Read Never Seduce A Scoundrel for Free Online

consisted of prayer and crops and industry. She remembered vividly the small inner courtyard, the fountain, the beautiful flowers planted around the statues. Cecily had spoken at length in that garden with Mother, and it had been then that she had decided to one day make Hallowshire her home.
    One day ...
    John Grey’s eyebrows raised. “Really? How long has it been since you were at the abbey, Lady Cecily?”
    Cecily frowned, and then felt her face heating. Had it really been that long? “Well, I guess it must be nearly three years.”
    John Grey said nothing, but the small smile still played about his lips.
    “You said you came here specifically to see me,” Cecily prompted, feeling slightly unnerved by the way the handsome man regarded her. Not lewdly, but intently, as if he could look into her eyes long enough to catch a glimpse of her soul.
    “Yes.” He moved to the stall across the aisle, where Sybilla’s pet, a small black mare, stamped impatiently in a bid for John Grey’s attention. “Mother spoke longingly of you. She has begun to wonder if you have changed your mind about Hallowshire. Perhaps she has sound reason?”
    “I have been thinking on it very deeply of late,” Cecily admitted. “Fallstowe has a guest in my care at the moment. A noble friend of my sister’s. He was injured only last night, and it is my responsibility to tend him.”
    “Fortunate man,” John Grey said, glancing over his shoulder briefly, his grin widening. “But perhaps I might be so bold as to suggest that Hallowshire needs you more, Lady Cecily. Not only the purse you would bring, but your dedication, your leadership.”
    “Leadership? Vicar, I would never presume—I am not yet even a oblate!”
    “One need not take vows to be an example,” John Grey said, almost musingly. “I have been mulling that idea ’round in my own head while on my mission from the bishop. Laypeople have been at the heart of many a religious institution for hundreds of years. Everyone in the land knows of your dedication and good works, Lady Cecily. Even the bishop himself waits with bated breath for your decision. Should Hallowshire not receive the help it needs, and very soon, it will likely be dissolved.”
    Cecily’s heart fluttered with dread. The bishop knew of her? This was much worse than she feared. “So you have come to collect me?” Cecily challenged him.
    “Not at all, not at all,” John Grey said mildly. “Only to inquire as to your intentions.”
    Cecily swallowed. For some insane reason, the image of Oliver Bellecote, lying abed in the castle beyond the stable walls, rose up through the murky confusion in her mind. “As I said before, I am under obligation at this time, Vicar. I—”
    “I’ve not come in an attempt to sway you, either way, Lady Cecily.” John Grey stepped away from the little black mare and came to stand facing her, perhaps only three paces away. He looked into her eyes again. “Although an alliance with the bishop may also benefit your sister.”
    He was speaking of the king’s stalking of Fallstowe, Cecily knew.
    John Grey cocked his head slightly. “You’re unsure yet, are you not?” he asked gently.
    “Very,” Cecily admitted honestly, although she hadn’t intended to be so quick about it.
    “I understand,” the vicar said. “More than you could likely know.” He stepped toward her and held out his hand.
    Cecily looked down at it for a moment, and then placed her fingers in his palm. It was cool and smooth. She looked up at him.
    “I will be at Hallowshire for the next several weeks, assisting Mother and trying as I might to bring the sisters back to heel. I would be honored if you would allow me to be your counsel during that time.”
    “Counsel?” Cecily asked.
    John Grey looked at her again, his teeth flashing white in the shadows of the stable. It seemed very quiet around them. “Perhaps you might confide in me about your misgivings concerning devoting yourself to Hallowshire. I