The Wager by Angelina Jameson

Author:Angelina Jameson [Jameson, Angelina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Iris noted Chastain preferred coffee for breakfast. The man ate heartily at every meal and never failed to praise the cooking.

“If I convey any more of your compliments to my cook she may run away with you,” Ambrose replied to Chastain’s latest comment on the quality of the scrambled eggs.

“I would happily take her on. You know my father’s French chef in London is abysmal.”

“I agree.” Peake shook his head, his countenance sorrowful. “His cakes are as hard as horseshoes.”

Ambrose and Rose said their farewells. They would collect Emma and be off for a sleigh ride.

“What outing have I volunteered for?” Chastain asked Iris.

She supposed Chastain would have joined any outing proposed to further his chances of winning the wager. “I promised to visit Mr. Jennings’s wife Anna and her baby today. Ambrose suggested a gentleman accompany me and Lottie. The servants have been gossiping about a stranger being seen in the area recently. I would feel more comfortable if you came with us.”

“I am at your service,” he replied and added, “I should not like to think of you ladies in any danger during your outing.”

Iris felt a pang of guilt at the concern evident in Chastain’s voice. The ride to the small cottage Anna and her family lived in did go through some rather dark woods. She hadn’t really fibbed after all. There was a stranger reported in the area before the family left for London several months ago.

She gifted him a sunny smile. “Thank you, Lord Chastain. Lottie and I need to collect a basket from cook and a few gifts to take with us. Shall we meet in the entry hall in ten minutes?”

Chastain agreed. She and Lottie rose from the table to go about their errands. They had worn travelling dresses to the breakfast room and were ready for the day.

In the carriage she took a seat beside her sister. Each woman had a warming brick for their feet and shared a blanket for warmth. Lord Chastain sat on the bench across from them. She didn’t know where to look, her eyes repeatedly drawn to the man across from her. In such tight quarters his musky scent filled the carriage. It warmed her from her head to her toes. She must remember her sister next to her and not make a cake of herself.

Lottie started the conversation in the right direction.

“I just adore babies,” the girl said. “Have you ever held an infant, Lord Chastain?”

“Never. I know no one of any close acquaintance who has one,” he replied.

“Ambrose should marry so I may be an aunt.” Lottie grinned.

“I shall tell him to oblige you,” Chastain replied in a teasing voice. He winked at them both.

Iris thought the viscount looked less wary once the subject was changed from babies in general to the possibility of Ambrose having offspring.

“Ambrose does not seem the least inclined to marry,” she said pointedly to Lottie.

“Mrs. Cleary would marry him in a thrice,” her sister replied.

Iris explained to Chastain that Mrs.

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