Read The Music Box for Free Online Page B

had hired them. No; she’d more than hired them. She’d retained, nurtured, and treasured them, not only in spite of their oddities but, as Bryce’s heart and instincts concurred, because of them.
    He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so moved or the last time he’d seen such selfless generosity.
    Then again, maybe he could.
    He cast a swift, tender look at his hostess. Once again Hermione Nevon had rendered her magic, this time not with a bastard infant but with a group of lost souls, wresting them from a questionable fate, taking them in and transforming them into a family.
    A family she wanted to bequeath to him, to entrust to his care when she was no longer there to offer them hers.
    Lord, the magnitude of that responsibility was overwhelming.
    To accept it would be arduous.
    To refuse it, unforgivable.
    Which left him—where?
    “You’re exhausted, Bryce,” Hermione said quickly, as if reading her nephew’s thoughts. “To be frank, so am I.” She sighed, sinking back against the cushions of the settee.
    “Are you all right?” Bryce asked at once.
    “Yes, of course.” A faint smile. “Just fatigued. Besides, ʼtis you, not I, I’m concerned about. We’ve bombarded you with enough excitement for one morning.” Her weary gaze swept the room. “You can all return to your chores now,” she instructed the staff, forcing a reassuring smile to her lips. “We’ll meet again at lunch, at which time we can continue our visit with Mr. Lyndley.”
    On cue, the servants began milling—and in some cases stumbling—out of the library, leaving only Chaunce, Gabrielle, and the little ones in their wake, all of whom hung back, their expressions anxious.
    Hermione’s lashes fluttered. “Bryce, Chaunce will take you to your chambers so you can rest.”
    “Forgive me, madam,” Chaunce inserted, clearing his throat. “But it is time for your medicine. Shall I fetch it before escorting Mr. Lyndley to his room?”
    “No. It can wait until you’ve returned.”
    “It most assuredly cannot.” Startled and troubled by the knowledge that Hermione required medication, Bryce bit back his concern—and his questions—about what she was taking and why. “I’m perfectly capable of locating my own room. Let Chaunce see to your medicine.”
    “I won’t hear of it,” Hermione demurred.
    “I’ll fetch your medicine, Aunt Hermione,” Gaby offered, concern furrowing her brow as she hastened to her aunt’s side. “Lily,” she asked, giving the child a meaningful look, “you won’t mind entertaining Crumpet a few minutes longer, will you?”
    Lily shook her head at once, her distressed gaze fixed on Hermione.
    “Good.” Pride and tenderness laced Gaby’s tone. “Go on, then, you and the others. I’ll come to your room in a little while.” With that, she turned back to Hermione. “Where can I find your medicine? You’ve never actually told me where you keep it.”
    “It’s in the pantry,” Hermione murmured. “On the very top shelf—far too high for you to reach. Chaunce keeps it there so none of the children can mistake it for refreshment and accidentally drink it.” A contemplative frown. “I don’t see how we can manage this.”
    “Might I suggest that Miss Gaby show Mr. Lyndley to his quarters?” Chaunce proposed. “In that way, you’ll feel reassured that our guest is settled, and he in turn will feel reassured that you’re receiving the proper care.”
    “Of course,” Hermione said, relief flooding her face. “Whatever would I do without you, Chaunce? That’s a wonderful idea.” She inclined her head at Gaby. “Would you mind, dear? You know which room Mrs. Gordon readied for Mr. Lyndley.”
    “Of course I don’t mind,” Gaby replied, looking as relieved as her aunt. “Come, Mr. Lyndley. I’ll show you the best route to your quarters.”
    Brushing a quick kiss to the top of Hermione’s head, Gaby led Bryce from the room.
    “This really isn’t necessary,” he said