Free Red Roses Mean Love by Jacquie D'Alessandro

body."
    "An excellent plan, although we may be too late. I've already been here a sennight."
    Justin frowned. "That's true. If the killer is aware your body wasn't found where it was supposed to be and knows there's a chance you're alive, he'll continue to look for you." His eyes met Stephen's. "And perhaps find you here."
    Stephen carefully pondered Justin's words. "You may be right, but the chances of anyone finding me here are remote. From what Miss Albright tells me, we're at least two hours from where I was attacked. Besides, if our man gets nervous, he's more apt to make a mistake. That is to our benefit."
    Justin halted Stephen by placing a hand on his shoulder. "What will you do if it turns out your brother is behind this?"
    Stephen turned and faced his friend. "You know the situation with my family. I've never felt that I had a brother, not even in childhood. If Gregory is indeed responsible for the attacks on my life, then he can rot in hell where he belongs."
    Justin's gaze probed Stephen's and understanding born of true friendship flowed between them.
    "I'll do all I can to help you," Justin promised in a quiet voice. They resumed their walk, heading back toward the house. After a moment of silence, Justin asked, "You told the Albrights you are a tutor?"
    "Yes. They believe I am without family, and that my last name is Barrettson. I thought it best to keep my identity a secret."
    A chuckle escaped Justin. "You? A tutor? I can just picture you knee-deep in children, spouting mathematical equations and philosophical quotations."
    Stephen shot his friend a scowl. "I thought it was a rather clever ruse myself," he said in a withering tone.
    "Oh, yes. Very clever indeed," Justin agreed, unable to smother his grin. "Tell me, what are Miss Hayley Albright's parents like? I imagine they're somewhat unconventional, what with allowing their daughter to wander about on dark roads with only footmen in attendance, rescuing victims from streams. And that man who answered the door was, well, I'm frankly at a loss for words. That ruffian was not her father I hope?"
    "No. Her parents are both dead."
    Justin sobered instantly. "Oh. So who takes care of her?"
    Stephen squelched an urge to roll his eyes. "Who takes care of her? No one, that's who. She's in charge of the entire household, which includes four younger siblings and an absentminded, half-deaf aunt who requires more care than she's capable of giving. There's an aged footman who can't ever find his spectacles, and that giant who swears like the sailor he used to be. And let's not forget an utterly obnoxious French cook who I hear is fond of tossing pots and pans all about the kitchen."
    Justin's jawed dropped. "I beg your pardon?"
    Stephen nodded and placed his hand over his heart. "I speak the truth. Never in my life have I seen such a household. Where I'll find the restraint to keep from correcting them at every turn, I do not know. I've already bitten my tongue half a dozen times. Yesterday afternoon I joined the family for a meal for the first time. The children eat with the adults at the table, and from what I can see, are free to run willy-nilly all about the place without direction.
    "The youngest is a girl of six, Callie, who is determined that I attend a tea party with her and her doll." Stephen's face wrinkled into a grimace. "A tea party, for chrissake. Then there's fourteen-year-old Andrew and eleven-year-old Nathan, devils the two of them. They argue constantly and set my head to pounding. From what I can see, eighteen-year-old Pamela stands alone as the only reasonably well-mannered, soft-spoken member of the entire group."
    A bark of laughter erupted from Justin. "Quite an astounding collection. And what about your savior, Miss Hayley Albright?" He shot Stephen a questioning look. "I couldn't help but notice that she's very attractive."
    Stephen ignored the tightening in his stomach. "Indeed?"
    "Yes. I only saw her for a minute or two, but let me see," Justin