The Earl's Secret. Terri Brisbin

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СКАЧАТЬ work here—the Gazette was more popular now that the feud had begun than before. As its publisher, Nate would face financial difficulties, if not ruin, if he pulled the essays. A more civil battle would be a step. He had no doubt that he could prevail as long as a certain level of decorum was maintained. If the strength of his arguments did not sway many, the weight of his position in society and the wealth behind it would. Knowing the realities of the world, he did not doubt it for a moment.

      There was only one thing that stopped his immediate agreement with the terms offered. His essay would most likely arrive in Edinburgh by the day after tomorrow and he suspected that it would not calm the rough waters. Indeed, now that he thought on the tone and wording of his piece, he knew it would stir up more of a response. He’d risen to the insults and issued his own.

      “Communicate with Mr. Goodfellow through whatever means you employ to do so and let your ghostly contributor know that Lord Treybourne agrees.”

      Part of him tensed inside, readily acknowledging the stretching of the truth in his words. There would be time to explain that his essay had already been submitted and in print before this discussion. He admitted in that moment that he would have to allow one more contentious exchange before they stopped.

      “So, do you return to London now?” Nate asked. The unasked but clearly heard rest of the question was before anyone realizes you are here under an assumed name.

      David’s efforts at remaining undetected and unrecognized had been a success, but the longer he stayed and the more he went about in public, the more the chance that he would be exposed. Still, there was nothing ignoble about discreetly searching out one’s foe to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Truly not.

      “Actually, Ellerton is waiting for my arrival at our hunting box. I had thought a short holiday would be in order since there is time before Parliament is called to session in October.”

      “You still run with the same crowd then?” Nate smiled, obviously contemplating some of their more adventurous escapades at the university. “Ellerton and Hillgrove?”

      “The same, although we behave in a much more circumspect manner now that we are older and wiser.” David laughed now. It had only been seven years since their last meeting, not a lifetime, and yet he’d changed so much he knew Nate would be shocked at the extent of it. “Perhaps we are simply older.”

      “And none of you have fallen into the parson’s mousetrap?” Nate asked. The frown that had lived on his forehead disappeared as their topic turned to something more pleasant.

      “The pressure is growing, but none of us have tossed the handkerchief yet. And it would appear that you have not? How does your father abide you remaining in the bachelor status?”

      “I confess that there is someone, but the lady shows no sign of accepting my offer.”

      The frown was back and David suspected that the expression on Nathaniel’s face bespoke of his own surprise that he had admitted to such. David held his tongue and did not ask, for he was certain that Miss Fairchild was the object of Nate’s affection and intentions. His own surprise was that she would have turned Nate down, for his title and properties alone made him a marriage target. However, knowing almost nothing about her other than her profession and that a connection existed between her and his friend, he hesitated to guess at the reasons.

      At that moment, Harley knocked and announced that their meal was ready. It was a welcomed respite for David, for he did not comprehend what to say or how or if he should reveal his plans for the following morning and his visit to the castle with Miss Fairchild. It was a simple sightseeing excursion; one that would be appropriately chaperoned so no question of propriety could be raised.

      As the flavor-filled aroma of food drew them into the dining room, David decided that in a matter such as this one, it would be better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. Ever a careful fellow, he also decided to wait and determine if he needed to do either after his morning with the lovely Miss Fairchild.

      Chapter Seven

      “Julia, do not make me regret that I have granted you a morning of leisure from your studies.”

      Anna tried to sound stern, but the effort was lost with one glance at her sister’s excited face. Usually at work with her tutor or at some task, Julia met her request to accompany Anna and Mr. Archer to the Castle with an unconcealed enthusiasm. Now, trying to draw some of that excitement under control, Anna frowned and pointed to her sister’s gloves on the desk.

      “A lady always wears her gloves on an outing, Julia.”

      Julia’s reaction resembled that of a child rather than the young woman she was soon to be. At twelve years of age, she had mastered many social skills but still lacked others. Reaching over and tucking an errant strand of hair under her bonnet, Anna hoped her sister would always keep that bright enthusiasm for life within her.

      Something she’d not been able to do since shouldering the burdens of caring for her ailing mother and young sister at the age of eighteen. Something obliterated by the realities she faced, first in service as a governess and tutor and then in dealing with the women so much in need. Anna smiled as Julia pulled on her gloves and adjusted them into place.

      The door to the office opened and Anna took a deep breath. What would her sister’s reaction to Mr. Archer be? How would the gentleman act in response to her sister’s presence as a companion? The usual custom was to have an older woman or family member to oversee such an excursion, but Anna knew that Julia would enjoy the visit to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland…again.

      Turning, she faced him. The sunbeams that raced ahead of him into the doorway obscured his face from her, but manifested his muscular build and height. After closing the door, Mr. Archer removed his hat and bowed to her.

      “Miss Fairchild, a pleasure to see you this morning.”

      It was the polite thing to say, however, the words trickled into her heart. Sincerity permeated his voice and it was at moments like this that she wondered how he could be so caustic at other times. Well, the time had arrived to present her sister. Surely, it would reveal his true manners…or not.

      “Good morning to you, Mr. Archer. May I present—” Anna stepped aside and allowed Julia to come forward “—my sister, Julia Fairchild.”

      Pride coursed through her as Julia walked to Mr. Archer and did her prettiest curtsy. Anna could see his face as Julia dipped and it stunned her into speechlessness.

      The first sign of any true softness covered it and—surely, she could not be seeing this—his eyes appeared to tear up as he bowed to her sister. His mouth tightened as though he struggled against the words trying to escape and his forehead gathered above those glistening eyes as he listened to Julia’s greeting.

      “It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Julia’s voice still held the lightness of tone of a girl, but her manners were impeccable. “I thank you for including me in your visit to the Castle.”

      Crumbling was the word that best described what happened to his face as she watched him greet Julia. If she had glanced away at that instant, she would have missed the entire metamorphosis. His entire countenance seemed to shatter and then, a moment later, he regained control and the gentleman was back, securely in place. He cleared his throat and bowed over her sister’s hand. “The pleasure is mine, Miss Julia.”

      Mr. Archer nodded at her and tugged on the door’s knob to open it. “The СКАЧАТЬ