The Ice Captain's Daughter Read Free Page B

through the door and set her gently down into the back of a cart lined with clean straw. She gaped at the glossy black stallion strapped into the leather harness in front. His long tail swished to and fro, and he pawed the ground with his forelimbs.
    “What a magnificent creature!”
    “That’s Tuxano. Excuse me a moment.”
    Logan disappeared into the cottage, reemerging moments later with his top hat in place. He locked the door, mounted Tuxano with athletic grace, and urged the horse into a fast walk. The initial discomfort Jillian experienced as she rode in the rickety cart fled as the gorgeous scenery mesmerized her. The sky was a cloudless masterpiece of blue, and a pleasant breeze meant spring was well underway. The surrounding trees were putting forth shoots, and wildflowers were beginning to wake from their winter slumber.
    Beyond the trees, an expanse of pasture rolled gently as far as she could see. In the distance, a herd of deer grazed in the field. The graceful animals suddenly stood stock-still and stared in her direction, as if they could feel her eyes upon them. Tuxano trotted along without pause, however, and the deer resumed their meal. The next pasture was dotted with sheep, their fat, white coats begging to be shorn. Despite her worries and the continuing ache in her leg, Jillian smiled with pleasure.
    Tuxano kept a good pace, and they arrived at Logan’s home within the half hour. Jillian gasped with delight at her first glimpse of Idunn Court, which radiated charm and warmth. The house itself was three stories, and much of the warm yellow stonework was covered with ivy. The main dwelling was situated on a large courtyard, next to a gurgling stream. Several outlying buildings formed a square. Logan rode Tuxano into the courtyard through the gatehouse.
    As the horse and cart came to a halt, servants surged from the structure. Logan reeled off orders to an older woman Jillian assumed was the housekeeper.
    “Good morning, Mrs. Lyman. Call Mr. Jones immediately, and then prepare a guest room for Miss Roring.”
    “Right away, Mr. Logan.”
    As the woman bustled off, Logan lifted Jillian from the cart.
    “Before you take me to my room, may I first use your telephone?” she asked. “My family will be frantic.”
    “Of course.”
    From the privacy of Logan’s study, Jillian first called Aunt Letty. Since the connection was scratchy and her aunt was excited, she had to repeat her story several times.
    “Mr. Mackenzie Logan, did you say?” Aunt Letty asked.
    “Yes. I’m at his home outside Cirencester. Are you acquainted with him?”
    “Only by reputation, child. This is horrible news, I’m afraid, on top of everything else.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “That’s not important right now. I’ll catch the train to Cirencester this afternoon. My brother will meet me there with a carriage.”
    “Uncle William must be terribly worried.”
    “He’s been calling every two hours, hoping for good news. I’m going to ring him now and tell him you’re safe.”
    Her aunt severed the connection and Jillian was left to wonder if she’d misunderstood her. What horrible news could Aunt Letty be referring to?
    Logan was standing by when she emerged from the study.
    “Did you manage to reach your family?” he asked.
    “My aunt, Mrs. Marsh, is taking the afternoon train from London to fetch me, and my uncle, Sir William Monroe, will pick her up at the station.”
    “I look forward to meeting them. Now, let me see you to your room so you can rest.”
    He carried Jillian up the stairs to the second level, where the housekeeper was airing out a room. Logan deposited Jillian gently on the four-poster bed.
    “Find something fresh for our guest to wear, Mrs. Lyman, while you clean her gown. And bring breakfast on a tray,” he said, oblivious to the housekeeper’s scowl of disapproval.
    “As you wish, sir.”
    “If you will excuse me, Miss Roring,” he said. “Mrs. Lyman here will see to your