Love for Lucinda by Gayle Buck

Author:Gayle Buck [Buck, Gayle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1996-09-27T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Startled, Lucinda realized that Mays House had not been the closest place of succor. If Lord Mays had bypassed his own lodgings to bring her cousin to her, then he had also passed her cousin’s lodgings as well, for the two gentlemen resided within a mere block of one another.

“But whyever did you not take him to his own lodgings, pray?”

Lord Mays coughed delicately behind his hand. “Fellow told me that his pockets are all to let and that the tipsters are looking for him. He daren’t return to his own lodgings until he brings himself about.”

“That sounds very like Ferdie,” said Lucinda. The thought came to her suddenly. She cast a sharp glance at Lord Mays. “At whose suggestion was it decided to bring my cousin here?”

“Why, I suppose Mr. Stassart voiced it. Of course, I saw at once it was just the thing to do since he is your father’s heir as well as your cousin,” said Lord Mays.

Lucinda gave a laugh. “Did he assure you that he was my father’s heir even as he lay bleeding all over the hackney seat? That does indeed sound just like Ferdie!”

Lord Mays began to look slightly anxious. “Have I not done as I should, then? Should I not have brought your cousin here?”

Lucinda made haste to reassure him. “No, you did just right, Wilfred. It is just that I am rather suspicious of anything that my cousin has managed to turn to his own benefit. Ferdie has a habit of taking advantage of one’s good nature and compassion. If he was not so seriously wounded as you seem to think, I would be tempted to send him straight back to his lodgings to face the consequences of his folly. He is something of a wastrel, as you know. I have regretted for many years that he is my father’s heir, for he has abused the position any number of times.”

“I see,” said Lord Mays slowly. He shot a keen look at Lucinda’s face. A frown gathered in his own eyes. “If the fellow gives you trouble, Lucinda, you have only to apply to me. I am responsible, after all, for bringing Stassart to your house.”

Lucinda placed her hand on his lordship’s arm. “You are very good, Wilfred. I do most highly value your friendship. Be assured, I will not hesitate to call upon you if I should ever find myself in difficulties.”

Lord Mays grinned in his crooked, attractive fashion. He was relieved that she was not annoyed with him for his unwitting blunder. He reached over to catch hold of her hand and lifted her fingers briefly to his lips. “I shall leave you to it, then. After bringing such unexpected trouble to you, I daren’t take the chance that I shall somehow offend you further!”

Lucinda smiled. “I can’t think how you could possibly offend me, sir. But nevertheless I shall not hold you with me any longer. No doubt I shall be called upon before many more minutes to go up to my cousin.

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