The Duchess and the Duelist (Friendship Series Book 4) by Julia Donner

Author:Julia Donner [Donner, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2014-12-28T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Freddy braced the heels of his palms on the fireplace mantel. The mansion wasn’t kept as warmly as when Lady Asterly was in residence. She chilled easily. Normally, Freddy disliked the heat. The tension that tightened his shoulder muscles might have been eased by overheating. He almost flinched when Asterly’s hand settled on his back.

“Have patience, Freddy. She’s on her way down.”

“I don’t look forward to telling her that we’ve no news about her son.”

The bracing weight of Asterly’s hand fell away. “I don’t relish that either. Let’s see what Crimm has unearthed. He said his runners should be returning after luncheon. Not that anyone is in a mood to eat.”

Sir Harry strolled into the receiving room, brightening the interior with his dash and physical perfection. “Is Olivia on her way down with Mrs. Merrick?”

“Any moment now,” Asterly said to his brother. “Freddy and I were about to discuss what’s to be done with the bastard that’s got her boy.”

Freddy pushed away from the fireplace mantel. “Isn’t he twelve or thirteen by now? Certainly old enough to fight off the sod.”

Sir Harry drew his blond eyebrows into a scowl. “What are you suggesting?”

Asterly said, “The uncle is Archibald McInnlay.”

Sir Harry’s eyes widened. He whispered a curse, then said, “No wonder she’s hidden the boy all this time.” He joined them at the fireplace. “Will you shoot him down, Freddy, or would you rather I carve him up?”

Freddy felt a rueful grin twist his lips. “T’would be a fitting enough repayment for all the hours you made me help with the cutting in your cane fields.”

“Nonsense,” Sir Harry retorted with pretended affront. “It made you fit. Little men require muscle to lend fierce aspect to their stature.”

“Lud, Collyns, I don’t have to look up that far. And you’re not so high in the atmosphere that my fist can’t squash your pretty nose.”

Asterly murmured, “Enough squabbling, boys. I hear the ladies coming.”

The men made sure they presented an urbane image of a friendly trio as the women came through. When Evangeline started to curtsey, Olivia towed her by the arm across the room.

Freddy watched with a wistfulness he couldn’t regret when Harry greeted his wife with a kiss on the cheek. Harry and his brother were unusually demonstrative men. In the past, Freddy had never been able to quell a pang of annoyance when Asterly made a show of his fondness for Elizabeth at every opportunity. Now, Freddy understood the root of the irritation. Envy. Simple as that. Until this moment, he’d never understood how much he desired that sort of bond and easy affection in his own life.

Evangeline kept her gaze on the floor during the affectionate exchange. When she glanced up, he made sure she connected with and understood the meaning of an eloquent stare. She clutched the folds of her frock’s skirt and looked away, openly relieved when Olivia took her hand and pulled her toward a settee.

After tugging Evangeline down to sit beside her, Olivia demanded, “What news have we from Crimm?”

Asterly replied, “Nothing yet.

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