairs. The evil guardian was coming down.
    The boots stopped. Preparing himself, hoisting his plank shield, Julian started up the curving stone staircase.
    Milton waited halfway down, his own sword and shield at the ready. Julian considered how to attack from his disadvantaged position.
    “That is the thing about these curved stairs,” Milton said with a smug smile. “The invader cannot use his sword arm unless he exposes his body by turning.”
    “I will risk the blows.”
    Milton’s dark eyes turned serious. The eldest of the Viscount Laclere’s sons, he was also the most handsome, even more so than young Dante. He and Julian had a special affinity, since they were both quiet and more given to observing than participating in the raucous conversations of the others. Milton had made it clear that while Julian visited Laclere Park as Vergil’s friend, Milton considered him a kindred soul.
    “You should always weigh whether any prize is worth the blows, Julian.”
    “I do not seek my own prize, but my lady’s freedom,” Julian said, assuming the bluster of a medieval knight.
    Despite the advantage of the stairs, Milton could not defend well. He had never been especially interested in the actual battles of their games, but rather the strategies.
    Whacking his way past Milton, Julian rushed up to the guards’ chamber. Playing her role with enthusiasm, Penelope ran to his protection.
    Her gratitude was interrupted. Milton appeared at thethreshold. Julian thrust Penelope behind him and prepared to fight again.
    She cowered closely, her body tucked against his back and her hands on his shoulders.