Read Romancing a Stranger for Free Online Page B

the globe had pulled her into and looked up to find Samson standing on the threshold of the living room—or parlor, as they called it here. She offered a smile, having come to love the portly man. “How’s it going, Samson?”
    He quirked a brow, looking confused. “ Going , Madam? Where?”
    She giggled, still finding it hard to speak like a proper lady. “I meant to say, how are you doing on this fine day?”
    The elderly man smiled and entered the room. “Very well, thank you. Would you care for tea?”
    “Actually, I need something stronger. Can I have a drink in the study?”
    Samson’s lips curved slightly, and he cleared his throat. She had the distinct impression he wanted to laugh at her. “You don’t need my permission to go into the study, Madam.”
    “Oh. Right. Will you join me? I need some advice.”
    Samson seemed genuinely happy to offer his help. “Of course. Please, allow me.”
    He offered his arm and she gladly accepted, allowing him to lead her to the study. To think, just over a week ago she lived in a time where men rarely opened a door for a woman, never mind held out an arm.
    If not for the tension between her and Warden, she might want to stay here. Now that she had some time to think on it, what she had in the past was far more rewarding and exciting than what she had in the future. To think, how amazing would it be to write her columns in this day and age when women writers were a rarity? What a thrill!
    But her destiny entailed more than making up with Warden, or being a woman writer in the past. She had to get some answers.
    Once inside the study, Samson went directly to a cabinet.
    “Pour one for you, too,” she added.
    With a smile, Samson did as she ordered. She took a seat on one of the wingback chairs in front of the fire, sinking comfortably into the plush, velvet seat before taking the offered glass. “Thank you, Samson. You should get a raise.”
    Samson’s wise blue eyes danced with delight. “Thank you, and may I say you are a breath of fresh air. I’m delighted you are feeling better.”
    Milli gestured to the chair across from her. “Please.”
    Samson seemed shocked. She wondered how many times Warden shared a drink with his butler or offered him a comfortable seat. She might be from another time, but she knew butlers could always be trusted with their employer’s secrets. And they were probably the most unrecognized pillars of society.
    There was so much to learn about Warden and Josephine as well, and how to carry on like a lady. What if time took her away just when she was beginning to like it here?
    “Samson, how long have you worked for Mr. Blackwood?”
    He took a sip of his drink and regarded her curiously. “Mr. Blackwood is the master of this house, Madam, but I was in your family’s employ since before your birth.”
    She was about to have a drink, but her hand paused mid-lift. She stared at Samson, feeling a mixture of emotions. He’d been around since the beginning of the old Mrs. Blackwood. This would be the time to get some answers.
    “So, technically, you work for me.”
    The corners of his mouth tipped up, and his eyes glinted with amusement. “What is it you’re after, Madam?”
    Milli looked around the room, taking in all of the objects and possessions, before looking back at Samson. “Warden thinks I’m crazy.”
    He stared at her for a long moment before answering. “He does not think you are crazy, Madam, simply different. Sometimes things happen to a body that cannot be explained.”
    Milli leaned forward in her seat. “Samson, what was I like before?”
    His sharp stare softened. “You were always a troubled child. Terribly smart. Always searching for something more out of life. When your father forced you to marry Mr. Blackwood, you grew distant…quiet. It is an unfortunate thing when a child must pay for her father’s sins.”
    “What sins?”
    Samson looked away, his expression troubled. “Your father spent the family’s