The Rake and the Recluse by Jenn LeBlanc

Author:Jenn LeBlanc
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance novel illustration sexy model studio love historical
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

“Shh,” he said as he gently massaged her back with his wide hand. He took her face in his hands again, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, then he turned to Trumbull and Weston.

“You should go,” Trumbull said. “We’ll be out in a moment.”

Roxleigh nodded, leading Francine from the room.

“Westy.” Trumbull looked at Mrs. Weston. “This wasn’t your fault,” he said.

“Oh my Lord, I believe I know that. But I think, if I’d been there— if I’d protected her. I don’t know my Lord. I just wish—” Trumbull put his hands on her shoulders as she looked up at him. “I am so sorry, my Lord,” she said as he studied her.

“There’s nothing to be sorry for,” he said. He could see that she was entirely overtaxed. He stood and pulled her close for an embrace as he slowly pushed the mood back toward the light and airy, away from the dark and dismal.

When they finally quit the chamber and she was headed downstairs. “Westy, I can’t bear to see you so worked up. Roxleigh has you running around here on pins and needles after his Lady,” he said.

She looked back at him. “Tis true, my Lord. He has given me charge of her. To see to her needs, and to make sure she’s safe,” she said.

Trumbull looked down, as he turned away from Mrs. Weston. “I don’t want you to be responsible for her any more,” he said stoically.

“Oh, my Lord, have I—” she said.

He cut her off. “No, Westy, nothing like that, I believe you’ve done a wonderful job attending her. I don’t like that you are worried so much. I have watched Lady Francine, and I believe she is perfectly able. Carole can attend her when necessary,” he finished sternly.

Mrs. Weston turned away from him, wringing her hands. “My Lord, I do like to attend her,” she said.

He nodded, “Westy, let me be clear then. You may tend her, for so long as you wish, but you answer to me now. Not to him. In all of her concerns, I am her guardian, that’s how it will be done. Is that understood?” he said.

“Yes my Lord. What will I tell his Grace?” She said.

“You’ll not tell him anything. I’ll deal with him,” he said.

“Yes, my Lord,” Mrs. Weston said as she moved to go belowstairs. She couldn’t help but smile as she thought, My, Peregrine, you have become quite an able gentleman.

Trumbull went back in the chamber and looked around. He’d no memories of the soft, billowy panels. No memory of the tiled bathtub, the large cushioned bed covered with brightly colored pillows and inches of dust. The vibrancy of the dyes begged a beautiful memory that would not come, muted by the years of distance in the blankets of dust. Did she ever bring him here? Or was it only Roxleigh that was part of her world?

Roxleigh walked into the private parlor and motioned for Francine to sit.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.