Love Holds True by Michelle Helen Fritz

Author:Michelle Helen Fritz [Fritz, Michelle Helen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clear Spring Books
Published: 2023-08-07T16:00:00+00:00

19

THE EARLS ARRIVE AND A CONFESSION

Gideon swirled the brandy around in his glass and stared into the fire. He was grieving the fact that the Marquess had insisted that he not call on Everleigh for another day or two. He was cantankerous and irate and just wanted to catch a glimpse of her face.

Is she missing me?

His thoughts were not being kind to him; telling him that she hardly noticed his absence one bit. He had taken a walk in Hyde Park. He had taken care of procuring suitable attire befitting his new rank. He had organized the gun cabinet that the last Earl of Fairfield had constructed and wondered why one so large was needed in Town. He made a mental note to have it carted off to his country estate. He didn’t see the sense in so large a collection in the townhouse as the hunts generally took place in the country.

While Gideon was considering pouring himself a third glass, he heard a rap on the front door. He curiously waited to see who was calling. Since he had been residing in his own townhouse, he had received the errant visitor or two, and not all were male. He had promptly sent them all on their way and wondered what sort of a bounder the last earl had been. He chuckled when he wondered what inconvenience it would cause his brother, if any, were he to give them directions to his townhouse. He and Francis had not spoken since their visit with the Duke in Sutton which was a few days ago.

His mind returned to that morning when he knew for certain that there would be no swaying Francis from his path.

I am still slightly embarrassed to have witnessed such open affection that was not for my eyes, not to mention all of the flesh that was on display. Dear Lord, scrub it from my mind.

The study door was opened by the butler, who regally announced, “The Earls Bramley and Hathwell have called. Shall I send them in?” Grant was so unlike Murdock in both manner and physique. Gideon often felt like an unruly schoolboy when he gave a directive and Grant took a moment to act. Did the man think he wasn’t quite up to snuff?

Gideon quickly dismissed the thought as he felt happiness overtake him. He smiled wide and nodded to Grant. He attempted to straighten his cravat, but it was wrinkled beyond repair. Instead, he stood up straighter and hoped no one would notice.

Lord Bramley entered the room with a smile lighting up his kind face. Lord Hathwell followed with a grin of equal pleasure. Gideon rose and closed the distance between them. He approached Lord Bramley and the pair shook hands. He greeted Lord Hathwell and exchanged pleasantries as they, too, shook hands. Gideon offered them drinks, which they readily accepted, then inquired if they would like to play a game of billiards, to which both men answered in the affirmative.

Gideon led the way to the billiard room and set his brandy down.

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.