Page 43 of A Courtesan Countess Worth the Scandal
“In our surprise, it appears we are well met,” Liam replied. “I had assumed you were in the Lake District, after I received your worrisome letter. Has all been remedied, or have you come here to give me dire news in person?”
Although, that does not explain why you are here and have not called upon me at my own townhouse.
After five years, Liam knew he ought to be glad to see his dear uncle—the man who had been his only source of happiness in his formative years. And yet, his mind felt defensive, for he had neglected his uncle since his return from the Continent. True, he had been riding to Keswick Manor when he encountered the highwaymen, but he had only replied to his uncle’s letter yesterday after that plan had been aborted. Meanwhile, he had spent every day pursuing an audience with Nora.
Edward exhaled, his demeanor calming. “I had an appointment with an old acquaintance just up that street.” He gestured behind him, to a charming crescent in the near distance. “But my carriage is delayed in collecting me, so I have been standing here at rather a loss. Though, perhaps, it is not entirely a loss as I have chanced upon you, my Dear Nephew!”
“I responded to your letter,” Liam insisted. “Isall well, or has something truly awful occurred, and that is why you are in London?”
Edward rested a comforting hand on Liam’s shoulder. “The moment I sent that letter, I knew I should not have done. I was rash, and there was nothing to be truly concerned about. As such, I decided to come to London to chase the letter, so I could put your mind at ease.” He lowered his gaze. “Though, admittedly, part of me hoped it might urge you to come home. You have been sorely missed.”
Liam did not think it wise to mention that hehadridden for home, for he knew it would only worry his uncle to hear that he had been apprehended by villains upon the road. And it was plain to see that the older man already felt guilty about writing a letter to coerce his nephew into returning, to see the one person Liam could believe had missed him.
“Why did you not come to the house first? I would have been thrilled to see you,” Liam confessed. Indeed, it felt as though no time had passed at all, now he had his uncle before him.
Edward sighed. “I was waylaid by a broken carriage wheel when I passed Manchester, and only managed to arrive this morning. I do believe there is no such thing as urgency in the north, though I would not change it for the world.” He laughed heartily, a sound that Liam had missed. “I had already made this engagement with my friend and planned to visit with you afterward.”
“You must. I will have luncheon prepared if you are hungry?” Liam’s stomach churned suddenly, as he remembered the reason he was here. “Although, there is something I must attend to first, so perhaps it is best if you meet me at the townhouse in… a few hours?”
Edward raised an eyebrow. “Should I be curious?”
There was a note in the older man’s voice that suggested he had not meant to say “curious,” but had, instead, meant to say, “worried.” After all, Edward knew everything about Élodie, and he would be the first person to dissuade Liam from getting himself into another ill-fated entanglement. He could only imagine his uncle’s face if he told him that he was here to visit with a courtesan, though not for the reasons other men would.
“Goodness, no.” Liam wafted a unconcerned hand through the air. “It is merely an appointment with a merchant of interest. I have been looking into my financial affairs and have a mind to make some sage investments to further secure my fortune. This merchant may be one of those.”
Edward gave a measured nod. “Would you like me to accompany you? You know I have a sound mind for business.”
“That will not be necessary,” Liam urged, panicking slightly. “You must be exhausted after your travels, and I would not have you bored to tears while I discuss imports and exports. I can inform you fully of what has been discussed when we dine together later, instead.”
Just then, in quite a lucky manner, Edward’s carriage came to a halt at the side of the road. Liam recognized the driver as the one from Keswick Manor, though the wizened old fellow did not appear to recognize his own Lord.
“Please, I insist.” Liam steered his uncle toward the carriage. “Return to your own lodgings, take some rest, and we shall reconvene later this afternoon to speak of all we have missed while I have been away.”
Edward smiled and patted Liam on the shoulder. “Very well. I am rather fatigued, and I do like the sound of a brief nap. But I want to hear everything over luncheon!” His smile broadened further. “I truly have missed you, Dear Boy. The Manor is much too empty without you.”
“I will go back one day, Uncle. I promise,” Liam said, though he did not know if he would be able to keep it.
Stepping back from the edge of the pavement, he raised a hand in farewell as Edward clambered inside the carriage, and the driver snapped the reins. His uncle waved back, flashing his most generous smile, as the carriage pulled away, leaving Liam to his true purpose for visiting this street.
I do not like to lie, but it is better that my Uncle does not know of what happened, nor of Nora. I have put him through enough. I would not have him fret.
Making sure his uncle really had gone, Liam turned around and walked back up the street. This time, he did not hesitate to stride up the steps to the front door, where he knocked and waited, his heart still drumming rapidly from the unexpected encounter.
A minute later, the door creaked open and he was met by the familiar face of the housekeeper, or cook, or whatever she was. “Lord Keswick, I was wondering when you’d come by,” she said with an empty sort of politeness.
“I did tell you I would return,” he retorted. “Might I be granted permission to see Miss Black today? If not, may I ask how she is faring?”
Mrs. Moston sighed. “The physician visited her again earlier this morning, and says the injury is healing well. She still has a mild fever, but nothing that my famous chicken soup can’t fix. Give her a few more days, and she can decide if she’s well enough to have company.”
“Might I request that you pass a letter to her?” This time, Liam had not come empty handed.
Mrs. Moston eyed him curiously. “Aye, I suppose I can do that for you, M’Lord.” She held out her hand. “I can’t promise she’ll reply, though.”
“She does not need to until she is feeling better, if at all.” He smiled and took the letter from his coat pocket, before handing it to Mrs. Moston. “You will make sure she receives it, will you not?”
Mrs. Moston nodded. “I will, M’Lord.”
“In that case, I will take my leave.” He turned to walk away, but the housekeeper called him back.
