GypsyDukeEpub by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page A

look like an overstuffed popinjay beside the earl's somber black and white. He bowed to the earl in an obsequious manner, swirling his hand several times, which brought a tightening to the earl's face. "I am delighted above all things, milord. How is it that your estate is not endowed with your title?"
    The earl frowned, and his jaw clinched. "The title is for my lifetime. The estates are not entailed."
    An avaricious glint appeared in Bartholomew's eye. "So your darling daughter will inherit the estates. I can see why a marriage was arranged between John and Kitty. When the two estates are merged…" Total silence met his musings. He continued, unfazed. "How is it that you came to be in the earl's company, John? I thought you were out with our estate manager for the day?"
    The earl answered in an offhand manner. "I was riding my lands and met up with Seymour. I am most dismayed at the gloomy report of the physician and thought to present myself to her Grace. Is there no hope for Somerset?"
    "Alas, we await the end. Pray be seated. We were just calling for tea. You must join us."
    Bartholomew's pathetic assent nauseated John. Where was the vicious intensity he displayed so often?
    The earl stepped back to take a seat beside his wife, and John maneuvered Kitty toward a satin-striped chair on the opposite side of the room from his uncle.
    She smiled up at John happily. He patted her hand as he took a seat nearby, careful to block his uncle's view of her.
    The earl's shrewd eye studied the room, and John glanced around as if seeing it for the first time. His mother's choice of fabrics, silks and satin brocade, soothed the senses while bright yellow walls provided an airy frame to cherry silk drapes. A peach petit pointe footstool extolled his mother's skill at handiwork.
    "So, her Grace has removed herself from society? Do you think it advisable-"
    "That is preposterous!" John interrupted, glaring at his uncle. "I saw my mother just this morning, and she was quite amenable. Why was she not the one to send for visitors, Uncle? It is her right."
    Silence met his outburst. John realized he'd interrupted the earl and turned to face him. "Your lordship, I beg your forgiveness. I momentarily forgot myself at the thought of my mother's unnecessary distress. She would enjoy your company and felicitations. Pray forgive me."
    "Understood, natural reaction." He rose with a commanding glance at his wife and Kitty, who joined him. "Under the circumstances, I feel it would be best if we returned when her Grace has issued an invitation."
    John and his uncle stood and bowed to the ladies.
    The earl directed his attention to the air between Bartholomew and John. "We thank you for your hospitality, Seymour, Lord Bartholomew. Good day, sirs."
    They met the maid with the tea tray in the hall. John waved her away. "We will not partake at this time."
    He followed Kitty and her family to their carriage and waited as the earl's mount was brought round.
    Kitty stepped into the carriage then leaned out. She was a lovely vision in pink. When she lifted her head, her face held the most provocative smile, and she dipped one eye in a sultry wink. "Goodbye, John."
    Where had she learned that? Before John could respond, the countess instructed the driver to leave.
    The earl, atop his horse, cast a sweeping look over the courtyard then settled on John. "I hope you will not absent yourself long from Belfont manor. We look forward to your presence at any time."
    "Thank you, my lord. I will endeavor to ride your way at my earliest convenience."
    The earl saluted and rode off. John sighed and turned on his heel. He was still in riding clothes and had yet to confront his uncle. He felt weary, yet invigorated. He had won this round, and he had gained support. He couldn't believe what a fool his uncle had been to mention matters of title and finance in front of the earl and his ladies. Bartholomew had played right into John's hand.
    Then there was the wink from Kitty.