Gothic Romance by L.V. Lloyd

Author:L.V. Lloyd [Lloyd, L.V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Gay Romance, lgbtq, romance 1820s, regency gothic, regency gay
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Jonathan and Evelyn stood stock still in surprise, just failing to cover the flash of dismay that crossed their faces. It seemed their little holiday was over.

Lord D’Anvers greeted them both with a knowing smile. “Ah, there you are. I thought I’d come up and join you for a few days, the dust and noise were simply unbearable. I’ve given most of the servants leave to return home while the house is in such disrepair. The stonemason says the top storey will have to go, but he thinks we can save the bottom two floors. He’ll have a better idea once the ruined part is completely demolished.”

He turned to his son. “Evelyn, I’ve ordered an early supper for you. It’s waiting for you in your room if you’d like to go ahead.” Evelyn’s hunger after a day’s sightseeing made it easy for him to accept the dismissal without arguing, and he disappeared quickly into his room.

A quick glance around, showed Jonathan that his lordship had made himself at home in their absence. His toiletries were on the dressing table and Jonathan’s own things had been moved to the dressing room next door. A small truckle bed had been set up inside with his bag at the foot.

“I knew you wouldn’t mind, Jonathan,” smiled Lord D’Anvers. “It’s just for a few nights. I thought you’d prefer that, to sharing with... Evelyn.” His eyes danced.

Jonathan pressed his lips together. “Of course, my lord.”

D’Anvers was still speaking, “I’ve ordered dinner for us to be brought up at eight o’clock. After that, I’ll be going out for the evening, I’ve got a masquerade ball to attend.” He dropped his eyes for a second as he slipped the driving cape from his shoulders, then added casually, “Perhaps you’d care to accompany me, Jonathan? Jenkins came up with me in the coach. He could keep an eye on Evelyn tonight if needs be, not that the boy really requires it at his age.”

A masquerade ball! Jonathan had never been to a ball. The only dances he’d attended were small country affairs. Jonathan knew he should decline politely, but instead, found himself spluttering, “I couldn’t. I don’t have a costume, my lord.”

“That’s no matter!” came the cheerful assurance. “Just put on evening dress and wear a domino mask. That’s what I’ll be doing. I’m sure I’ve got a spare domino here somewhere,” he added, searching through his bags.

Triumphantly, he held up a small black mask, dangling from one finger. “Here you are!”

An hour later, Jonathan was squeezed into the dressing room, pulling on his smartest fawn breeches, in truth, the only good pair he owned. On top, he wore the blue silk shirt and black jacket that Lord D’Anvers had given him, and tied a clean blue cravat around his throat. He brushed his hair until it shone and peered into the looking glass to see what he looked like. He smiled involuntarily. He thought he looked all the crack, if he did say so himself.

He hesitated before opening the door which led straight into Lord D’Anver’s bedchamber.

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