Forbidden Read Free Page B

uneasiness as he snapped the seal and unfolded the sheet.
    My lord,
    I suspect you are being kept in the dark, and deception profits no one. For the good of all, I advise you to ask your mother about me. If she will not answer you, I will. I am fixed here at the Crown and Anchor in Weymouth for the next week.
    Charles Ferncliff
    Francis was so startled he muttered, "What the devil?..." then hastily apologized.
    "Is it bad news, my lord?" Lady Anne asked.
    "I hardly know." Francis could not discuss this strange epistle here. In fact, the only thing to do was to show it to his mother to see if she had any explanation to offer. "I fear I must go to the Priory to look into a family matter. If you will forgive such a disobliging guest, I hope to return by this evening."
    "Of course," said the duke. "No question about it, my boy. Your family's needs must rank first with you. Hope there's nothing seriously amiss."
    "I don't think so, Duke," said Francis as he rose to his feet. Who on earth was Charles Ferncliff, and what possible connection could he have with his mother?
    He ordered his curricle and sent for his greatcoat, gloves, and hat, but took nothing else. He expected to return in short order. By tacit agreement, Anne walked with him to the door.
    "I'm sorry about this, Lady Anne." He offered a social lie. "It is just a matter that my mother cannot handle alone."
    "A weighty one, then," Anne said with a smile. "Lady Middlethorpe is wonderfully competent."
    "Indeed she is." It was excellent that Anne and his mother had mutual liking and respect. They were even similar in nature and taste. Both had innate good manners, quiet decorum, impeccable neatness, and they never put a social step amiss. He suspected that once Anne was in charge of her own establishment, she would rival Lady Middlethorpe in competence, too.
    Francis had an urge to speak to Anne now, to have it settled, but he came to his senses. He could hardly make his offer impetuously in the hall under the eyes of the Groom of the Chambers and two footmen. But he recognized that it was time to act. This evening he would speak to the duke. He would gain Arran's consent, arrange the settlements, and then commit himself to Anne for life.
    He took her hand and kissed it warmly. "I will return as soon as possible. You know that."
    She didn't mistake him and lowered her head, a delicate blush touching her cheeks. Then they heard the horses on the gravel beyond the door. Francis was assisted into his outer clothing and left.
    * * *
    Two hours later, Francis caught sight of the great wrought iron gates of his home, Thorpe Priory, and his groom blew a blast on the horn. The gatekeeper ran to swing the gates open and the man's family scurried behind to bow or curtsy.
    Francis acknowledged them all with a salute of his whip but didn't check speed. Instead, he concentrated on steering his team into the long, straight drive to his home. The passing hours had increased his anxiety. Something most peculiar was going on.
    He drew up the steaming team before his door, flung the ribbons to his groom, leaped down, and strode into his home, shedding outer garments into the hands of waiting minions.
    "My mother?"
    "In her boudoir, milord."
    He ran quickly upstairs, rapped, and entered.
    Lady Middlethorpe, a handsome woman who had given her son his dark hair and fine bones, appeared caught in mid-pace before the fireplace. "Francis! What on earth are you doing here?"
    He was startled by how agitated she appeared, for she was normally a lady of great composure. She was even fiddling with her fringed shawl—a habit she deplored. He crossed the room and gave her the letter. "I received this today."
    Lady Middlethorpe glanced at it and paled. She appeared to read it for far longer than the terse words warranted, then she sat on a chaise and focused her sweetest social smile upon him. "You have just arrived? You must be parched, dear boy. Shall I send for tea?"
    Francis could hardly believe it.