Page 15 of Lords, Ladies and Love

Reuben eyed the determined old woman and weighed his options. He did not dare climb the ladder and stand behind her as he doubted the wood would take both of their weights. He did not think he could grab her forcefully without doing any damage either, nor would his aunt be too impressed. His only option was to remain at the bottom of the ladder and hope if she fell, he could react quickly enough to catch her.

Another book went flying, barely missing his foot. He darted aside and shook his head. “Perhaps throwing the books is not the best idea,” he suggested.

“Then how will I know which ones I have already looked at.” His aunt pressed a finger to her lips, leaving her clinging to the ladder with one bony, frail hand, and a cold shiver ran down Reuben’s backbone.

“It was one with a red spine,” she murmured.

Another book crashed down.

He blew out a frustrated breath. “Aunt,” he tried again, but she ignored him and flung another book down.

How had this happened? Why was she even alone? And in a state of undress? Damn it all, he knew Angel was not suited to this job.

“Where is Angel?” he asked, hardly managing to suppress the annoyed note in his voice.

“Oh, she’s resting,” his aunt said airily as she reached for another book.

Heart in his mouth, Reuben braced himself to leap into action. She balanced on the step with one foot while she reached for a book, fingers outstretched.

“Why do I not look for you?” he suggested.

“No, only I know what I’m looking for.” She snatched the book and pulled it out before peering closely at the spine then casting it onto the growing pile of books to the side of the ladder.

Behind him, the library door creaked open. He turned to view Angel stepping into the room, looking neat and tidy and perfectly pressed in a pale purple gown. “What is—” Her mouth dropped open. “Oh dear.”

“Yes, oh dear,” he said tightly.

Angel stepped into the room and came to stand at his side, craning her neck to view his aunt. “Mrs. Stone, what are you doing? I thought you were going to stay in bed and read.”

“Yes, well I could not find the book I wanted.” Aunt Jean tutted and pitched another book to the floor.

Angel darted to one side and narrowly avoided being struck. She pursed her lips and took a step back. “It’s nearly time for the morning meal, Mrs. Stone, why do you not let me look?”

“She said she is the only one who knows what she’s looking for,” Reuben muttered.

His aunt paused and glanced down at Angel. She smiled warmly. “You are a good girl.” She made her way gingerly down the ladder, and Reuben stepped back to let her descend.

He shook his head. One sentence from the woman and apparently his aunt was going to cooperate. As ifshehad not been the one to let his aunt get into this mess in the first place.

“I am feeling peckish,” his aunt said brightly.

“Why do you not go and dress while we look?” Angel suggested.

He had to bite back a grunt of dismay when his aunt nodded and patted Angel’s hand. “See what a good girl she is, Roo.” Aunt Jean looked at him, forcing a response.

“I see,” he said tersely.

“It’s a red book with gold lettering,” she explained to Angel.

Angel nodded. “I will find it and bring it to your room.”

Aunt Jean gave a satisfied smile and left the library. Reuben waited until the library door was shut before turning to face Angel. Arms folded, he forced himself to take a breath. “Why was she alone?”

Angel peered around at the mess. “Well, this is going to take a little tidying.”

“Angel,” he bit out. “Why was my aunt left alone?”

“She told me to get some rest. As she said, she had decided to stay in bed and read for a while.” She lifted both hands. “I did not know she was intending to turn the library upside down.” An amused smile flickered on full lips.

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