Free Lyon's Bride and The Scottish Witch with Bonus Material (Promo e-Books) by Cathy Maxwell

mean you aren’t of good family. After all, you have been building a quiet little business based on those who have not forgotten your lineage or connections. Listening to Sir James rave about what you did for his nephew, I would say you are building a reputation on your successes more than your history.”
    “I want more than this for my sons.”
    He leaned forward. “We live in a new age, Thea. Any man with discipline and intelligence can make his own way in the world.”
    “I’m out in the world, my lord. Things have not changed as much as you imagine. One misstep and Sir James would forget he knew me.”
    Before Neal could answer, the coach reached their destination. The vehicle leaned as Bonner jumped down.
    Neal touched her arm. “None of us are perfect, Thea. You made choices, honest choices. Don’t apologize for them,” he managed to say before Bonner opened the coach door.
    It was a small matter to carry two exhausted boys. Neal held one in each arm. In fact, their weight felt good.
    Thea hovered anxiously. “Please let me carry Christopher, my lord.”
    “I’m fine,” Neal said. “I may not be as dashing as my brother, but I’m good for some things. Catch the door for us.”
    She hurried to do as bid. The building’s stairs creaked as Neal climbed them. Inside her apartment, he laid both Christopher and Jonathan on the pallet that served as their bed. “I wish my conscience was so clear I could sleep so deeply,” he said.
    “They always look like angels when they sleep,” she murmured. She left the bedroom and he followed. She went over to stand by the still open door.
    He hesitated.
    “Thank you, my lord, for a wonderful evening. Neither the boys nor I will forget it for a long time.”
    “We’ll see each other soon, won’t we?” he said, finding he didn’t like the faint hint of dismissal in her tone. He had an urge to linger.
    Her gaze slid away from his. “Of course. I shall contact you as soon as possible with a list of the young women I think are suitable for your particular needs. I’ll also plan something special for you to be introduced to them. I do like house parties, because you will often meet the parents as well, and that is important.”
    “That sounds good.” He moved to the door. He had no choice, not with her standing there waiting for him to go. Still, he had one more question.
    “I know it isn’t my place to ask,” he said, “but I don’t understand why you are here in this building, Thea. Why are you not under your family’s roof?”
    She crossed her arms, her whole body tightening. “My brother feels no need to offer support. He’s within his rights.” She was so defensive, so proud. Neal needed to be careful in how he phrased this next concern of his.
    He moved to the door now but stopped before leaving. “I don’t like this building or these rooms. I don’t want you and your sons staying here.”
    “This is perfectly fine—”
    “Thea, think of them,” he interjected, quietly, firmly. “I have several properties throughout London. None of them fancy, but they are good homes and better than this. I want you to move into one of them.”
    Her chin lifted. “I’m sorry, my lord, but I cannot accept such charity from you.”
    “It’s not charity. I’ll lease the house to you.”
    “We are fine right here—”
    “Damn it all, Thea, quit thinking with your pride and think of your sons. This is no neighborhood for them.”
    Her mouth closed. She pressed her lips together.
    “My man will be over tomorrow to show you the houses I have,” Neal said. “Be ready. I will not accept an argument. Understand?”
    For a second, he expected her to countermand him, but then she said, “Thank you, my lord.”
    “And thank you for your common sense, Mrs. Martin,” he answered.
    She gave a small bow of her head and he left, feeling both victorious and more optimistic about life than he had for a long time. It felt right to have rekindled the friendship he