Free Innocence Lost by Tiffany Green Page B

the house."
    Nicholas lifted his gaze to her brother. A look of comprehension, then cold disdain slid onto his face. “I have news of your parents,” he said.
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CHAPTER 7
    Megan clapped a hand over her mouth. If she learned her parents had died, she would be sick.
    Her brother glared murderously at Nicholas. “If this is one of your pathetic attempts—"
    "Shut up, Julian, and mark me well,” Nicholas interrupted. “I know where they are, and why they left."
    Her brother marched forward, stabbing a finger at Nicholas. “How is it that the infantry I have working on this haven't found a trace of their whereabouts, yet you have solved the entire matter?"
    "They probably aren't searching hard enough, or in the right direction. Quit being a stubborn ass, and allow me to explain."
    Megan slid her arm through her brother's bent elbow and tugged. “Julian, please,” she implored. “If he does have information about Mother and Father, we must listen."
    A muscle leaped in Julian's jaw. “By God, Claremont, if I find this doesn't signify, I'll flog you until the fires of Hades nip at your heels.” Julian spun her around and led her into the house. “Go upstairs, dear sister, and lie down. We've had a busy day, and I know how tired you are."
    She shook her head, all traces of her earlier exhaustion vanished. “I will hear what is said about Mother and Father."
    "I'll not have you near that, that—"
    "Julian,” she interrupted, “I want to hear what he has to say.” Gripping her hands together, she glanced at Nicholas. Her heart raced. She turned away, lest Julian got suspicious, and closed her eyes. Her brother could never know how deeply she felt for Nicholas. No one could ever know.
    After several seconds, Julian heaved a sigh. He turned to Nicholas, standing in the doorway beside Wentworth. “Follow me, Claremont."
    She hesitated as she entered the study. Nicholas stood beside one of the leather wingback chairs before the desk, waiting for her. His brow cocked, and his eyes dared her to take the seat beside him. She bit her lip, torn between wanting to fly into his arms and wanting to box his ears. Sit beside him, indeed! She pressed her lips together and marched toward the sofa beyond, ignoring the spurt of hurt in his eyes.
    "Well, what of your news?” Julian asked from behind Father's massive oak desk.
    Nicholas sat. “Your parents left aboard the Wind Song the day after they arrived here, heading to America."
    She froze stiff as a walking stick. America? She felt faint. Her gazed snapped to her brother to gauge his reaction.
    Julian leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Why would they do that? And pray, how did you learn of it?"
    "I concluded that the duke and duchess would not have left Megan behind unless they felt you were in severe distress.” He shrugged. “I went to Kenbrook Shipping and learned from the attendant, Benny Wells, that Joseph had requested your schedule and the swiftest clipper available. He and your mother set sail immediately."
    Relief struck her a precipitous blow and Megan took a deep breath. The vise around her heart lessened. She glanced at her brother, grateful to see his white-knuckled grip around the razor-sharp letter opener had loosened.
    Julian leaned forward. “My schedule would have indicated that I was to arrive soon. Why didn't they wait?"
    "Mr. Wells said he pointed out that very fact, but Joseph acknowledged the possession of a message to the contrary."
    "Does Benny know who penned the message?"
    Nicholas shook his head. “Your father didn't say."
    Julian remained silent for several seconds, then his expression cleared. “It must have been the missive they received before leaving Kenbrook. Obviously made in error."
    "Julian,” Megan asked, relieved beyond measure that her parents had been located, “wouldn't you have encountered the Wind Song on your return from America?"
    He glanced up and nodded. “Perhaps, but we altered