Gambling on a Scoundrel by Sheridan Jeane

Author:Sheridan Jeane [Jeane, Sheridan]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Flowers and Fullerton, LLC
Published: 2014-03-30T04:00:00+00:00

20 - News Travels Fast

Lucien felt like a dolt. What kind of person rides off in a carriage without making sure that it's in good working order?

A dolt.

But when he'd seen Tempy's excitement at the prospect of making their journey in the cabriolet, he'd never paused to wonder if it had been well maintained.

In retrospect, he really should have known better. Especially considering the lackadaisical attitudes both of his uncles had had toward their inheritance. They never took care of their toys, no matter how much they cost. And his grandfather had been no better.

As they crested a rise, Lucien caught sight of the large, fortress-like estate he'd inherited. His surge of relief at the thought of being dry was mingled with tension. His memories associated with that place were all from long ago, and just now he couldn't think of a single good one.

The reddish stone building rose up from the emerald-green grass like a fist. It was strong and imposing, just like his grandfather had been. Lucien's entire body tensed as he allowed the image of it to sink in, and he worked to alter his perception of the place.

A wing extended to one side. A wing he'd somehow forgotten about over time. It was made of glass, but it didn't glitter in the rain and drizzle, it merely looked flat and gray in the dim half-light. Despite that, his spirits lifted, just a little, at the sight of it. He'd always been intrigued by the estate's conservatory, and now it was his.

So, with slightly improved spirits, Lucien pulled the cabriolet in front of the main entrance of his estate. Just a few minutes later, the coach bearing Millicent, Boothby, and Mary arrived.

Boothby quickly assessed the bedraggled state of his employer and had all of the baggage delivered to the appropriate rooms within minutes. Mary made sure that Tempy's trunk was the first item to be unloaded, and she escorted it upstairs herself.

Fortunately, the staff at the estate was efficient, and they rushed to bring the bedraggled travelers hot water in their respective rooms. It didn't take long for Lucien to change into dry clothes, run a comb through his damp hair, and then set off to begin investigating the current state of the household.

Lucien trotted down the broad main staircase, his mood lighter than he'd anticipated. It was all due to the competency of the staff, he mentally acknowledged. Despite the lack of attention by the former Earls of Cavendish, the building and grounds had been well maintained. After questioning the butler, Barberry, Lucien discovered that there'd been little turnover among the household staff and the gardeners. Their meticulous attention to detail, even without the presence of an owner, should be commended. And would be. This estate, at least, could be removed from Lucien's list of potential problems.

The only thing that still appeared to require his immediate attention was the land dispute with his neighbor. After all, it was what had brought him here. He'd hoped it wouldn't come to this.

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