Rescuing Mr. Gracey Read Free Page A

days past…before her dreams had faded to black, melted fungus.
    “Try it, Mary.” Lily swiped her face with a dirty shirt sleeve. “’Tis no’ sour a’tall.”
    Closing her eyes, Mary shut out the image of Lily stuffing her face. What do you care if he thinks badly of you? You’re full of foolish pride, Mary Smyth.
    Braving a quick glance toward Mr. Alexander, she was startled to see his gentle, understanding smile. Beyond her own reasoning, she accepted the bread. “You are most kind, sir.”
    He gave her a satisfied grin. “I’ve been away for a decade and had forgotten the beauty of the Mournes in the spring. Exquisite.”
    The geniality of his voice—intimate, sincere—invited company. She refused by taking another nip of the bread.
    “I did not know about this little lake,” he continued. “And this valley, tucked inside the forest like this. Do you swim here often?”
    Mary nearly choked. Considering her strong suspicion regarding who they were, she prayed he would not discover how frequently she trespassed at the lake owned by Lord Roden. “I find it occasionally refreshing,” she managed.
    “Ha,” Lily scoffed. “Me and Mary argue near every week. I say, ‘Mary, the lake ’tis a torture.’ Then Mary says, ‘Tis a treat to be clean,’ and in she goes.” Lily elbowed Mr. James and laughed with boisterous hilarity. “Damaged in the head, I says. ’Tis freezin’ even in summer.”
    Mary fisted her hand, wishing it could clamp over her friend’s very loud mouth.
    “You must try this cheese,” Mr. Alexander intervened. “It comes from a cheesemaker in Dublin and is, in my humble opinion, the finest ever made.”
    Her mouth watered when she glanced at the tempting chunk of aromatic food, and she tried to remember the last time she had such a treat. “I must refuse,” she said, tightening her will. Better to eat just the bread . The cheese is too expensive and may demand payment. “ Thank you all the same.”
    “You don’t care for cheese?”
    She felt her eyes widen at the question. “I enjoy it very well.” Indeed, it was her favorite food.
    “I insist you try a sample.”
    Her eyes would not unlock from the sumptuous delicacy. Perhaps just a wee tiny bite, as long as she remained standing and stayed steps from the forest’s edge in case an escape became necessary. Biting her lip, she tried to hold back desire. “Thank you for your kindness,” she relented. Holding on to the generous piece, she wondered should she eat it or share it with her family?
    The internal debate ended when Mr. James stretched out to lie on his back on the sandy ground, as if to remind all that the present company of ladies was not worthy of gentlemanly manners or respect, elevating the threat. Alert and frightened by his disregard for manners, she was even more eager to leave.
    “Taste the cheese,” Mr. Alexander said, drawing her attention back to him. His smile, boyish, one-sided, his tone seductive and commanding, tangled her resistance. “You won’t regret it.”
    Her rigid posture melted into a puddle of confusion. She nibbled the yellow slice. Sharp, tantalizing, the cheese melted all over her tongue, surprising every sense. She closed her eyes when the superb taste slid down her throat. “ It’s been so long,” she heard herself groan.
    Did she say that aloud? Her eyes flew open. How could she do that…let him witness her pathetic need? Her poverty! How could ya, Mary Smyth?
    Mr. Alexander’s gaze lingered on her lips, then lifted to her distressed expression. Smiling gently, he whispered, “My reaction exactly.”
    However, Mr. James erupted with rude laughter. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen that kind of appreciation from a bit of cheese and bread. These girls are entertaining, are they not, Alec?” He reached up and clasped Lily’s arm, then jerked in an effort to pull her down. She teetered, barely managing to stay standing.
    “James.” Mr. Alexander’s bark, frightening,