[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
you to me? He certainly knows the extent of my injuries and my need for solitude.
Sir, Hawritch said as he examined those in the room, I was told to discuss my purpose
only with you.
Very well, Wes understood the need for secrecy in wartime. And do you also have
orders?
Lacy shifted in her chair.
I do, Colonel. But I was told to deliver my papers to your hand only. And to discuss
them with no one.
I see, Wes wondered what the hell to do. As soon as he took the orders in hand, he
might very well be bound to carry them out. He shut his eyes and rubbed a hand across his
forehead. He didn t need one of his raging headaches now. Suddenly, he realized he had
suffered but two since Lacy had thrown herself back into his life.
Why are you here?
Everyone in the room went dead silent and turned to the person who d blurted this.
Why? Lord Feather demanded of Amaryllis.
Girard, Wes aunt addressed Lacy s father by his first name in an astonishing tone of
intimacy, I am here for you.
What? That s insanity! Feather retorted.
Of course, it is, she replied, cool as cucumber in July. But nonetheless, I am here.
Well? Feather demanded, his cheeks red with an outrage only he understood. Tell us
why.
Amaryllis did not deign to look at him but put her nose in the air. I see you are about to
make a great mistake. The second great mistake of your life.
Feather shot a glance at Wes. Do you have any idea what she s talking about?
Wes folded his arms. He knew when best to sit on the sidelines and watch opponents
have at each other. None whatsoever, my lord.
Charles hoisted the whiskey flask. Another, my lord?
No! Feather retorted.
I will, though! Amaryllis raised her glass.
You cannot drink more than one! Feather objected.
Everyone s eyes bulged with interest.
She preened. In the intervening years since I so unceremoniously took more than one
punch and passed out into your arms, my lord Feather, I have learned how to drink. She
extended her glass so that Charles might pour. Fill it up, man. There. Thank you.
You are impossible! Feather jumped up from his chair. Like you always were.
She threw the whiskey back and got to her feet. The two of them stood toe to toe in the
middle of Wes great hall. Whatever this was, as a reunion or a rematch, it was damn good.
I ll have you know that I am my own woman. Independent. And I do as I wish.
Well, you shouldn t!
Pardon me? She put her hands on her hips. As if you know how to live your life!
I do! Have done! And done quite well without you, he roared back.
Financially, yes, his aunt sputtered. But what of Louise?
Uh oh. Wes knew Feather s long dead wife was not a topic anyone discussed with
Feather without coming away with a bruise or two.
What about her? Feather baited Amaryllis.
You married her when you knew you should not have. She was miserable.
That made two of us! Lord knows, I tried to make it better. So did she! We were
unsuited.
And now, you will seek to separate these two fine young people who are so well suited
to each other? she taunted, pointing at Wes and Lacy.
Feather blinked. What? What the hell do you mean?
Aren t you here to separate them?
No, I well, yes, I was, but listen to me, Amy.
Amy? Wes felt pained with laughter. A pet name for his aunt, usually the imperious but
rational one in the family? Lord knew his father had never fulfilled that role. He was too busy
seducing anything in skirts to bother with common sense. All that was left to his father s sister.
Amy.
His aunt dug a rumpled sheet of paper from her dress pocket. This!
What in god s name is that? Feather reached to pluck it from Amaryllis s fingers.
She pulled back. A letter, Feather.
Hell, Amy, I see that. Where d it come from? What s it say?
It s from Charles.
A gasp rose up from the assembly.
Charles? Wes shouted. You wrote this? What the devil is going on here? he scowled
at his servant who stood, flask in two hands like a penitent, grimacing at Wes.
I was concerned you would throw Lady Featherstone out.
Wes rose from his chair.
Lacy grinned, thoroughly enjoying this.
Her father gasped and whirled on Wes. You were going to throw her out?
Well, of course, I was! Wes retorted to those who focused on him now. She showed
up unannounced in the rain, with no servants and said she had lied to you to give herself cover.
That she did! affirmed Feather. When my sister happened to write and ask after Lacy,
I knew she was not with her and I went straight away to come here. I could not let my precious
child ruin her reputation. He advanced on Wes. If you were not of a mind to marry her, I had
to see to it she could find another man.
Yes, Wes conceded, you did. He spun to face his servant. But why would you write
to Lady Stanhope, Charles?
He didn t, said Amaryllis.
He wrote to me, Patsy claimed.
Wes hung his head. To laugh or scream, that was the question. But a better one was,
Why, Charles?
I feared if Lady Featherstone left, sir, your health would decline further. That she
would& spend many days here for naught and two fine reputations would be lost.
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]