A Free Choice (Ganymede Quartet Book 4.5) by Glass Darrah

Author:Glass, Darrah [Glass, Darrah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781626227408
Publisher: 3H Press
Published: 2015-08-11T22:00:00+00:00

Martin woke long before Henry on Saturday, the day of Henry’s party. He did his calisthenics, showered, and went downstairs for his breakfast. He was excited and full of energy and found it hard to concentrate on anything. Luckily, nothing much was expected of him; he’d concluded all his preparatory work by mid-week, and Mr. Tim and Miss Pearl would be overseeing the running of the party.

Mr. Tim got up from the breakfast table on some business or other, and as soon as he was gone, Martin’s friends had a great deal to say about his relation with Henry. He’d been teased a little yesterday, but Martin was not surprised they had not yet exhausted their enjoyment of his discomfort.

Billy leaned across the table and said, “I couldn’t help but notice that you and young Mr. Blackwell didn’t leave the house at all yesterday.”

“Oh, you’re very observant,” Martin said, rolling his eyes. He took another bite of his potato hash.

“Did you even leave his room?” Jerry slid over a chair closer so he was directly at Martin’s elbow, all the better to be annoying.

“You saw me at breakfast and dinner,” Martin pointed out. “Of course we left the room.” They had only left for meals, though.

“Well, it’s good you enjoy your work as much as you do,” Billy said, his tone playfully sanctimonious, “since you seem to have such a lot of it.”

Martin did not dignify this with a response. He cast a baleful eye at Billy and ate some scrambled eggs.

“Really,” Jerry said, “your work ethic is admirable. Day after day of back-breaking labor…” He snorted with amusement.

“Down on your knees, slaving away.” Billy laughed as Martin scowled at him.

It would do him no good to be affronted. Martin made himself smile, though it felt a bit strained. “It is satisfying work,” he said, aiming for an air of unconcern. “Not the kind of satisfaction you get working under a butler or a horse, of course.”

“Oh ho!” Jerry reared back from him, both insulted and impressed by the jab. Down at the other end of the table, the maids looked over with interest at the noise of his outburst.

“I’m sure those are far more rewarding jobs,” Martin said with lofty disinterest. He picked up a strip of bacon and put it in his mouth.

Billy laughed and leaned back in his chair. “No, I guess you’ll never know what it’s like to answer the siren call of the doorbell,” he said. Then, as if it had only just occurred to him, he said, “Does he even expect you to open doors for him?”

“Of course he does!” Martin said, slightly offended. “I do everything I’m meant to do. I don’t shirk my duties!”

“So touchy!” Jerry said, clapping him on the back. He left his hand on Martin’s shoulder and rubbed it. “We really do know what a good boy you are, Martin. He’s lucky to have you.”

“I’m fortunate, too,” Martin said firmly.

“You know, I’ve wondered…” Billy’s voice was a slow drawl, and his sly expression filled Martin with dread for what his next words might be.

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