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kidding? Those were all normal parts of hunting. What plagued him most was his longing for Goldie. Where are you going, Will? Edmund called after him, his boots tapping against the cream-colored marble floor. I thought perhaps we could have a game of chess. Instead of a pretty little fox, you could hunt down my queen. No, Edmund, William called out, his voice echoing against the walls of the cavernous entryway. I m into a more solitary endeavor at the moment. Maybe after supper we can play a game of cards? I m not much on chess, you know that. And it was true. Despite being quite adept at the game, William didn t feel the need to master it. Edmund, on the other hand, could play from sunup to sundown. Will, I don t care for cards. Sorry, old chap. Entering his study, William glanced over his shoulder at his blond-haired brother. Why not ask Lewis to play? He d no doubt love a moment away from the kitchen staff. Edmund pursed his lips. Lewis is an oaf. With his hand resting on the door, William shrugged his shoulders. Aye, but he s an oaf willing to play chess. 46 Harris Channing He began to close the door, to erase his brother from view. A massive headache was setting in, he could feel it. Blast the headaches. Blast the stress. Blast his family. All of them drove him to distraction. And that fool, Herbert Locksley, had a nice wife and daughter, a lovely little house. Yet he strove for more. Didn t he realize how attractive a simple life was? That s all he ever wanted, and yet he was bogged down by the responsibility of acquiring more and more through any means possible. And that included wedding Lady Louisa Carnton. Just the thought of her shot a throbbing pain to his head. The woman s voice wore on him like a cat in heat. Rubbing his temples, he flopped onto the sofa and straightened his legs. The soft pillow at his back, the sweet popping of the fire in the fireplace, and he closed his eyes. Ah, just a moment to gather his wits before starting to read. Yes. The afternoon belonged to him, and no one was going to disturb him. No one. My lord? There was a gentle rapping on the study door. Goddamn it. He barely stifled a shout. What is it, Lewis? The oaf stuck his head through the crack in the door. Uh, sir, there s a young lady here claiming to be your sister-in-law. She says she s married to Lord Joseph. The groan that escaped his lips was only the external manifestation of his dread, for his stomach plummeted and the lump that seated itself in his throat promised suffocation. What had the sneaky bastard done now? He should have wondered when he didn t come home last night. She doesn t happen to have the most glorious mane of golden curls, does she? Aye, she does. Jesus Christ. Beg your pardon, sir? William rose to his feet. There went his afternoon dedicated to catching up with the news and some sleep. Resting his hand on the chocolate marble of the fireplace mantle, he watched the door and waited for the fallen angel to enter. Goldie and the Three Behrs 47 Show her in. And there she was, every bit as pretty as that day on the trail, where she yielded to his kiss. Damn his brother. Damn him to hell. Dressed in pale blue, the satin of her gown complemented the soft blue of her eyes. She dipped her knee, and he nodded in return. Miss Locksley, tis a pleasure to see you. How may I be of assistance? Her porcelain cheeks flushed a charming shade of pink. I am married to your brother. Against my father s wishes? Just Monday, Joseph was told there would be no wedding. I see he didn t pass the news on to you. Her hand flew to her mouth, the color draining from her cheeks. Damnation, was she going to faint? He came to her side, and taking her arm to steady her, he led her to the sofa. Sit. Lewis, bring me a glass of port, he demanded. There was no reply. Damn it, man, I know you re eavesdropping. Bring me the blasted port. At the shuffling of the oaf s feet, he seated himself beside her. The sweet scent of lavender swirled around him and set his blood on fire. He said he had his father s support, she replied, her glorious breasts rising and falling as she took in rapid breaths. His Grace and my father discussed terms via messenger. I can assure you, my father said no. Not something Joseph is used to. Her lower lip trembled and great tears hung on the edge of her lashes. Well, Reverend Watkins from London came and performed the ceremony just yesterday. Watkins? Rage began a rapid climb. Was he a bony old fellow, with a bald head, narrow nose, and moles, lots and lots of moles? She sniffled and nodded, the tears flowing freely. Dear Miss Locksley, he is not a reverend. He is a debt collector. 48 Harris Channing Oh, my God. She buried her face in her hands. I am ruined. I am a ruined woman. He hesitated a moment before setting his hand upon her shoulder. Oh, but to be able to ease her pain. How he would gladly take his brother s place as her groom if only he weren t already committed. We ll make this right, I swear to you. And just how can you do that? He jumped to his feet. I can start by fetching Joseph and making him answer for his misdeeds. She wiped her eyes. My father has gone to town to do just that. And he s brought his musket with him. Edmund! William shouted as he rushed toward the front door. Out in the hall, he nearly knocked his fair-haired brother into the next county. There s a young lady in the study. Tend to her. The younger man s face blanched. Young lady? Tend to her how? I don t know, William replied brusquely. Play chess with her. Goldie and the Three Behrs 49 Chapter 5 I m sorry, my lord. I don t know how to play chess. She walked past him, the soft sway of her skirts garnering his full attention. Fascinated by the pale blue silk, he continued to stare. He didn t know for certain what the problem with the maiden was, but he was certain it had something to do with Joseph. When women came crying to William, it was almost always due to Joseph s whims and appetites. The bastard usually had Father s attention. William got everything else. It left little for him. Thank God for books and chess and Julian. And, she said, his attention coming to rest on her face, dipping to her mouth. It moved with such grace, the fullness of her lips almost tantalized. His gaze followed the gentle upturn of her nose before he focused on her wide, gloriously blue eyes. My, but she was lovely. She would fit nicely on Joseph s list of conquests. I feel I should be [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |
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