Read Realm 03 - A Touch of Cashemere for Free Online Page A

Plus, I know time-saving secondary roads.”
    Out of nowhere, Cashé unpredictably announced. “We shall leave for Cheshire this afternoon, my Lord.”
    Cashémere Aldridge might be beautiful, but she possessed the ability to set the hairs on the back of his neck on edge–and not in a good way. She was singular in her ideas, thinking very little of anyone but herself. She did not consider what became of his estate while he escorted her across the countryside nor the danger in which she placed them by her shortsightedness. Now, she expected him to continue this escapade by seeing her to Cheshire. He would definitely have a word with Shepherd regarding this assignment. “You wish me to continue to serve as your escort?”
    Cashé wished he might be a bit pleased by her offer, but Lord Yardley, evidently, found her contemptuous. Hurt by his resentment, she retorted, “Well, Uncle Samuel would not approve; yet, we have traveled this far together, and as long as I have Edana with me, it shall have to do. Besides, Uncle Samuel does not approve of how Lady Worthing conducted her life prior to coming to Linton Park.” The viscountess blustered, but Cashé persisted in repeating what she had evidently heard her uncle say on more than one occasion when Velvet defended the Fowlers. “Even Eleanor’s aiding Lady Amsteadt in the delivery of the woman’s child is not acceptable for a woman of refined society, no matter how admirable the act might be. My uncle would not agree with my staying at Linton Park without him or Aunt Alice, so it is best if I continue to seek my sister.”
    “You are quite misleared, Miss Cashé,” the earl accused.
    “Rude, my Lord? Or honest? It is a matter of perspective.” She raised her chin defiantly. She saw the anger seethe beneath his composure, but Cashé no longer cared about his holier than thou opinions.
    “From my perspective, rudeness is a long way from truthfulness. You accepted the hospitality of Lady Worthing at Linton Park and of her brother at Briar House, and then you repeat malicious, hurtful words spoken about their family.”
    The girl flushed. “I apologize, Eleanor; you are my cousin, and my family is thankful to yours for my sister’s care; yet, things were quite different within our households.” She mimicked her uncle by snarling her nose in distaste.
    Marcus watched closely as Lady Worthing busied herself with the tea service, using it as a distraction while she took several deep breaths to steady her hand. Finally, she said flatly, “As I would not judge you, I would wish that you might offer me the same. Do not forget what the Good Book says, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone.’”
    Marcus thought Eleanor Kerrington chose her response well, but Miss Cashé looked offended. “Such misapplication of the scripture will not silence me or my opposition to depravity. Besides, what might be said of censure for Uncle Samuel’s family?”
    Lady Worthing stood suddenly. She surprised Marcus with her composure, however. How did one address the girl’s naiveté? The viscountess’s voice held a deadly warning. “As Peter warned when referring to Paul’s letters, some things are hard to understand by those who are untaught or are unstable and who twist to their destruction the scriptures. Cashé, you make everything black or white, but the world knows not such extremes; it is covered in shades of gray.” Lady Eleanor paused to calm her breathing. “You wish to know of what I might criticize Viscount Averette. How about the fact that your uncle would see a woman and a child die simply to keep the lines of propriety? Or that you have not seen your twin in nearly three years, and until recently, not Velvet for over two? How about that not once did your righteous Uncle Samuel send one quid of support for Velvet’s upbringing? I imagine it is so for Satiné, as well. I know this to be a fact for the past six years because as father became more