A Lady's Doubt by A.S. Fenichel

Author:A.S. Fenichel
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

For his plan to work, Miles would have to time everything perfectly. The Everton carriage stood in the street as he pulled up to his brother’s townhouse. Robbie being inside made everything worthwhile. However, the idea that she was enduring her father’s company had Miles taking the steps two at a time.

A new butler opened the door. “Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning. Forgive me, you are?”

“Travis, sir.”

“I shall not forget again, Travis. I hope things are going well for you.” In the past, Miles would have handled a new hire, but he’d stepped back in the past few weeks.

Travis nodded stiffly. “Everything is satisfactory, sir. Thank you for asking.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Miles had made sure the retired butler was properly pensioned. It would have been just like Ford to leave the man with nothing after twenty years of service. Miles hoped that would be the last work he would ever do for his brother.

“Your mother, brother and the Fletcher family await you in the study,” Travis said.

For all of his adult life, Miles had thought keeping his brother out of trouble and taking care of the family accounts was a lark and not a bad way to live for a third son. Yet once freedom and Robbie’s heart were dangled before him, he wanted those things more than breath.

Without knocking, Miles opened the study door.

Roberson Fletcher hovered over Robbie. “You will do as I say, Roberta. You have disobeyed me for the last time.”

As beautiful as ever, Robbie sighed without responding. She leaned on her fist, and her elbow rested on the arm of the overstuffed chair.

Her mother, Lenora Fletcher, sat in the other chair, smiling as if her greatest day had arrived. She seemed impervious to her husband’s blathering or her daughter’s misery.

Behind his desk, Ford squinted at a page, which meant he wasn’t certain about the meaning.

Mother stood and crossed to Miles. Her red hair was pulled into a loose bun. Streaks of gray running through were the only indication of her age. She kissed his cheek, and whispered, “Are you certain about all of this?”

Roberson barked, “Sit up straight. You’re not the baker’s daughter. I swear, I have no idea where you got such bad habits. It certainly wasn’t from your mother or me.”

Mother rolled her eyes, giving Miles the impression Roberson had been at this for some time.

“Don’t worry, Mother. I am most definitely doing the right thing.” Miles patted her hand and fully entered the room. “Good morning. I’m happy to see everyone is here.”

“Good. Miles, read this.” Ford held the betrothal agreement out toward him.

Ignoring Ford, Miles turned to Robbie. “It’s good to see you again, Miss Fletcher.”

She stood and curtsied. “And you, Mr. Hallsmith. My father tells me the documents are all in order. I hope they will be acceptable to you.”

“Your agreement honors me.” It wasn’t easy to hide his elation, and when she blushed, it took all his effort to remain serious. It wouldn’t do to give away the plan before the game was won.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.