The Lost Lord of Castle Black (The Lost Lords Book 1) by Chasity Bowlin

Author:Chasity Bowlin [Bowlin, Chasity]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781976264429
Google: RzfGswEACAAJ
Amazon: B075GWPNTY
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2017-09-06T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Graham noted the ease with which Edmund sat his horse. He was not a horseman. He could ride, but he didn’t have the gift for it some did, mostly because he’d spent more time on ships than on the backs of the temperamental beasts. Still, he could at least hold his own. Given that they were alone, it was as good a time as any to see what information he could get out of Edmund.

“Is there good hunting on the estate?” Graham asked casually.

Edmund frowned. “Of course, there is. I’ve worked diligently with the gamekeeper to ensure it!”

“Perhaps we could organize a hunt.” Graham uttered the suggestion with the thought that it would give him an opportunity to gauge Edmund’s marksmanship.

“I do not hunt myself,” Edmund replied with a distasteful sneer. “Smelly, noisy dogs running to and fro, making a racket and a mess! I’ve never had much use for it. I leave that to the gamekeeper and his apprentice! If you wish to hunt, you’ll need to speak to them about it.”

“I will do that,” Graham agreed reasonably. “Tell me, is there much trouble with poachers?”

Edmund drew his mount up. “We have no poachers at Castle Black. I have always taken my responsibilities here very seriously and that means ensuring that all aspects of the estate are cared for properly! I don’t like what you’re insinuating!”

Graham realized that Edmund’s anger stemmed from thinking his management skills were being questioned, rather than any accusations of attempted murder. Halting his own horse, he confronted the man squarely. “I was shot last night. On the estate, just as I’d turned my mount up the drive. If it wasn’t a poacher, it was something infinitely more sinister.”

Edmund didn’t appear shocked, but it was clear he understood where the line of questioning had been going. “If I wanted you dead, I wouldn’t be foolish enough to put a pistol ball in you on a darkened road. I’d simply challenge you to a duel on the field of honor and see you dispatched forthwith! Further, if I had attempted to shoot you, we’d not be having this conversation today. I may not hunt, but I’m a better than fair shot!”

Edmund wasn’t at all bothered at having been accused of being a murderer. He was offended by being accused of doing a poor job of it. If Graham had needed further convincing that Edmund was innocent of at least that crime, he no longer did.

“I had to ask,” Graham said. “And for what it’s worth, I believe you. But there are other issues at stake. Beatrice’s near drowning was no accident and she is the only one who can verify my claims. You understand why that makes you the primary suspect?”

Edmund’s glare was icy. “I understand it, but I’m no less insulted by it!”

“Who else stands to gain, Edmund? If it isn’t you, there is only one other… and I know too little of him to even hazard a guess. For the record, of the two of you, he seems less likely to be a villain.

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