The Husband List -2 by Victoria Alexander Read Free Book Online Page A

hand. “And a better bottle of brandy.”
    “You don’t seem to mind drinking it.”
    “But I do mind. I drink it only to be polite.” He finished the liquor and set the glass on a table.
    “The sure sign of a good friend.”
    Thomas was indeed his closest in truth his only, friend, as well as his coconspirator. They had known each other from their school days but hadn’t seen much of one another until after Richard’s father had died. Somehow, they’d renewed their acquaintance then and now were as close as brothers.
    Etienne had been born three years ago when Richard was at his wits’ end trying to turn a neglected estate into a profitable enterprise. It was in fact Thomas who had originally suggested that Richard attempt to make his secret vice provide the income he sorely needed.
    Now, Thomas delivered his paintings to a solicitor who in turn passed them on to a dealer in art. Payment proceeded backwards along the same obscure route. Both men were confident the convoluted process ensured Richard’s continued anonymity.
    “And, Thomas, don’t forget this time to take the rent out of whatever is left after the dealer’s commission.”
    Thomas rolled his gaze toward the ceiling. This too was an ongoing debate between them. “This place cost me less than what I’d spend on a good horse. I can well afford to—”
    “Nonetheless, I will not—”
    “I know, I know.” Thomas blew a resigned breath and strode to the door. “Very well. But you could at least permit me to find better quarters for you.”
    “This is adequate for my needs. And the light is excellent. Besides,” he grinned, “ I rather like this hellhole . It asks nothing from me.”
    It was a single large room encompassing the top floor of a mercantile building in an unfashionable but not disreputable area on the fringe of the city’s business district. The room served both as studio and living quarters and was passable for a man living alone. His sisters and aunt remained in the country at Shelbrooke Manor, but Richard’s work demanded his presence in London. His family had no inkling as to the source of his still meager funds, and he preferred to keep it that way.
    Thomas had bought the building without telling Richard, and he insisted that the rent generated by the rest of the edifice had long ago reimbursed him for the purchase price.
    “That damnable pride of yours will be the end of you yet, Richard.”
    “We shall see.” Richard’s gaze caught his. “I will pay you back for everything one day.”
    “I’ve no doubt of that,” Thomas smiled. “I’ve also no doubt you would do the same for me should our positions be reversed.” He opened the door, then turned back, his manner tentative. “So ... how are your finances these days?”
    “They’d improve if I could paint faster.” Richard raised a shoulder in a casual shrug, as if it was of no consequence. “I could use a few more commissions, particularly for those portraits that ignore the more unflattering aspects of a face.”
    “Exactly why Etienne-Louis will be a success.” Thomas laughed, and Richard joined him.
    The friends exchanged a few more comments, and Thomas took his leave.
    At once Richard’s spirits dropped. Certainly a sale here would pay one bill, a commission there another, but even with his prices increasing, it was not enough. He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. It seemed that no matter what he did or how hard he worked, he was not substantially further ahead now than he had been a year ago. Or two. Or five. What he needed was a great deal of money, an influx of funds all at once, not in the piecemeal fashion that so limited him now.
    Gillian’s proposal would solve all his problems. But he could never live with her conditions. If they married, it must be a marriage in every sense. Nothing less would serve.
    Richard removed the newly completed painting from the easel and leaned it carefully against a wall. Gillian had said she