Free Darkest Dreams by Jennifer St Giles

give me a chance to finish my sentence before you ran as if the devil himself had set fire to your skirts.”
    It wasn’t the least bit of a stretch to see him as the devil, and he’d sparked more heat in me than I’d ever felt in my life before. Not just from his touch, either. I had acted “rash” as he put it.
    â€œI only sought to save you from the embarrassment of having to supply a number of excuses, my lord. You’re tone conveyed your sentiments rather well.”
    â€œThen you are not very adept at reading tones or sentiments, lass. So I will thank you to at least let a man finish speaking for himself before you speak for him.”
    Had I been able to think of a reply I wouldn’t have been able to utter it; my jaw had dropped so low speech was impossible. I wasn’t adept at reading people?
    After a long moment he spoke. “Shall we return to the parlor?”
    I nodded.
    His lip quirked again and he stepped aside, motioning me ahead. The weight of his gaze slid warmly down my back as I returned to the settee and immediately donned my gloves and ring lest I forget them again.
    He chose to pace across the room rather than sit. “As I was saying, I deeply regret that you are in such circumstances, but do you realize how extensive the task you’re proposing is? My home here is by no means modest, and the estate near Hampton Court is larger. Both of them are—” He glanced around the room. “—what was it that you used? Chaotic?
    â€œIt would seem several generations thought only of collecting artifacts, not storing or exhibiting them. To do a proper job of cataloguing the Killdaren’s collection would take some time.”
    My mind boggled at the very idea even as excitement pulsed through me. So many treasures that needed noting and caring for! I cleared my throat. “While I understand your need to caution me, let me assure you, I in no way find the enormity of the task a deterrent. The challenge you present is more than enticing.”
    He shifted abruptly, his regard direct and searching. My response seemed to surprise him. I met his gaze with assurance and what I hoped was a wealth of interest. The very thought of being able to touch and organize a multitude of treasures from all over the world such as the porcelain vase and the African masks set my pulse racing.
    â€œI see that it is,” he replied strangely.
    I blinked, wondering at his tone. “Quite frankly, I am extremely enamored of artifacts. It has been that way for me all of my life. I do not come to you without a great deal of experience.”
    He coughed, but I continued, too enthusiastic to plead my case to heed his odd behavior.
    â€œI believe I mentioned earlier this summer that I have catalogued and organized my father’s vast archeological collections for the Museum of Worldwide Antiquities in Oxford since I was a child.”
    Clearing his throat, he nodded. “Yes, I do remember our conversation. So, the length of this task isn’t going to be a problem for you?”
    I firmed my lips with determination. “No. As I said, I would prefer it to be kept as a private matter, but I find myself in the position of needing to earn a living.”
    He studied me again, seemingly more intent than ever. I didn’t let my gaze waver. “One last thing. Is my brother aware of your employment interest here?”
    I stiffened my back. “What is the point of your question? I don’t see that my future has anything to do with my brother-in-law. He carries no authority or guardianship over me.”
    â€œThe point is, I am fairly certain your continued association with me will be unacceptable and will likely cause strife.”
    â€œIf that proves to be the case, then as I said, my intent is to support myself. I will secure accommodations in Dartmoor’s End if necessary.”
    His brows lifted. “You surprise me, Miss Andrews. From what I