Through Gypsy Eyes Read Free Page B

piano keys. “
Respect?
You interrupt my morning in such a rude manner and yet demand respect?” She gave a hollow laugh to cover the nervousness his close proximity caused.
    “I am Lord Frost, the Earl of Merryweather.”
    “So I have already been informed.” She flexed her fingers before settling them back in their place on the keys.
    The butler cleared his throat in the vicinity of the door. She grinned, the tension easing from her limbs.
Ah, Aims will take care of him.
“Aims, please see Lord
Frostbite
out, will you?”
    The heat from the stranger’s low growl brushed the back of her neck. “Of all the gall. Have you no sense of propriety?”
    This overbearing man is getting very tiresome.
Her fingers shook when she returned to the chorus of the song. He would leave if she ignored him, or when Aims retrieved a pistol and forced him out. Either way, sooner or later he would get tired of standing there, being snubbed.
    “Stop!”
    She disregarded his protest and switched to a dark and ominous tune, attempting to drown out his obnoxiousness.
    “I said stop it!” A pair of large, warm hands covered hers. The chords faded as he held her fingers imprisoned against the smooth ivory.
    She gasped. Her anger and fear began to make her lightheaded. “Release me this instant. Aims!”
    The fingers on hers tightened. “Aims, if you move I shall break your mistress’s fingers.” The sinister threat was enough to elicit a yelp from herself and Aims.
    “Now, see here, you cannot just go about threatening people in their own homes,” she spat with false bravado.
    Grunting, he released his grip. “By the king’s own hand I have permission to speak with you on a matter of utmost importance.” The rustle of paper proved his claim was probable.
    She groaned. Perhaps if she allowed him have his say he would be more willing to leave when Aims showed him the door. “Very well. State your business and be quick about it.”
    The paper crinkled and his footsteps retreated to the settee. “Perhaps you should read the missive from the king yourself.”
    How was she to get around this one with any dignity left intact? “Aims can read it for me.”
    “You cannot read.”
    Delilah frowned at the statement. Of course she couldn’t, not in the manner he expected; however, she was not about to tell him. Why didn’t he just go away? She slid along the piano bench to the opposite end, griped the sturdy corner of the instrument and got to her feet. Turning, she directed a bright smile in his direction. “State your business, my lord, then be gone with you, for I have many things to do this day.” Any hopes of his retreat faded at the creak of the chair and approach of his whispered tread on the carpet. Lowering her head she attempted to avoid his direct gaze.
    “Is something amiss?”
    She caught the edge of concern in his query.
He’s going to see my short-coming.
“There is naught wrong but your refusal to come to the point, my lord.” She bit her lip. He was standing there, staring at her; she could sense his demanding gaze. His scent tickled her nostrils. Frowning she tried to place the odd, yet familiar odor.
Minty and … fresh grass?
She shook her head to redirect her thoughts.
If I do not move away from him, he will discover my secret.
In her haste to flee she forgot about the edge of the bench beside her, and her knee caught the brunt of the impact. In desperation she struck out for something to grab hold of to retain her balance.
    A firm hand steadied her. “You are
blind.
”
    Anger resurfaced at his shocked utterance.
Why must I face more humiliation at another man’s hand?
“Yes, my lord, I am naught but a helpless invalid you have come accosting.”
    “I am sorry. I did not know.”
    His voice carried the oh-too-familiar trace of pity, and bile rose to the back of her throat. Delilah shoved him away and braced herself against the piano leg. “Just state your business and leave.”
    He stepped back, clearing