Secrets of Sloane House
Page 29
He, however, was making a small fortune for Hope House this evening. That was what he needed to focus on. His fee alone would cover the expenses of the women and children who lived there for almost a month. That was reason alone to be standing around in an ill-fitting borrowed tuxedo attempting to look vigilant.
“Ready to split up again?” Sean asked. “I’ll check the balconies and alcoves while you check the perimeter’s grounds.”
Owen pulled out his timepiece. “That suits me fine. Meet back here in an hour?”
As the set ended and the men escorted their partners off the dance floor, Sean watched Owen walk in the direction of the outdoor patio, decorated in a flurry of white candles.
Then, unable to help himself, he looked for her pale lace gown the color of spring grass. He exhaled as he saw Eloisa being escorted off the floor and toward one of the private rooms off to the side. She was in Quentin Gardner’s company, which was reason enough for Sean to pretend he didn’t see her. Quentin’s father was not only paying his fee, the family was also believed to be above reproach. In short, Quentin was everything Sean was not. He was exactly the type of gentleman Eloisa should be near.
But then Sean noticed that her expression had become strained and she was trying to pull her arm from Quentin’s grip. Her eyes were darting around the room, as if she was looking for anyone to give her assistance.
He stilled. Stared at her hard, not caring if his attention was garnering notice.
He knew the exact moment she recognized him. Her lips parted. Her pleading look told him everything he needed to know.
It didn’t matter who she was or who she was with. Eloisa Carstairs was looking to him for help.
And he would do almost anything to go to her assistance.
AUTHOR BIO
Photo by The New Studio
Shelley Gray is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers’ prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
She also spends a lot of time online. Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news, or find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/ShelleyShepardGray