The First Act by Vanessa Mulberry

Author:Vanessa Mulberry [Mulberry, Vanessa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
ISBN: 978-1-63477-782-7
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2016-10-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

WILLIAM FROWNED, a mixture of confusion and anger on his face. “I don’t understand. Why would Bennett do that to you?”

Richard knew the answer, but he wouldn’t share it with William.

“I don’t know,” he muttered.

“Did he say nothing last night?”

Last night. Lord, how Bennett must have laughed at him when he left. Richard had thrown himself at his former master the way he had as a youth, shamed himself by revealing he was as softhearted and headed as ever, and then promised to come back for more tonight. He would be back, but it would not be for pleasure.

“He said plenty last night, but none of it a clue to this. Let’s go back to the inn.”

“But—”

“And let’s do it in silence.”

As they made their way back to the Spurre, Richard imagined everything he might say to Bennett that evening. He was angry, and he would make sure Bennett suffered under the torrent of his rage.

Bennett had lied to and manipulated him in the past, but never did anything as calculated as this. The ruse could only have been designed to win his good favor at a time when they had been apart for so long Richard’s feelings might be expected to have cooled. Bennett needed him to be grateful.

Back at the inn, Richard instructed William to change into his own clothes and then fetch the lines from Geoffrey. William did as asked without argument or comment, but Richard could see the concern on his face.

Alone at last, he took up his bag and checked his purse. Fortunately he’d spent nothing of the five pounds Bennett gave him. He had a mind to keep it, given the trouble he’d been caused, but there would be satisfaction in returning it unspent. Besides, Bennett would have got the other thirty back. He might as well have the lot.

William arrived with the script a minute later. He kept his head down, sat at the table dutifully, and didn’t try to engage Richard in conversation. Richard was grateful for his silence and that he was not sullen or miserable with it.

Taking a penny from his purse, he went to sit at the table facing William.

“Thank you for your help today,” he said as calmly as he could manage. “I’m sorry I was short with you. You risked a lot to get me this information, and I should have shown you my gratitude earlier.”

William took his hand tentatively, strengthening his grip when Richard didn’t pull away. “I’ve not finished yet,” he said. “I think you need comfort, and I will provide it.”

“You have lines to learn.” Richard carefully withdrew his hand from William’s grasp and stood from the table. “Here is a penny for your dinner when you’re done.”

William watched him put it on the table but didn’t move to pick it up. “What will you be doing?”

Richard could tell from his tone that William had an idea and it didn’t please him. “Going to see Bennett.”

Eyes narrowing, William set his jaw, determined now. “I’ll not let you go,” he said.

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