Loving Protector Read Free

in
an adult. At least not in peace time. We certainly cannot run as fast. Have you
ever stolen apples, Miss Haywood?”
    “I’m sure she stole loads,” said
Blanche. “Her father was very poor.”
    “And yet we did not have to steal to
eat,” said Calista quietly. Then she smiled, mischievously. “But I have climbed
a few apple trees, Colonel.” She said it more to shock Blanche than anyone
else.
    “I am glad to hear it. To be surrounded
by so much virtue can make a man feel inadequate.”
    “Perhaps, Colonel, you will call upon us
whilst you are in London,” said Blanche. “I am sure Lady Bedlington would not
mind.”
    “Great Aunt Agatha would no doubt be
delighted.”
    “Great Aunt Agatha? I had not realized you
and Lady Bedlington were related,” said Evelyn. Calista wondered why he had not
mentioned it when Lady Bedlington’s name was first mentioned.
    “Yes, though I have not seen her for
some time. Every time I see her she insists on trying to marry me off.”
    “I am sure no one could force you to
marry anyone, Colonel,” said Blanche.
    It seemed to Calista that it was about
the most honest thing Blanche had said so far, even if Blanche clearly had her
own ideas about the Colonel’s marital status. She was beautiful enough to
entice him. Whether she would decide the Colonel was a little too far down the
social status was another matter.
    They reached Lady Bedlington’s house in
central London by early evening. Her Ladyship had gone out to dinner. The Colonel
and Mr. Benedict said their goodbyes, leaving Evelyn and the two girls to
settle in.
    “I will call on you,” Mr. Benedict said
to Evelyn. “If you will permit it, that is.”
    “I should like to see you again. Thank
you again for your help, Colonel, Mr. Benedict.” Evelyn curtseyed, closely
followed by the two girls.
    “You are most welcome,” said the
Colonel. “I hope we shall see you again.” Calista glanced up at the Colonel
surprised to find he was looking at her. “All of you.”

 
    Chapter
Two
    “Mama, you are not to see that man
again. I forbid it.”
    “Blanche, you are in no position to
forbid me to do anything. Do remember that you are not yet twenty-one and I am
still your mother.”
    Calista gazed out of the window whilst
her step-sister and Evelyn had yet another one of their rows. The square was
coming to life as the trades people arrived with their wares and young ladies
took a walk in the park that decorated the centre. She longed to be out there,
and was indeed wearing her coat in readiness, but Blanche had much to say.
    She had hoped that being in London would
at least appease her step-sister, but Mr. Benedict’s familiarity with Evelyn
had infuriated her.
    The previous evening had been quiet
enough. Even Blanche was not too silly as to behave badly in front of Lady
Bedlington, whom she relied upon to introduce her to the correct society. She
was also happy with the rooms they had been given, which overlooked the leafy
London square. But when a message had arrived that morning, from Mr. Benedict,
asking if he may call upon Evelyn later that day, Blanche had waited until they
were back up in their own rooms, getting ready to go out for a walk, before
erupting.
    “You will not marry yet another
penniless architect,” said Blanche.
    “Mr. Benedict is an old friend, Blanche.
I have no intentions of marrying him.”
    “I am pleased to hear it. You can do
better.”
    Calista was aware that Blanche glanced
at her as she said it, but was in no mood to argue. If Blanche did not
appreciate their surroundings, Calista did. She gazed back at the square,
praying for the argument to end so that she might make the most of the morning.
It seemed to her that every day began with some disagreement. Blanche did not
like her dress. Blanche did not like her breakfast. Blanche did not like Calista
being involved in their entertainments. It was exhausting. Calista closed her
eyes and let the faint breeze from the window cool her