Regina Scott by The Heiresss Homecoming

Author:The Heiresss Homecoming
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

“What do you think of the Everards, Father?” Jamie asked later that night in the Kendrick withdrawing room.

A part of Will had expected to dislike the Everard men on sight. From jumping fences to courting maidens, the stories of their antics were legendary in the valley. Instead he’d felt surprisingly at home.

“I like them,” he admitted, stretching his legs toward the fire from where he and Jamie sat. “Your uncle and I were far enough apart in age, and we were never close, so at times I felt like an only child. It strikes me I could have done worse than to have one of these men as a brother or cousin.”

Jamie nodded. “And Vaughn Everard isn’t nearly as terrifying as I remembered. I can’t see him killing Uncle.” He leaned forward, and the light from the fire gave his face lines he hadn’t yet earned. “You were next to Samantha all through dinner. Did you get a chance to ask?”

“One doesn’t ask about murder in front of friends and family,” Will cautioned, remembering the many years it had taken him to get the knack of move and countermove, all handled with velvet gloves. “And I’m not sure she trusts me enough to have that conversation yet.”

Jamie leaned back and slapped the knees of his evening trousers. “Well, I say they’re innocent. I’m sure you’ll convince her to clear up the matter. I’ll be off in the morning to help her. Will I see you there later?”

“Count on it,” Will replied. Jamie might not appreciate Will hanging about, but Samantha had invited him. And he had work to do if he was to convince her to share what she knew about Gregory’s death. Besides, just the thought of spending a day in the vibrant atmosphere he had experienced that evening raised his spirits.

Consequently he rose early and made sure there was no urgent estate business that needed his attention. His staff had never caught sight of the outrider Will had seen the other day, so he felt confident the fellow had moved on. He had Arrow saddled and rode across the fields to Dallsten Manor.

The day was clear and warm. The crisp scent Will attributed to the fells drifted on the breeze. The Everards had evidently decided to make the most of the good weather, for a number of them were out on the lawn in front of the manor. However two were conspicuously absent—Vaughn Everard and Prentice Haygood. Despite the marquess’s claims to civility last night, Will could only hope he wasn’t out somewhere challenging the unfortunate Mr. Haygood to a duel for daring to court his cousin.

Adele had her young daughter in her lap and was braiding buttercups into her hair. She waved to Will as a footman came up to take the reins so he could dismount. “Good morning, Lord Kendrick. I think we’re in for pleasant weather for the party.”

“And how could God send rain on such lovely ladies?” Will asked, bowing to them both. Her daughter giggled and snuggled closer to her mother.

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