A Cantata of Love (The Code Breakers 4) Read Free

another misalliance?”
    He shifted his weight on the seat, trying to find a comfortable position. “I hope that you can appreciate the difference between a marriage to me and Napoleon’s brother.”
    Her eyes narrowed and her plucky chin thrust forward. “Both would mean I had no choice, and then my escape would be worth nothing. To be forced to marry another…” She didn’t finish the sentence, but whatever she’d intended to say wasn’t complimentary.
    Gabby shook her head again. He had the strongest desire to release the pale ringlets that were twisted into a knot on the crown of her head.
    “Rest assured, I will not tell my brother about your conduct, since my brother is a hothead and an amazing duelist. You wouldn’t survive.”
    Michael sighed a breath of relief. Not that he would shirk his responsibility. “I’m a fair shot myself. But I would not add to your worries and stress.”
    Gabby leaned back against the carriage seat. “Thank you, my lord.” Her dainty hands were clasped tightly in her lap.
    “I’m very glad that you will be reunited with your brother. Do you have his location in London?”
    “No, but he is now the Marquis De Valmont. I’m sure it will be simple to locate him.”
    Michael winced and was ready to swear when the carriage wheel hit the latest rut.
    Gabby pursed her lips and asked quietly, “The journey is still difficult for you?”
    “A bit uncomfortable, but nothing I can’t tolerate. But as you know, this injury is in a most inconvenient location.”
    And the chit giggled, just as she had done when he had fallen from the settee in Paris. Her lilting laugh did something to his insides. She was a delightful surprise of innocent sensuality and gentle compassion. How had he missed that she was a woman, an enchanting woman with enchanting curves? Had she worn some sort of bandage to hide her rounded, sweet breasts?
    Her eyes narrowed, causing a pucker to form between her arched brows. Had he given away his lustful imaginings?
    He cleared his throat. “Back to your arrival in London. It can never be known to anyone that we travelled without a maid. Once we get to a big enough town, I will hire one.”
    “The English are so bourgeois.”
    “Remember that if it were found out, your brother might be forced to fight me in a duel or force you to marry me.”
    Gabby turned her face and looked out the window. “How long before we get to the next town?”

Chapter Four

    Gabby rested her head against the carriage window, trying to find a comfortable position for the long journey.
    Lord Kendal had slept most of the trip. He was still weak and in pain, but healing from the infection. The young maid they had hired from the last inn also slept. Gabby had time to closely inspect Lord Kendal’s face—his blond hair the color of winter wheat, his dimples present even while his face was in repose. His round cheeks and dimples gave him a boyish, mischievous look. When awake, his bright-green eyes gleamed with amusement, as if he were privy to a secret joke.
    He was unlike any man of her acquaintance in France. French men postured and made their importance known. The earl seemed not to have need to put on an airs of acquired insouciance or ennui.
    The earl stirred briefly when they struck a large hole in the road. A flaxen curl hung over one eye which he’d carelessly brush away when he regaled her with stories of his childhood. Lord Kendal was a careless man who could easily trample over a woman’s heart. Not hers. She was French and fully immune to silly, quirky smiles and dramatic bursts of hilarity.
    He opened his eyes; Gabby immediately dropped hers. She didn’t want to be caught staring at the attractive man she had soothed with French lullabies just days before, and spinning a silly girl’s romantic stories of love and devotion.
    “Are we close?” He stretched his arms over his head, pulling the fabric across his broad shoulders.
    She shrugged. “Since I’ve never visited