Page 14 of The Viscount's Code
“Ideally, I would return home and use it to break the code,” Anthony said, but he knew what the earl’s answer would be before he even finished his sentence.
“Absolutely not.”
“But, Father—”
“I said no.” The earl shook his head decisively. “I have kept that book safe for twenty years. I will not have it leaving my possession now – especially with you.” He paused for a moment, and Anthony kept silent as he could tell the earl was deep in thought. “You can study it in the library each day you are here,” he said, obviously not even happy with his concession. “That will have to do.”
Anthony would have liked to argue his point, but he knew that, for now at least, he’d have to be satisfied with what the earl decided to allow.
“Very well,” he said. “I’d like to begin tonight.” He worked best at night, as it happened.
“It’s after midnight!” Lord Embury said with a snort. “Tomorrow.”
“I will help,” Hope offered.
Her father fixed her with a dark look. “Let Lord Whitehall do what he wishes, Hope,” he said. “But you will keep to your usual activities.”
Hope opened her mouth, likely to argue, but Anthony gave her a nearly imperceptible shake of his head. For one, he didn’t need her, and to have her present while he was trying to break a code would only distract him. Second, to push her father too hard would likely only make him take back what he had already promised.
“Very well,” Hope said softly, dropping her hands. “Goodnight, Father. Lord Whitehall.”
Anthony only nodded, watching her rise and walk away. Her father motioned him out of his study before shutting the doors firmly behind him, then followed Anthony up the stairs.
One thing was for certain. This was going to be a long visit.
CHAPTER6
Hope knew she had to be careful, but she couldn’t help being drawn to the library. Whether it was the book or the viscount himself that enticed her, she couldn’t be certain, nor did she want to clearly make the distinction. For she didn’t entirely know what was wrong with her that a man like the viscount intrigued her. Perhaps it was just that she hadn’t spent a great deal of time around men such as he – nor had she spent time in the company of any young men in particular, aside from social functions. Her time at Castleton had been the most she had ever spent in the presence of young lords.
She could admit that she was greatly interested in the thought of solving another clue, especially if it meant breaking a code. It made her feel like she was doing something worthwhile, if she was being honest, even if she knew it was nothing more than a silly treasure hunt.
Hope was like a stealthy spy as she all but tiptoed down the corridor. It was not that she was trying to trick her father or go behind his back, it was only that she didn’t understand why he would forbid her from being in the presence of the viscount, nor seeing the book. She was sure he would never have forbidden Faith from such a thing – he had much more trust in her actions.
Speaking of Faith… Hope had seen her sister head for the gardens, most likely to practice her archery. She was quite taken with the sport, even though it was only for leisure. Hope tried to tell herself that she hadn’t purposely waited for this opportunity to walk past the library – it just happened to be that, while Faith was occupied, she had nothing to do.
Hope entered the library, pretending she was looking for a book on one of the shelves near the entrance – even though she could sense the viscount’s presence the moment she walked through the door.
“Lord Whitehall,” she said, glancing sideways in his direction as she plucked a book off the shelf at random. “How are you today?”
“Fine,” he said without looking up at her. The two leather-bound books were laid out on the table before him. “And you?”
“I am well,” she said, smiling at the polite wording of his greeting in his surly gruff voice. She tapped the book against her hand as she walked toward him.
“You are not supposed to be in here,” he said, finally lifting his head.
“I am not supposed to spend time with you or with the book,” she said. “But I needed something to read, and this is the library, after all.”
“It is, isn’t it?” The corner of his mouth crooked upward, and when he bent his head slightly, she realized he was looking at the book in her hands.
“Interested in sheep?”
“Sheep?” she repeated.
He gestured toward her. “Your book.”
She turned it over, looking at the cover for the first time. “Oh.”Shepherding the Herd.“Yes, I suppose I am.”
He made a noise that sounded like a snort, but Hope realized it was actually something akin to a laugh.
