Forgotten Time (Ravenhurst Series, #1) A New Adult Time Travel Romance by Lorraine Beaumont Read Free Book Online Page B

be livid. Oh well, such was life. Sebastian really did not care.
    He strode towards the library, heading for a drink of his finest. He pulled up short in his progression when he saw he was not alone in this venture.
    “There you are, de Winter. I wondered where you had gotten to,” Devlin said, turning fully around. He was holding an overfilled crystal snifter of brandy.
     
    Sebastian had to quell his irritation as he watched Devlin Renquist, the new Lord of Hawthorne, his Aunt Isabelle’s rakehell of a husband, sip his finest in his stead. The aged liquid sloshed over the side, spilling onto the carpet.
    “Sorry, de Winter,” Devlin said absently, taking another drink. “This is good stuff,” he commented, lifting the glass, and spilling more of it onto the carpet in the process.
    Sebastian took a breath, ignoring the mess. “So, Renquist, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?” He really did not care for the man at all; however, he was supportive and tried to find Marguerite when she disappeared, so Sebastian supposed he could afford him some kind of allowance. “What finds you out and about at this hour?” Sebastian asked offhandedly.
    Devlin pushed away from the mantel to pour Sebastian a drink. “Good evening to you as well. I was out for my evening ride and decided to take a moment to check on you. See how you are faring in these difficult times and all that.”
     
    “How considerate of you, but surely you did not ride all this way, in this harsh weather, to check on me?” Sebastian replied doubtfully. Hawthorne Manor bordered his property, but it was at least a good hour’s ride away.
    “Oh, you do read me so well. I hate to admit, but with your Aunt Isabelle and my sister Judith both in attendance, the walls of Hawthorne have a way of closing in on a man.”
    Sebastian accepted the drink Devlin poured and took a small sip. He shook his head in acknowledgement. “Yes, although I do love my aunt dearly, well, let’s just say better you than me.”
    Devlin chuckled, shaking his head in agreement. He took a sip of his own and bowed his head. “Touché. Really, old boy, how are you faring? It has been quite some time since her disappearance.”
    “How am I faring?” Sebastian took another drink and set it on the mantel. “Funny you should ask.” He paused before looking over his shoulder at Devlin. “It seems my elusive bride has returned to me.”
     
    Devlin was in mid sip so it went straight down the wrong side of his throat. He coughed, spewing a good deal of his drink on the carpet again. Turning his watering eyes towards Sebastian, he tried to catch his breath.
    Sebastian didn’t mind the spill that time. He patted him on his back until his coughing fit subsided.
    Devlin pulled out his handkerchief and began wiping his face, “You have got to be kidding me? I am telling you, de Winter, I had no idea you had such a sick sense of humor.”
    “I am absolutely serious. She is, this very minute, upstairs… resting.” He took another sip of his drink. “Well, perhaps, resting upstairs is not the right turn of phrase.”
    Renquist looked at him in disbelief. All color drained from his face.
    Sebastian smirked at him. It served him right. He walked over to the window and pulled back the curtain. Sebastian continued, barely audible, “Unconscious is better.” He turned from the window and took a deep breath. “Yes, Renquist, she is abed, upstairs, completely and totally unconscious.” He walked over and took his drink off the mantel, then sat heavily down in one of the winged chairs flanking the fire. Crossing his legs, he took a large gulp of his drink, and closed his eyes.
    Renquist followed his lead and sat just as heavily down in the neighboring chair. “Bloody hell.”
    Sebastian lifted his glass in a silent salute and bade him a “Bloody hell,” as well.
    <>*LB*<>
    Much later that night, at Hawthorne Estate
    “That bitch!” Judith Alexandra Beauchamp screeched out. She absently