Code of Honor by Andrea Pickens Read Free Book Online Page A

or sent him slinking away with a scathing set-down. But there was something about his quiet determination, the set of his shoulders, the earnest concern for his family that reminded Branford of another young man.... The earl's lips compressed.
     
    "Are you a good shot, Chilton?"
     
    A muscle in Justin's jaw twitched but his chin rose even a fraction higher. "I am considered adequate among my acquaintances at home."
     
    "I don't believe I've seen you at Manton's."
     
    Justin colored. "I do not have either the funds or the connections to gain entrance there yet."
     
    Branford sighed and reached into his coat pocket. He thrust a thick, engraved card into Justin's hand. "Tell Watters I sent you. He will arrange for everything."
     
    Justin looked utterly confused. "I...I don't understand. You are standing me for Manton's?" His face slowly took on a dark look. "I cannot be fobbed off that easily, sir. I will not abandon my sister just to gain entrance to the most exclusive..."
     
    "I have a proposal to make," cut in Branford.
     
    Justin fell silent, a frown still clouded his features.
     
    "I prefer not to have to deal with your histrionics every time I choose to converse with your sister — I commend you for at least having the sense to do it in private this time. But any more such efforts to guard your sister will only be damaging to her reputation if they become public knowledge, not mine. And they most certainly will be become extremely tiresome to me, for I should be forced to deal with you."
     
    He paused. "I have no intention of hurting your sister, Chilton. I give you my word on that. If you ever feel I have not lived up to it, I shall meet you on whatever terms you care to offer."
     
    "Then why do you set me up at Manton's?"
     
    "Because I am an excellent shot, Chilton. If we meet, I prefer that you be more than adequate — contrary to what you hear, I take no pleasure in murdering boys."
     
    Justin studied the hard, impenetrable face before him. "Very well, sir, " he said slowly. "I will accept your word as a gentleman."
     
    "Good. Now kindly stay out of my sight!"
     
    Branford stalked from the room and retrieved his greatcoat from a footman. As he stepped into the cool night air, he shook his head ruefully.
     
    Driving a bluestocking, on the shelf young lady to Kew Gardens for a day of looking at plants.
     
    Sponsoring a green pup to Manton's.
     
    If he didn't have a care, it would be his own reputation among the Ton that would soon be in shreds.
     

CHAPTER THREE
     

    "I hadn't imagined the leaves of Colocasia esculenta were so green," murmured Alex. "I mean such a rich green, rather more viridian than emerald, but much deeper than apple...." Her voice trailed off as she stared into the distance. It was another quarter mile before a bump in the road jarred her from her reverie.
     
    "Oh dear, my lord, I fear I have been frightfully rude, haven't I. Why, I haven't said a word to you in ages!"
     
    Branford smiled as he guided his greys around a mail coach with consummate skill. "Not at all, Miss Chilton. I commend you for not acting like a miss newly out of the schoolroom who feels she must prattle away regardless of having anything worthwhile to say."
     
    Alex laughed. "I'm afraid I'm usually prattling on about something, though as for acting like a schoolroom miss, I doubt that's possible at my age."
     
    "On the shelf, are you?" he inquired, cocking one eyebrow.
     
    The was an almost imperceptible pause before she answered. "Yes, thank goodness, and well glad of it."
     
    He slanted a sideways glance at her rigid features, his curiosity piqued by her response. But before he could say anything more, she sighed and spoke again. "There was so much to take in!"
     
    He let himself be distracted. "You enjoyed yourself?"
     
    "Oh, my lord, it was truly wonderful. Everything was so lush and vibrant — and the color! I cannot thank you enough." She smiled at him. He knew many ladies who would kill to