The Offer by Catherine Coulter

Author:Catherine Coulter [Coulter, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, General, Man-Woman Relationships, Love Stories, Historical, England, Historical Fiction, England - Social Life and Customs - 19th Century, Poetry
ISBN: 9780451208422
Publisher: Signet
Published: 1997-01-01T16:00:00+00:00

23

“You did what? What did you say, Phillip? You actually saw him? Did you shoot him? Please tell me it was just a little hole in his arm, nothing to kill him.”

He laughed. “Actually, I believe in about six months I shall go back to Monmouth Abbey and beat him into the ground.” He didn’t add that Richard Clarendon would probably be with him, or get there before he did. The thought of it nearly made him rub his hands together. “Now listen to me, Sabrina. Yes, I went to Monmouth Abbey and cornered both Trevor and your blushing bride of a sister. They deserve each other, you know.”

She looked up at him helplessly.

“But why?”

“They both have the moral fiber of ants.”

“I don’t really know about Aunt Barresford’s moral fiber.”

“No, not aunts. I was referring to the very small creature that always enjoys a picnic.”

“Phillip, why did you go?”

“I went because I owed it to you.”

“No, you didn’t. You don’t. I’ve told you. You owe me nothing. You saved my life, Phillip. Surely that’s enough.”

“All right. I went because I wanted to see this pretty little dandy who cooed all over Richard Clarendon. I wanted to see the bastard who tried to rape his sister-in-law, who should be under his protection.”

“He is very pretty. You told him not to hurt my grandfather?”

“Yes. Whatever else Trevor Eversleigh may lack, he doesn’t lack an instinct for self-preservation. I told both him and Elizabeth, quite succinctly, that I would put a bullet through the future earl’s heart if the old earl died. There was a lot of outrage, sputtering about it being none of my business and the like, but eventually they believed me. But I admit, I did have to resort to a rather drastic demonstration. I had to knock Trevor to the floor and stomp on him a couple of times. Elizabeth stood by, shrieking. Actually, now that I think back on it, I think she might have been pleased that I hurt the little bastard. Who knows? It’s strange. Trevor yelled for the butler—”

“Ribble.”

“Yes, Ribble. He came to the doorway, stood there, saw what was happening, then just turned around and left.”

“But, Phillip, you’re talking about fighting a duel with Trevor if Grandfather dies. I can’t approve of that. He could hurt you. Why would you risk your life for an old man you don’t even know?”

“He’s your grandfather, Sabrina.”

“I’ve freed you of any obligations that Charles tried to foist on you. It puts me further in your debt. I can’t bear it.”

“It appears you will have to since it’s done.”

She’d told him the truth. She couldn’t bear it. She fanned her hands in front of her. “I thank you, Phillip.”

Phillip felt a surge of anger at the position she found herself in, through no fault of her own, through no fault of his either, but the defeat in her, the role of eternal supplicant, he hated it for her.

“I don’t want any more thanks from you, Sabrina. They are growing quite boring.

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