A Rake Reformed (A Gentleman of Worth Book 6) by Shirley Marks Read Free Book Online Page A

anticipated. He could smell warm wine and cinnamon mingled with other spices.
    “We’ve got mulled wine brought o’r from Thistles. Now go on and give tha’ one ta Mr. Trevor, there,” she instructed her son, who followed carefully cradling a mug in both hands. Drew made his delivery to Trevor and returned to his mother for his, and Freddie’s, reward for their morning chore.
    “I think you will be quite delighted to hear, Mr. Trevor, ye’ve been asked to stay at Thistles as soon as yer able ta travel. Mrs. Harris just sent word.”
    “ Miss Harris , you say?” Trevor perked right up at the mention of her name.
    “I said Mrs.  Harris, she’d be ’er mother and mistress of Thistles.” Mrs. Morley regarded him with disbelief.
    “Am I to reside under the same roof as . . . as . . . that angel?” Trevor uttered with mingled awe and disbelief.
    “Since that is where she lives, I s’pect so, if it’s Miss Harris ’oo ye mean.” Their hostess’s expression softened. She smiled, glanced heavenward, and mumbled, “He’s smitten, that’s fir sure.”
    Trevor touched his cravat, primping, and cringed when his hand came upon his shawl. He glanced down at his shirt-clad torso. “I cannot arrive dressed like this!”
    Neither of them had had the satisfaction of a proper neckcloth for a good week. Their overworn, limp linen had been wound around their necks and simply tied. The jackets and coats they had worn were being repaired but were not even remotely close to their original perfection.
    “I need ma -luggage,” Trevor announced. “I’ve an extra set of clothes there.”
    “You’ll need much more than that,” Freddie replied under his breath.
    “I will not appear before Miss Harris and her family in this dreadful condition!” Trevor rounded on Freddie. “And you should think about your appearance as well. Your father and sisters would be appalled if they could see you.”
    Freddie’s appearance was the least of his problems regarding his family.
    “Not to worry, Mr. Trevor.” Mrs. Morley’s soothing tone must have been employed to calm him. “I’ll send Drew ta fetch yur bag just as soon as the weather lets up and ye’ll have yur new duds soon enough.”
    Trevor relaxed against the back of the chair.
    “I thank you, and your son, for taking such pains on my behalf.” Trevor gazed skyward and mumbled, “I cannot imagine what has made me so needy of late.”
    “Well, then, let us see wot’s goin’ outside, shall we, Drew?”
    “Aye, Mum.” The lad hopped to his feet and glanced at Freddie, bidding him farewell. Mrs. Morley left the tray and followed Drew out the door.
    Freddie took a deep drink of his wine and stared at Trevor, who still held his untouched mug.
    “I cannot believe that I am to reside under the same roof as she, and see her every day.” Trevor’s mood markedly improved before Freddie’s eyes. “I can only dream of having her near, of standing up with her.”
    “Em . . . Trev, you’ll need to be steady on your feet before you can think of dancing with her.”
    “Yes, yes, you are right, Fred. Well . . . you know what I mean.” Trevor shifted about on the chair then reached out with his hand. “Could you . . . your arm, if you please.”
    “Of course, Trev.” Freddie drained his mug, set it on the table, and moved closer to aid his friend.
    “Don’t know how I managed to get into that chair.”
    “I’m sure with Miss Harris’s presence you were feeling no pain.” Freddie set Trevor’s mug to one side before sliding his arm around his friend’s waist and helping him to the pallet near the fire. “I’m certain you will continue to improve once you arrive at Thistles. You’ll have a proper bed there and soon feel quite the thing.”
    “Yes, a bed.” Trevor winced and eased on his back. “It shall be very nice.” The lackluster reply illustrated his fatigue.
    “I think Miss Harris will be the exact medicine you need.”