Midnight My Love by Anne Marie Novark

Author:Anne Marie Novark
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: betrayal, historical romance, regency, regency romp, alpha male, traditional regency, reunion story, second chance at love, friends to lovers, secondary love story

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Alexandra paused in front of the closed door to the Crimson Room, where everyone was assembled before dinner. She took a deep breath and summoned up her most charming smile.

Upon entering the room, she saw Robert standing near the hearth, a strained look on his face. Aunt Haygood, in her favorite chair, spoke earnestly to Lord Thane. Lady Felicia, with her pug in her lap, sat next to her father on the sofa and Jenny worked busily on her tambour frame. There was no sign of Rochdale yet.

Aunt Haygood beamed at her niece. "Alexandra, dearest. I was just telling Lord Thane how he would benefit immensely from my peppermint teas. They're just the thing to rejuvenate him and put life into his soul."

Alex sat in a chair next to her aunt. Lord Thane's eyes bulged and his numerous chins quivered. Somehow, she didn't think he relished the thought of drinking anything weaker than wine.

"How was the fishing today, my lord?" Alex asked.

"Ah . . . fishing," the earl sighed in relief. "Now that puts life into a man. The trout were hitting splendidly, just as you promised. Remarkable sport. I gave the day's catch to your cook, and left instructions on how best to prepare it. Hope you don't mind, my dear."

Alex smiled. "Not at all. I hope Mrs. Abernathy will not disappoint you."

The doors opened and Sterling showed Carlisle in. The squire came to stand near Alex's chair.

"My dear Miss Turlington," he said softly. He took her hand in his and Alexandra clung to him like a lifeline.

Rochdale arrived at this moment and strode quickly toward the hearth. Alex wondered if his face was frozen in a permanent scowl. His penetrating gaze held hers for a brief second, then he turned his shoulder and conversed with Robert until Sterling announced dinner.

****

Damien sat at the long dining table and sipped his wine. The first course had passed smoothly, though he'd noticed a certain tension among the diners. He covertly watched Robert at the head of the table. This was his friend's first time to dine among guests.

When the second course was served, Lord Thane bestirred himself. "Miss Turlington, I hope you enjoy the trout. I told your cook to use lemon-butter and rosemary for garnish, then broil them for twelve minutes. No more, no less." He allowed a footman to place a generous helping of the trout on his plate, with a serving of boiled potatoes and asparagus on the side. "Only one thing better than catching fish and that's eating 'em," he said, his mouth partially full and his fat cheeks rolling.

Damien was served a portion of the roasted round of beef, and realized there were none of the usual stews or puddings which had previously graced the dinner table since Robert's accident. He hoped Mrs. Abernathy wouldn't send his meat in, already cut.

He'd caught an unusually determined light in Rob's eye tonight. Something was in the wind. At that moment, Robert pulled out a gold and jeweled dirk.

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