Free A Forbidden Love by Alexandra Benedict Page A

aloud.
    Although she couldn’t bring herself to say the name outright, she did admit it was her mother who had sung her the lullaby.
    “When did she die?” he asked.
    “Eight years ago.”
    She sighed, relief sweeping over her. It felt so good to speak of her mother again.
    “How did your mother die?”
    “Sickness took her away.”
    He nodded. “So you decided to become a healer.”
    She blinked at the concept. “It is my destiny,” she repeated softly.
    His voice was just as soft. “I think you had a hand in that destiny.”
    Those deep green eyes seemed to melt into her. The fluttering sensation in her belly was back, more overwhelming than ever. Anthony could bring peace or chaos to her heart at any given moment. She never knew which. Nor did she understand why he found anything about her ordinary life even remotely interesting. Now she had her curiosities about him, but the man claimed to be her protector, so her interest in him was natural. But he had no such reason to care anything about her. And other than the occasional inquiry into her health, he didn’t need to speak with her at all.
    There was a light rap at the door.
    Sabrina twitched at the abrupt sound, for it was more akin to a blast in her tightly wound state.
    She watched, leery eyed, as a lingering Anthony finally rose from his knee and headed for the entrance. She took that moment to compose her befuddled senses before Ashley bustled inside the chamber.
    “I have the apple cider and vinegar.”
    The woman set the vials on the writing desk, along with a tray of food, pushing aside the parchment her brother had written upon, sparing it a curious glance.
    “To whom are you writing, Anthony?”
    He closed the door behind her and leaned against it. “To my butler in London.”
    “But you will see him in a few days.”
    “No, I won’t. I intend to escort Sabrina home.”
    A quick glimpse toward the said patient, and Ashley returned her attention to her twin. She didn’t respond to her brother’s intended detour, though the tightening of her lips revealed her opinion of the excursion.
    “You had best get below and join the others for luncheon,” suggested his sister.
    He shook his head. “I cannot leave Sabrina unattended.”
    “I will attend her.”
    Sabrina stiffened at the prospect of being left alone with Ashley.
    “Forget it, Ash,” he said. “You go ahead and make my excuses, as usual.”
    “Anthony, if you don’t make at least one appearance before the ball, Mama will be beyond herself with worry.”
    “I often skip meals when Cecilia is in the room. Mother is perfectly aware I can’t stand to listen to anymore drivel over debutante details.”
    “Yes, but she doesn’t expect you to avoid all meals! She’ll panic if she thinks you’re ill and cannot attend the ball. And she will search the entire house for you.”
    “All right.” He sighed in defeat and approached the bed, offering the occupant a rueful expression. “I must go below. But you will be safe in here with Ashley.”
    Sabrina doubted his conviction, but restrained her qualms and merely nodded in response.
    Instructions were dispensed, that Ashley was to see to her meal and stir up a new wash for the compress before Anthony finally consigned his charge over to his sister’s care. He vacated the chamber, though not too willingly, for Ashley had to give him a firm push out the door when he continued to linger.
    At the loud scraping of metal, the bolt was fastened over the door and the two women were left alone in the room.
    Chapter 8
    E dith let out a boisterous giggle. Her uncle dandled her on his knee, and the little chit was delighted with every moment of her imaginative play as a jockey on a race horse.
    “More, more,” she demanded when Anthony took a repose to sample his wine.
    “That’s enough, Edith,” Daniel informed his eldest daughter. “Now off to the nursery with you. Hop to it.”
    Daniel signaled for the governess to fetch the child and