A Perfect Hero Read Free Page A

own. No, there would be no children.
    For there would be no husband.
    And that particular heartache was one that had taken a long time to accept—and remained a se cret locked tight in her breast for all eternity. She would never experience the joy of a child snug against her breasts . . . her child. For a husband was beyond her reach—perhaps more aptly, be yond her desire. And so she had buried the yearn ing for a child.
    For it could never be.
    No, she was no longer quite so carefree, seeing only the good in those around her. As for the Magpies of the world, well, in time this one would surely get his due.
    “I daresay all the kingdom has heard of the Magpie,” she returned lightly.
    Mrs. Chadwick eyed her. “Are you not afraid?”
    “Afraid of a man I cannot see, a man I’ve yet to meet?” Smiling, Julianna shook her head, mildly amused. Reports of such men and their misdeeds had fallen off in the last few years. The notion of a highwayman made her shiver, but not in dread. Why, if she were given to such fancies, the notion might be almost romantic!
    “Now, if he were to leap through that door”—she nodded—“I might be inclined to say otherwise.”
    “Oh, but you should be afraid. That’s a pretty bauble at your throat. No doubt he would take great pleasure in relieving you of it. That and more.” Mrs. Chadwick nodded knowingly.
    Julianna raised her brows.
    “Oh, indeed,” put in her mother. “Why, the tales we’ve heard...they’re not to be spoken of in polite company.”
    Mr. Chadwick finally spoke. “What nonsense is this?”
    “ ’Tis not nonsense, Charles!” His wife thrust her chin out. “A lady would not want to fall into his hands, for she would surely suffer a fate worse than death, and I think I need not ex poundonthe matter!The manisadevil—’tis said he even has the devil’s eyes—and everyone knows it!”
    Her meaning was not lost on Julianna, whose smile froze. Until that moment, she’d actually found herself wishing for a little adventure . . . She chewed the inside of her cheek and reconsid ered. For all the notoriety surrounding the Mag pie, the papers in London had said nothing of his ravaging women.
    Wringing her hands, Mrs. Chadwick glanced anxiously out the window. “Oh, but I do hope the driver hurries. I want to be home before dark. I won’t feel safe until we’re settled before the fire with a nice cuppa.”
    Charles Chadwick lifted his gaze heavenward. “For the love of God, missus, will you stop your whinin’! If the Magpie should waylay us, by God, I swear I shall put you on his horse myself and bid you good riddance!”
    Mrs. Nelson gasped. “Well, I never!” Her mother glared daggers at her son-in-law.
    Julianna directed her eyes to her lap, biting back a laugh. The four of them lapsed into silence.
    They passed through several more villages but no more passengers joined them. It was late in the afternoon when the coach began to slow. Leticia Chadwick had scooted to the edge of the seat even before they came to a halt before a small tavern. “At last,” she nearly sang out, then turned to Julianna. “May your journey be a safe one.”
    Julianna smiled her good-bye, welcoming the rush of clean air that swept in when the door opened. It was cool and fresh, with no stench of coal and smoke. It was good to be away from London, she decided. The decision to go to Bath had been an impetuous one, but she would so en joy the chance to rest and catch her breath from the hectic pace of the Season, which was in full swing.
    The trio disembarked. Julianna had wondered about their state of marital bliss—they were clearly not in the first blush of youth. She looked on when Charles Chadwick took his wife’s arm protectively as they crossed the street. Leticia glanced up at him, a wisp of a smile on her lips. An odd ache filled Julianna’s throat, an ache for what might have been...
    Deliberately, she looked away.
    No other passengers boarded. The coach did not