Free Sylvia Day - [Georgian 03] by A Passion for Him Page A

yes.” At Jacques’s raised brows, he continued. “His avarice was exceeded only by his cruelty. He could see nothing beyond his own wants and desires. He married a lovely widow to gain access to her daughter, Amelia’s sister. He sent Maria to the finest schools, then sold her into marriage to men he eventually killed to obtain their widow’s settlements.”
    “Mon Dieu!” Jacques’s fingers stilled. “Why did she not flee?”
    “Lord Welton had Amelia and was using her to gain Maria’s cooperation.”
    The Frenchman’s face hardened. “I hope he has met his reward. There are very few things in this life that I find more detestable than crimes against one’s family.”
    “His lordship was tried and hanged. In the course of her efforts to free her sister, Maria met Christopher St. John, a known pirate and smuggler. Together, they were able to manage a rescue and implicate Welton in the murders of Maria’s two husbands.”
    Colin ran a hand through his hair. “The tale is far more complicated than that, but suffice it to say that St. John and his wife are two people with a multitude of enemies.”
    “Considering Miss Benbridge’s past and present circumstances, it is even more curious that she would approach me as she did.”
    “Amelia was never one to do what was expected.” His gaze returned to the miniature in his hand. It was an irresistible enticement that he must find a way to ignore.
    “What did she give you?”
    “An invitation.” A private request to meet with her at the Fairchilds’ musicale. Another chance to see her and speak with her.
    “Will you go?”
    “I think it would be best if I leave Town,” he said, considering alternative locations. He could travel to Bristol, where Cartland’s brood originated, and see what might be of interest there. A man like Cartland would not have a sterling past. There could be something Colin could use to lure the man into the open. “We cannot risk remaining in one location too long.”
    “And I was just beginning not to thoroughly detest London,” Jacques said wryly.
    Colin knew that although the Frenchman tried valiantly to hide it, he found England distasteful and obviously longed to go home.
    “You do not have to come with me.” Colin smiled to soften his words. “Frankly, I do not know why you are here.”
    Jacques shrugged his sturdy shoulders. “Some men are born to lead. I was born to serve.” He stood. “I will begin packing our belongings.”
    “Thank you.” Colin closed his fist around the precious image of Amelia, then put it away in his drawer next to the mask. “I will join you.”
    Rising to his feet, he told himself distance from Amelia was the best thing he could do for her.
    But the image of her portrait refused to leave his mind, gnawing at his soul in a way he wondered if he would survive.
     
    Amelia had always been known for her wanderings. Her unusual childhood led her to detest solitude as much as she craved it. She was never one to sit still for long, and she often made excuses to be alone, even at the most intimate of dinner parties. Ware understood her restless wanderlust, which was why he was always quick to suggest a stroll and a breath of fresh air.
    So when she begged a few moments’ absence to use the retiring room, Ware paid her no mind, nor did Lady Montrose, who acted as her chaperone. They both smiled and nodded, freeing her to attend her assignation.
    If Montoya came.
    She moved through the downstairs as silently as possible, slipping once into a conveniently located alcove when the sound of approaching voices made discovery a very real hazard. With a racing heart, she waited for the guests to pass.
    Would he appear? Would he have found a way? His attendance at the masquerade led her to believe that he was a man of some consequence. A casual introduction to Lady Fairchild would have sufficed to be extended an invitation to tonight’s event. However, she had inquired about him and was answered with a