To Release an Earl by Ilene Withers

Author:Ilene Withers [Withers, Ilene]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Astraea Press, LLC
Published: 2015-03-01T16:00:00+00:00

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It was five days later, soon after sundown when John rode through the gates of the Amhearst estate. He was tired and beaten down. John had talked to several of the renowned men of medicine and had a promise from one young physician who was considered to be a forward-thinking man to come within a few days. Otherwise, the news had not been good. Little was known about spinal injuries. For those who suffered from them, there was little hope.

A groom ran out to take the reins of his horse as John rode into the stable yard. Soon, Willa's own groom stepped outside as well. "Welcome back, my lord"

"Thank you, Brooks. I must say it is good to dismount." Indeed, he was happy to set his feet on the ground. "Has anything untoward happened in my absence?"

"No, my lord, it has been unusually quiet. Miss Willa came out twice to visit Pirate, accompanied by her father. Otherwise, she has been housebound, I believe. A visitor has arrived. A Mr. Samuel Parker from London."

"Yes, I had heard he planned on visiting the estate. I'll leave my horse in your good care and make my way up to the house. If I hurry, I may be in time for dinner."

Indeed, the door swung open as John stepped up to it. How Abbott knew someone had arrived, he would always wonder. "Abbott," he greeted the butler. "Am I in time for dinner?"

"Yes, my lord, and I believe you have time to change."

John chuckled. "Is that your discreet way of telling me I smell like horse and am covered with road dust?"

"I would never suggest it, my lord," Abbott replied with a sniff.

John found his valet in his room readying his evening wear. "Good evening, Martin," he said. "I see you expected me."

"Yes, my lord. One of the maids saw you coming down the road, and the news has spread like wildfire."

“Ah! It has always been a mystery to me how all the staff seem to know things so quickly. Now I know.”

Martin’s lips quirked. “Perhaps I should not say this, but we often know more about you than you do yourself.”

John laughed. “That is what I fear!”

“I trust you had a productive trip, my lord.”

“I’m not sure, but I do have a young physician who is well renowned coming in the next few days to give us a second opinion on Miss Willa’s condition.”

“That is good. I still pray for her every night. Miss Willa is such a delightful young lady and well thought of by the staff.”

The two fell quiet as John readied himself for dinner. After making his way downstairs to the drawing room where he found his fiancée, her cousin, and her parents visiting with Mr. Parker. The family all smiled at him as he walked in the door.

“John, you are back,” Willa said. He strode across the room and bent to brush a discreet kiss across her cheek, wishing they did not always have an audience.

“And am glad to be so,” he told her in return before taking the seat closest to her Bath chair.

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