Read The Only One for Free Online Page B

inside.
    “Spirited?” Ben grumbled. “She’s a big pain in my—”
    “Ben!” Sarah cautioned. “I remember a time when Alexandria worshiped the ground you walked on. She tagged along behind you like a shadow. You had no problem with her then.”
    Ben cleared his throat. “She was a baby.”
    “Your Grace, I apologize for my children’s outspokenness.”
    “Please, Mrs. Carmichael. I’d rather you not address me so formally. And I am not offended by the dinner conversation.” He offered a heartfelt smile. “I find their quibble enjoyable, in fact. The dinners I normally attend have traces of pompousness about them. Thinking to put on airs, so to speak. I much prefer normalcy. A more relaxed gathering where one might breathe easy and not be subject to decorum.”
    “How kind of you to say so, Your Grace,” Cornelia said from beside him.
    “Please, Lady Hargrave. You call your brother James. Would it be so difficult for you to call me Giles?”
    She gasped aloud. “I could not.”
    “Surely speaking my name is not as horrible as all that? How about, Nethersall?”
    “Well, um, if you insist.”
    “I do.” He softened his command with a smile.
    The dear lady blushed. Giles relaxed his tense shoulders. This family welcomed him into their home, and he fit. How refreshing, their banter and their mirth. A long-awaited sense of home and contentment, of ease, spread through his body.
    He lifted his wine goblet and glanced across the table—straight into a pair of livid brown eyes.

Chapter 7
    Giles normally rose each morning at the crack of dawn. This morning had been no different. He’d been closeted in James’ office for the last hour, getting an idea of the man’s sizable holdings.
    Such a lordly plantation. Carmichael had acreage down to the river's level. His cane-field contained about five hundred acres, which just last year produced a crop of three hundred eighty-four tons of sugar. He housed a variety of stock. A numerous herd of cattle delivered fresh butter, cheese, and cream for all who lived on the land with enough left over to send to market. And then there were the thoroughbreds.
    Good God, the plantation was a world of its own, filled with culture and all the refinements.
    James had a special love of horses, one thousand acres set aside just for the creatures to roam. And he’d promised a special surprise.
    Giles inhaled the rich steam rising from his coffee cup. Tea may be the drink of his ancestors, but he preferred the black brew. He’d developed the taste during his wild and free days, and lived on the stuff during the course of many missions.
    “Good morning.”
    Giles lowered the paper he’d been reading and glanced at the girl who’d taken up entirely too much time in his head. As the night before, Alex had donned a gown. A twinge of regret darted through his thoughts, seeing she wore a skirt instead of the curve-revealing breeches.
    “Good morning.” Applying his gentlemanly manners, he stood, waiting for Alex to settle in the chair opposite him.
    A sparkle in her eye, she gave him a huge smile while she smoothed her skirts.
    As he lowered his frame back to the chair, he wondered what the minx was up to. The cook came in before he could dwell on the idea.
    “Good morning, Missy.”
    At his raised eyebrow, Alex quickly explained. “She’s always called me Missy.” She turned to the cook. “Good morning, Phibe.”
    “Here you go.” Phibe placed a plate of eggs and ham in front of Alex.
    “Thank you, Phibe. Ummm. Looks delicious.” Alex smiled at the older woman.
    “More coffee, Mister Giles? The cream is fresh and rich.”
    “Yes, please.” He held up his cup with a smile and a nod. She poured black brew from a white, china pot.
    “I’ll have coffee too, Phibe.”
    The woman gave the girl a sharp look, and then ignored Alex as though she had not spoken.
    Sitting back, he observed the exchange between the two women.
    “Do you have everything you need, Mister