The Devil's Daughter Read Free

safe to assume the woman could cook. And from the size of her, she must cook well. Lucy cocked a taunting brow at her man’s back and waited.
    He continued to make his way to the back.
    “And I’ll help her with the cleaning and the wash.” Miss Blake’s voice went higher with each word.
    He stopped, but took his time turning around.
    A loud whisper carried across the room. “Maybe Caine should marry you instead.”
    Chuckles and snorts followed, but Mr. Caine held Lucy’s gaze, his lips pressed together as though fighting back what he wanted to say.
    “Mr. Caine, please.” Miss Blake mopped her brow with a lace handkerchief. “You need a woman to make you a home, to give you a family, and to help you make something of all that land you bought.”
    He didn’t look the slightest bit swayed.
    “And think of the children.” She lifted her chin and pinned him with what must have been a well-practiced frown. “One day your brother’s child will attend that school – do you not think it’s your responsibility to help ensure the best education possible?”
    Lucy felt the uncertainty ebb over Miss Blake’s soul first, then Mr. Caine’s. He seemed to falter for a moment, but remained rooted where he stood. His mouth tightened into a thin line, his dark eyes staring straight back at Lucy.
    Guilt – it worked amazing feats in humans. Lucy was certain if the fat lady – Miss Blake – could produce one of these book-less unschooled children, the man would no doubt hand over his last penny.
    But Lucy had to give her man credit – he continued to resist. Sure, he’d been tempted, but he’d held strong. If he didn’t want Lucy, he might end up taking home one of these other women.
    That would never do. Still, she held her tongue. Watching the guilt crash and ebb over his expression was almost worth the anxiety of the wait.
    “Mr. Caine,” Miss Blake went on, “if nothing else, think about Maggie.”
    Every muscle in Mr. Caine’s face and neck tightened.
    “It’s not good for her to be out there all alone in her condition. Obviously, if you could care for her yourself, you wouldn’t be here.”
    When he didn’t answer, Miss Blake cleared her throat and continued.
    “She needs a woman with her, someone to tend her needs, someone who understands.” She adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat quietly. “And though it’s not a nice thing to say, most of these other women. . .” she indicated the four behind her, “would not willingly want to take on a responsibility like that with someone in Maggie’s. . .condition.”
    Mr. Caine’s gaze flicked from Miss Blake, to Lucy, to the other four women who all suddenly found great fascination with the toes of their boots.
    He mumbled something under his breath and pushed back to the front of the room.
    “Have you ever done a day’s work in your life?” he asked, taking Lucy’s hands in his and turning her palms up.
    “Yes,” she answered with a definitive nod. Stoking fires and chiseling brimstone counted as work, even in a human world.
    His brow furrowed slightly as he ran his thumb over her calloused and scarred fingers.
    Lucy tried to tug her hands away, but he held them a moment longer, his gaze locked on hers. What did that look mean? And why did a tremble creep up her spine?
    “There’s plenty of other men here, Miss Firr.” He spoke quietly, causing the others to shift and strain to hear. “Why are you set on me?”
    Lucy lifted her chin and leaned close enough to whisper. “Because you have a good soul. I can see it.” She hesitated a moment, then added, “And because you’re the only one
not
set on me.”
    An odd look came over him, a small spark glinting in the depth of his dark eyes.
    “Okay.” He released her, then held up a hand to quell the burst of complaints. “So long as you understand it’s going to be hard work, and you’ll have to do your share.”
    “M-Miss Firr?” The fat lady stuttered. “Are you in