Rendezvous by Amanda Quick Read Free Book Online

put it this way. At least you will not be bored. You will propose to Augusta this afternoon, then, eh?”
    “Good God, no. I do not intend to propose to Augusta at all. This afternoon I am going to ask her uncle for his permission to wed his niece.”
    Peter looked momentarily blank. “But what about Augusta? Surely you will have to ask her personally first? She is four-and-twenty, Graystone, not a schoolroom miss.”
    “We both agreed I am not a fool, Sheldrake. I am not about to put an important decision such as this in the hands of the Northumberland side of the Ballinger family.”
    Peter continued to appear blank for a moment longer and then comprehension set in. He roared with laughter. “I understand completely. Good luck to you, man. Now then, if you will excuse me, I believe I shall make a quick trip to a couple of my own clubs. I wish to place a few wagers in the betting books. Nothing like having a bit of secret intelligence, is there?”
    “No,” Harry agreed, thinking of how many times his life and the lives of others had depended on such intelligence.Unlike his restless friend, he was very glad those days were behind him.
    At three o’clock that afternoon, Harry was shown into the library of Sir Thomas Ballinger.
    Sir Thomas was still a vigorous man. A lifetime of devotion to the classics had not softened his sturdy, broad-shouldered frame. His once-blond hair was silvered now and quite thin on top. His well-trimmed whiskers were gray. He had on a pair of spectacles which he removed as he glanced up to see his visitor. He beamed at the sight of Harry coming toward him.
    “Graystone. Good to see you. Have a seat. I have been meaning to call on you. I have come across a most intriguing translation of a French work on Caesar which I think you will enjoy.”
    Harry smiled and took one of the chairs on the other side of the fire. “I am certain I shall find it fascinating. But we shall have to discuss it some other time. I have come upon another sort of errand today, Sir Thomas.”
    “Is that so?” Sir Thomas eyed him with indulgent attention as he poured two glasses of brandy. “And what would that be, sir?”
    Harry took the brandy and sat back in his chair. He studied his host for a long moment. “You and I, sir, are rather old-fashioned in some respects. Or so I have been told.”
    “There is much to be said for the old ways, if you ask me. Here’s to ancient Greeks and amusing Romans.” Sir Thomas raised his glass in a toast.
    “To ancient Greeks and amusing Romans.” Harry obediently took a swallow of the brandy and set the glass down. “I have come to ask for Miss Ballinger’s hand in marriage, Sir Thomas.”
    Sir Thomas’s thick brows rose. A thoughtful expressionappeared in his eyes. “I see. And does she know you are making this request?”
    “No, sir. I have not yet discussed the matter with her. As I said, I am old-fashioned in many respects. I wanted your approval before I proceeded further.”
    “But of course, my lord. Quite right. Rest assured I am delighted to grant my approval to the match. Claudia is an intelligent, serious-minded young female, if I do say so myself. Very well mannered. Takes after her mother, you know. Even attempting to write a book, just as my wife did. My wife wrote books designed for young ladies in the schoolroom, you know. Quite successful at it, I’m pleased to say.”
    “I am aware of Lady Ballinger’s excellent educational works, Sir Thomas. They are in my own daughter’s schoolroom. However—”
    “Yes, I feel certain Claudia will make you an admirable countess and I shall be most gratified to have you in the family.”
    “Thank you, Sir Thomas, but it was not Claudia’s hand I intended to request, delightful though your daughter is.”
    Sir Thomas stared at him. “Not Claudia, my lord? Surely you don’t mean … you can’t mean—”
    “I have every intention of marrying Augusta if she will have me.”
    “
Augusta?”
Sir Thomas’s