Free Sari Robins - [Andersen Hall Orphanage] by More Than a Scandal Page A

of pine filled the air.
    As they approached Andersen Hall’s wrought-iron gates, Marcus twisted around, oddly compelled. Cat still stood on the porch, her arms crossed, her shoulders hunched. Her very stance declared that she was ill pleased with his return.
    Well, that made two of them.

Chapter 8
    L eaving behind Andersen Hall’s wrought-iron gates, Marcus resisted the urge to ask his father for the reins. Watching, he realized that Dunn was a competent driver, albeit on the slow side.
    His father eased his grip on the leathers. The gig plowed onward, but at a leisurely pace. “I have to say, that didn’t go too badly. Although,” he added, “I’m not sure that Catherine is satisfied with our little performance.”
    “Do you always suffer her tongue so lightly?”
    Dunn shot his son a censorious glance. “Don’t give her any trouble, now, Marcus. She’s a wonderful woman who’s been through a lot.”
    “What child at Andersen Hall has not?”
    Dunn grimaced. “Too true. But I know you, and you’ll be tempted to stir up trouble where there’s calm. So stop now before you even start.”
    “That’s not very fair of you, is it? Judging me when I’ve been back in the country for a mere handful of days?”Shifting in his seat, he sighed. “I suppose some things never change.”
    Marcus was pleased by the guilty scowl lighting his father’s features.
    “You’re right,” Dunn admitted, surprising Marcus. “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.” He shrugged. “I suppose I’m a bit protective where Catherine is concerned.”
    Marcus bit back a comment that a father should be protective of his own son. He really had no desire to start up right where he and his father had last left off. They’d typically had difficulty finding a way to communicate besides arguing and it had always left Marcus feeling torn up on the inside. As if every insult he’d flung speared him just as well.
    “Catherine’s given up a lot for Andersen Hall.” Dunn sighed. “I honestly don’t know how I will get on without her.”
    “Why? Has she taken another position?”
    His father’s cheek’s reddened.
    “I certainly won’t say anything, sir,” Marcus assured. Not that it really mattered, he’d be leaving Andersen Hall soon enough when he’d completed his mission.
    “Catherine…How shall I put this? Catherine is intended…”
    “The poor fellow has best be deaf or have a strong constitution to put up with her sharp tongue.”
    “She’s not betrothed…” Dunn’s gaze grew thoughtful. “Although it’s a wonder she’s remained free this long. She’s quite lovely.”
    Marcus examined the trees. “I hadn’t noticed.”
    “No.” Dunn sighed. “I suppose you wouldn’t. You were never very good at seeing past people’s outer trappings. Catherine does not care one whit for her appearance, I’m afraid.”
    Marcus decided to ignore the slight. His father didn’tknow him half as well as he thought he did. But nothing Marcus could say would change his father’s prejudices.
    “Why was she so peevish, back there?”
    Dunn grimaced. “She doesn’t trust you.”
    Marcus’s lips quirked, amused. “Really. Why not?”
    “I suppose Catherine is…” Dunn shifted in the seat. “Protective as well.”
    “And she sees me as a threat. I wonder what could have led her to that assumption.”
    “I never said a word, Marcus.”
    “No, often you don’t even have to. Your obvious displeasure is like a trumpet horn, it precedes you.”
    They rode along in strained silence.
    Dunn peered at him from the corner of his eye. “I was thinking. Catherine is quite trustworthy, knows the ins and outs of Andersen Hall. Knows the trustees. It might be helpful for her to understand your true purpose.”
    Marcus straightened. “Don’t tell me that you yield to that sharp-tongued lass?”
    “Of course not.” Dunn scowled.
    “Good.”
    “But Catherine can get her nose bent if she smells something rotten. And she can be