Flirtation and the Fortune Hunter (Flirting with the Fitzwilliams) by Andrea Duke

Author:Andrea Duke [Duke, Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-26T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Once Zeke had given his approval for the match with Dorinda, Thad was eager to speak with the Duke of Ballard. But Harry wanted to meet with Mr. Osman first. They had no idea of the man’s character. Who knew what they were getting into, if the man remained a part of Dorinda’s life?

Thad had asked Dorinda if she knew how to contact Osman. She had his sister’s direction, so Thad wrote to him there.

Mr. Osman agreed to meet in a village south of Springmoor. Zeke dressed Harry and Thad in clothes well below their station. Harry didn’t want to risk drawing attention.

The three of them set off on horseback. It was an easy ride on good roads, the air comfortably cool. The fresh smell of cut hay wafted on the breeze.

Around noon, they entered a tavern. Candles flickering in their sconces provided light. The low, beamed ceiling gave the dining room a cosy feel. Scattered groups of travellers or locals enjoyed a meal at sturdy wooden tables. The savoury aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and hearty ale hung in the air.

They found an open table, and Zeke ordered a round of drinks. They had decided that Zeke should do most of the talking to the staff. That way, Harry and Thad wouldn’t reveal their aristocratic accents.

A brown-skinned man of about thirty entered, looking nervous. He wore a bright blue coat and red cap, as Mr. Osman had said he would. He was a sturdy man of medium height, his face handsome but lined with worry.

Zeke stood, and the man approached. “Mr. Jones?” Osman asked. Zeke shook his hand, and they both sat.

“I’m Harcourt,” Harry said. “This is my cousin, Thad Fitzwilliam.”

“Karim Osman.” The man’s posture was taut with apprehension, and his eyes darted about the room.

“Relax, Mr. Osman.” Harry’s tone was low and soothing. “We’re friends of Dorinda. You’ll come to no harm here.”

Osman’s words rushed out. “How is Lady Dorinda?”

“She’s well,” Harry said. “She’s unhappy that her father is manipulating her future—”

“Has he forced her to marry that bounder Millington?” Osman’s tone was bitter.

Harry looked at the man in surprise. “Not at all. I’ve heard nothing about Lord Millington.”

“He courted her during the season,” Osman explained. “Her father wanted the match. Lady Dorinda couldn’t bear it.” A look of disgust tightened his expression. “Millington is reputed to have two mistresses, and he speaks of nothing but stags and hunting dogs.”

Harry nodded his understanding. “Her father is no longer promoting that alliance. I promise, Lady Dorinda won’t be pressured into an unhappy situation. My cousin and I will make sure of that.”

Osman relaxed a little. “Before our trip north, she said she might have called on the two of you for protection, if you hadn’t been on the Continent. I trust that you have her best interest at heart. Please, if you can ensure that Lady Dorinda is safe and happy, that’s all I ask. I don’t care what happens to me, as long as she’s well.

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.