A Slight Indiscretion by Emma V Leech

Author:Emma V Leech [Leech, Emma V]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B07G1532CY
Published: 2018-10-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

“Wherein passion may not be enough.”

It was after breakfast before he realised she’d left.

He’d risen early, as was his habit, expecting to see her a little later. Will hoped her guests were all bleary eyed enough to still be in bed, and he’d been mostly right.

Archie gave him a bright grin just as he was reaching for his coffee, strolling in the room without a care in the world by the look of the fellow.

“Good morning, my lord,” he said, sitting down and reaching for a fresh baked roll. Warm and soft, the tantalising scent perfumed the breakfast room. “A fine morning isn’t it?”

Will hid his irritation and nodded. He’d hoped to speak to Selina alone before she disappeared off with her irksome companions. He hoped they’d at least stay sober and out of his bloody cellar today. Though young Mr Archibald seemed a decent sort. He didn’t go about spouting poetry or sitting on the floor, at any rate.

“I think everyone else is feeling a little the worse for wear this morning,” the young man said, a wry smile at his lips.

“Not you though?”

Mr Archibald chuckled and shook his head. “I can’t hold my liquor to be frank, my lord. So, though I confess I may have been a trifle disguised when we met—your brandy really was too good to resist—I never get truly foxed.”

Will studied him, curious at once. He had a fine profile, clear grey eyes and a full, rather feminine mouth. His skin was so smooth Will wondered if he’d even started shaving yet. He looked bright eyed and innocent and all at once Will felt ancient and weighted down. Had he ever been that carefree? Had he ever been that innocent? Yes. Yes, by God, he had, until his father had taken pains to change him.

Will frowned, pushing the distasteful memories away.

“I wondered if I might be so bold as to borrow a horse, my lord?” the fellow piped up, a slight flush at his cheeks as he must be aware of his own impertinence. “I know, a shocking jackanape, aren’t I? Only the grounds are so beautiful, and I won’t be able to cover more than a fraction on foot before we leave tomorrow morning.”

Despite himself Will felt his lips curve into a smile. Mr Archibald was refreshing, with his cheeky candour and good humour. Will found he liked the young scapegrace.

“You are indeed, a jackanape,” he replied, his tone dry though not unamused as he set his coffee cup down. “Jenson?”

The butler, who had just entered the room to survey if all was as it should be, turned towards him.

“My lord?”

“Have a suitable mount provided for my young friend here, he wishes to ride out this morning.”

The butler nodded and went off to do his lord’s bidding. He returned around ten minutes later, a grave look on his face as he handed Will a sealed note.

“Forgive me, my lord, but Mrs Pringle has asked me to give you this. She found it this morning.

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