The Rake's Redemption Read Free Page B

were robust enough to survive her tribe of godchildren running riot in it. “It was the younger Hampton boy you ran with, wasn’t it Thomas?”
    “John, yes. Though I kept up with Jeremy in Spain. Till he was killed at Busaco.” It hadn’t taken his godmother long to get to her point, and Thomas waited for what he knew was to come, much as his battalion would stand before the advance of a French column.
    “Judith Hampton still lives at home. She and I have become fast friends.” All the playfulness had gone out of her voice. “She didn’t take in her season, you know. Despite her looks. Most of the county has come calling since then, without result. I don’t suppose you’ll have given her a thought.”
    Thomas made his reply as bluff as could be, knowing that whatever he said his godmother wouldn’t leave the subject alone. “Thought she’d be married off to some young blood by now. Pretty girl.”
    “Jonathon Hampton’s ailing.” Lady Guilmor managed to make the news sound like an accusation. “Took his boy’s death hard. Your friend John spends most of his time in town. You must call.” She nodded to her butler, hovering anxiously to one side. “Your arm, Thomas. If you’re capable of supporting a frail old lady into dinner.”
    They were only four, Lord Guilmor and his sister making up the numbers, and the conversation was knowledgeable and uninhibited. Thomas learned much of the government’s concerns, amongst them the difficulty in reinforcing the army in Spain.
    “Liverpool does his best, Thomas, but the country’s bored. People think that after winning so many battles you should be marching into Paris. There was a flurry of patriotism when the Americans invaded Canada, but now that they’re beaten at Queenston that’s ebbed away.”
    “Considerate then of Horsley to raise troops.” Thomas regarded the squabble that had erupted earlier in the year with the fledgling United States of America as insignificant compared to the war in Spain.
    “Don’t underestimate him, Thomas. Your job will be difficult. The man has money and connections. And he intends to lead the battalion himself.” Guilmor stopped, aware that his wife wanted to take over the conversation.
    “You don’t know Horsley, do you Thomas? The family made their money in sugar. Old Sir Reginald liquidated most of the plantations to buy land, and he bought well. Then promptly died. Left behind the widow Florinda, and her son, the vainglorious Theodore. Baronet and conduit for the dynasty.”
    “A very rich baronet who can afford to equip a battalion, but a complete waste of money if the men are not usefully employed, Thomas. Amara has suggested you stay at Trefoyle?” Guilmor speared a piece of fish to his mouth as his wife nodded confirmation. “Then you are set, my boy. We need those men, Thomas.”
    “Sir.” Thomas smiled, relishing the thought of his own battalion at twenty three. An age when his father had been a captain.
    “I’ll even keep your godmother here to spare you the benefit of her advice, Thomas. At least for a while. That should be of considerable help to you.” Guilmor’s mild jest didn’t find favour with his wife, who turned to her husband’s sister. “Henrietta, Guilmor will be bringing out the port, if you want to retire.”
    Thomas smiled as he stood for Lady Netley. He’d forgotten his unconventional godmother’s fondness for port at private dinners. A habit her sister in law didn’t share, and from her frown he’d hazard didn’t approve of either.
    “You’re not to neglect your social obligations, Thomas. After four years in the Peninsula people will have forgotten what you look like. Lord Hampton is a good neighbour of mine. Treat him kindly. Only Judith has kept him going since Jeremy died. Where that girl gets her strength I don’t know. You used to ride with her.” Amara Guilmor shared her brother’s weakness for the non sequitur.
    “I rode with both Judith and John, godmother.