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

Freddie pulled the rolled, makeshift pillow under Trevor’s head and saw him as comfortable as he could. He imagined with the improvement in accommodations, his friend would recover in no time at all.
    “Ah, yes . . .  Miss Har-ris .” Trevor’s eyelids slid shut, he drew in a deep breath, and with a whimsical smile touching his lips he was soon asleep.

    Freddie and Drew started out fairly early the next morning and the weather had been moderate. Dragging the ever-useful sled behind them, Drew led the way to the wrecked phaeton. The lad knew exactly where to find what remained of the sorry-looking vehicle and proved a deft hand at retrieving the luggage.
    If Freddie had tried to scale the mountain of snow collected on the wreckage, disaster surely would have followed. Drew neither caused a further collapse nor lost either piece of baggage. Once finished, they strapped their cargo to the sled and headed back.
    They raced back to Penshaw through the worsening weather, one challenging the other. Freddie did not need to slow the sled on his approach to the house. He pushed on with all his might through the increasingly bad, snowy conditions. Drew ran past him through the knee-high snow in the walk and leaned against the front door until it opened. He waited for Freddie to pass him, coming at full speed into the foyer, then closed it firmly after they were safely inside. They laughed with relief, between trying to catch their breath at the accomplishment of their task and the safe arrival home.
    “We made it back just as it really started comin’ down.” Drew slapped his arms and legs, probably trying to restore the circulation in his extremities.
    Freddie unfastened and uncovered the luggage they’d retrieved. “All right, here you go.” He tossed his satchel in the lad’s direction and carried Trevor’s precious trunk himself.
    “I hope Ma has somethin’ ta warm our bellies.” Drew headed down the corridor.
    “I bet she does. Let’s go see, shall we?” Freddie motioned his young companion forward with the jerk of his head. The kitchen stood unoccupied and they found Mrs. Morley in the library keeping Trevor company.
    “ Ma -luggage!” Trevor called out in welcome. “You two are true champions to take on such a monumental task!”
    “Come now, Trev, I can hardly call it that.” Freddie set the small leather trunk on the desk and Drew placed the satchel next to it.
    “Hand ma -shaving kit first to me, if you please, ma- good fellow,” Trevor begged, propping himself up.
    Freddie opened the trunk, pulled out the shaving kit, and handed it to his friend.
    “I know my appearance is appalling; I cannot wait to shave.” Trevor opened the kit and took up the mirror. The unhappy groan that followed was his response upon viewing his reflection.
    “Is Da in need of ’elp?” Drew appeared to ready himself for venturing out at a word from his mum. “Shall I go find him?”
    “Na, didn’t you know? ’E’s gone off early this morning ta set out some traps in the orchard just as Mr. Freddie’s suggested.”
    “Good. Perhaps there will be some meat on your table tonight.” It was Freddie’s right to grant their host permission to hunt and trap.
    “Wif-out me?” With a tug the lad loosened the scarf that hugged his neck.
    “Knew you twos were headin’ for Mr. Trevor’s luggage this mornin’.” Mrs. Morley shook her head. “I cannot think it proper, though. Poachin’ off ’is Lordship’s land ain’t right.”
    “You may not have a high opinion of him but I can assure you he would not mind if he knew of your circumstances.” Freddie wondered how that would differ from squatting in the manor house? Or pilfering the owner’s liquor cellar?
    “Jacob’s already come back after you left and brought word from Thistles,” Mrs. Morley told them and moved to a pile of clothing draped over the back of a chair. “We’re ta bring Mr. Trevor whene’re we’ve a mind, but I’m at a loss as to