Read Hero in the Highlands for Free Online

increased income will only make keeping it up that much easier. And you’ll be able to have—”
    â€œKeeping it up?” she repeated, glancing toward the door and lowering her voice. “Do you … Why would I want to keep up this moldy, outdated rabbit hole?”
    â€œBut Kelgrove said this was your address. Your house.”
    The sergeant shifted. “I never said—”
    â€œThis isn’t my house. Haven’t you read any of my letters?”
    â€œI haven’t received any letters from you in months. What are you talking about?”
    She sank down on the arm of one of the chairs. “When I left boarding school, I found myself … I wanted to live in London, Gabriel. I’m an unmarried woman with … very limited resources, and so I had a choice. I could either work in a shop, or become a governess or a lady’s companion.” She took a short, unsteady breath. “Eight months ago I accepted a position here, as the companion to Lady Sarah Jeffers. It gives me a roof, and food, and a gentry address, but she smells like wet wool and cats, and I … I thought I would be here forever, and then move on to sit with the next old woman who needed to purchase a friend she could order to fluff pillows against her backside.”
    For a long moment Gabriel looked at his sister. For the first time it occurred to him that if for some reason he’d decided to leave the army, how limited his own choices would have been. He wasn’t fit for the priesthood, for damned certain, nor could he be a law clerk or—heaven forfend—a solicitior. For a young lady with good schooling and very limited income, the choices were even fewer. Why the devil had that never occurred to him before this moment? “I’m sorry,” he said aloud. “I didn’t—”
    â€œI don’t blame you, Gabriel, for goodness’ sake,” she interrupted, wiping her eyes and standing again. “And I’m not complaining.”
    Gabriel tilted his head. “You have every right to do so. Or rather, you did. Kelgrove, find some paper.”
    The sergeant began digging through his pockets, until Marjorie directed him to the writing table. “Over there. Take what you want. If what you say is true, I can repay her for the pages, now.”
    â€œI’m not lying to you, Ree. Not even I’m that cruel. Sergeant, write out the address of Leeds House in Mayfair, and then another note to Mr. Blething ordering him to give Marjorie whatever she requires.” He returned his attention to his sister. “I haven’t seen Leeds House, but I’ve been told it’s quite grand. It’s yours. Blething is the solicitor who’s been overseeing the Lattimer properties. He’ll see that you have a monthly income requisite with your … new status. Hire yourself a staff, or keep whoever’s there. No more cat dander or lemon verbena. Whatever else happens, I promise you that.”
    This time she choked back a laugh, still mingled with tears. “Thank you, brother.”
    When she flung her arms around his neck he patted her back, then extricated himself as quickly as he could. “I’ve done nothing. I am glad that one of us, at least, can benefit. As I said, I’m leaving for Scotland in the morning, but I will make an attempt to correspond with you more frequently from now on. And I will call on you before I return to the Continent.”
    Before another torrent of tears or hugging could begin, he headed for the door. Battles were easy. Family was much more difficult.
    â€œGabriel, I—”
    â€œYou’re much better suited for life in Mayfair than I am, Ree. Or rather, Lady Marjorie, now. Make good use of it.”
    Before he could put his hand on the door handle she seized his fingers again. “You did the best you could by me, Gabriel. You don’t owe me anything. Least of all an apology.”
    He