Lady In Silver: A Tangled Hearts Romance by Rebecca Ward

Author:Rebecca Ward [Ward, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: White Glove
Published: 2014-02-04T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“His lordship is engaged in business with his solicitor, sir. He has left instructions that under no circumstances is he to be disturbed.”

Marlin’s respectful tone was firm. Peter scowled and gave his knobbed cane a twirl, thereby unbalancing an umbrella stand that stood in the hallway of his cousin’s London town house.

“Dashed inconvenient,” he complained. “I need to talk to my cousin, Marlin.”

The valet suggested that Mr. Vries might care to wait. With darkling countenance Peter agreed. “But,” he added feelingly, “it ain’t any way one’s own flesh and blood. Stap me if it is.”

Marlin deftly caught a vase that Peter’s progress had dislodged, opened the door to the morning room, and seeing the earl’s cousin safely bestowed in a chair by the fire, departed to bring restoratives.

So busy was Peter with his own thoughts that he did not see the valet leave the room. “Awkward business,” he muttered. “Very awkward. Stap me if I ever thought it’d come to this.”

Muffled voices were now heard as the door to the earl’s study opened. “See to it, then,” Peter heard Brandmere say, “and report to me when you’re back in England, if you please. It is a matter of great interest to me, Flint.”

“You may safely leave this matter in my hands, my lord.” The speaker then lowered his voice and, try as he might, Peter could hear only an interminable mumble.

“Long-winded old bubble,” he grumbled. “He’ ll probably keep jawing for hours.”

He shifted in his seat, thereby dislodging a cushion. The cushion tumbled to the floor and knocked over the andirons by the fire. The clatter of the falling andirons caused the talk in the hall to subside. A moment later Brandmere was heard to say, “I’ll wish you good hunting on the continent, then.”

A moment later the earl came striding into the morning room. “At last!” Peter cried.

He shot to his feet and exclaimed, “Sir, I demand satisfaction of a gentleman.”

Just then Marlin came in with glasses and decanters. “Sherry or claret?” Brandmere wondered.

“Don’t want any damned sherry. Nor claret neither. I want—”

“Excuse me for a moment, old fellow.” Brandmere turned to his valet and asked, “Has my curricle been brought around to the door?”

The valet’s carefully bland face still managed to express a certain disapproval. “Yes, your lordship. And your bags have been made ready. However, if I may make so bold, I wish that you would allow me to accompany you.”

The earl shook his head. “On this campaign I travel fast and light. I’ll leave at once.”

This was too much for Peter, who burst ou t, “Stap me if you’re going anywhere till you’ve heard what I’ve got to say.”

Brandmere raised his eyebrows and enquired mildly, “Well, what do you want to say?”

Peter stared significantly at Marlin, who made a discreet exit. He then drew himself erect and arranged his face into what he hoped were martial lines. “Brandmere,” he announced, “I’m calling

The earl burst out laughing. Peter turned a bright crimson and shouted, “Stop that, or I’ll—damn you, Brandmere, will you listen to me?”

Abruptly, the earl stopped laughing.

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