Brandywine by Jackie Ivie

Author:Jackie Ivie [Ivie, Jackie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-07-08T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

“Well? Did it work?”

Gil ignored the question and continued surveying the street outside his townhouse. It was a bachelor’s residence. Nothing much devoted to frippery and nonsense. He’d have Helene handle that, once they relocated to here. But not for some time. The season was nearly over, and Reg was here more often than Gil, anyway. He couldn’t see turning him out. Of course, if Reg continued to abuse his host’s good nature with pointed questions, continuing hospitality would be the least of his issues.

“Must you be so closed-mouthed about it? I’m of a mind to go visit Helene and ascertain it for myself.”

“You’re not to approach her, Reg! Why the hell do you think I’m staying absent?”

“I’ve no notion. If you’d been listening to me, you would’ve known that. All I know is that you returned to the ball after an unconscionably lengthy absence with your wife, and then turned the entire thing upside down with an impromptu piano concert. Not that it wasn’t the most moving concert of the year, mind you – that’s why we gave you several ovations – but it was a trifle difficult to dance to.”

“I’m beginning to think I don’t like you, Lord Dunston.”

“You’re awkward this morning, Gillian. And close-mouthed. And I’ve a bet riding on this.”

“You bet...on what?” He didn’t say it loudly, but anger still permeated the question.

“The success of your plot, of course.”

“Reginald, you’ll be tossed out very quickly if you so much as breathed a word!” He slammed his fist into the window ledge.

“The wager is registered at White’s, dear boy, and don’t go getting all het up. I’m not that big a dolt. I merely bet Runyon that you’d be welcoming an heir within one year, that’s all.”

“Why would he take you up on that? I’ve a certain reputation, after all.”

“How should I know? He merely asked me last week if I had any intimate knowledge of your marriage.”

“He what?” Gil glared at the teeming street and realized he was shaking.

“He’s a bit out of sorts about this Helen thing, and I’d never have taken him up on it, except, he, well, insulted you. I had little choice.”

“I’m still not answering your question, Reg. I don’t care what’s riding on it. You shouldn’t be so stupid.”

“Stupid, am I? With the way you eye her? Fustian! If she didn’t succumb to your wiles last eve, well, I’ve got almost twelve months left to collect, haven’t I?”

“I’ve nothing to say on the matter,” Gil replied tightly.

“You mean I acted the part of a sot for nothing, after wasting an entire bottle of fine whiskey to practically bathe in? And you call me stupid?”

Gil turned, eyeing his friend with distaste, and then he narrowed his eyes. “Can you get any more information from the Binghams?”

“After asking doltish questions for over an hour already? You must think I’ve the patience of a saint.”

“Can you or can’t you?”

“You’ll place your stable at my disposal again?”

“And my purse.”

“Fair enough. You’ve got your man.

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