Page 24 of Enamored with a Brooding Earl
His friend shook his head. “I do not.”
James let himself study the interaction, his eyebrows lifting as the man slammed one fist down on the table, only for Lord Barlington to rise up out of his chair, plant his hands on the table and glare at the fellow in return. “There is an argument, certainly.”
“Though that fellow does not appear to be one of the high gentry.”
“No, he does not.” James tilted his head just a little, observing the fellow. “A knight or a baron, mayhap? I wonder what such a person has to do with the Marquess.”
“I do not know but there is clearly something that has frustrated him. The Marquess has only been here for a few days, how could it be that there is something so significant between this other fellow and himself so quickly?”
A sense of uncertainty wrapped around James’ heart and he shook his head. “I do not know. Though I confess that I should be very interested in finding out.”
Lord Thurston chuckled darkly. “As would I. It is not a fair consideration, I know, for a gentleman’s business ought to be his own but given his intention as regards Lady Temperance, a lady whom my wife and I consider to be a very dear friend, I think the urge is only right.”
James nodded and continued to watch as the fellow glared back at Lord Barlington, only to slam his fist on the table again, say something more to him and then turn to walk out of the tavern.
“I will go after him,” Lord Thurston said quickly, rising to his feet. “I am known around here so it will not bring any sort of suspicion if I speak to this fellow, whoever he is.”
“Do not ask anything too obvious,” James warned, only for Lord Thurston to nod and then step away. Despite the urge to continue to watch Lord Barlington, James forced his gaze away and kept it on the window, seeing the outline of Lord Thurston as he approached the other fellow. The man did stop and bowed towards Lord Thurston, before they lingered in conversation. James bit his lip, watching them speak and wondering just what it was that Lord Thurston was asking him. It was all rather strange. Seeing the man step away, he waited for a moment, only for Lord Thurston to beckon to him through the window. Getting up out of his chair, James threw back the rest of his drink and then made his way to the door, managing one sidelong glance towards Lord Barlington. Relieved that the gentleman had not noticed him, he stepped outside into the sunshine and to where Lord Thurston was.
“That was Sir Jeffries,” Lord Thurston said, the moment James came to meet him. “He is not high in the gentry, as I suspected, but we are acquainted. I did not recognise him until we came outside and, of course, I pretended surprise at meeting him here.”
“And did he say why he was present?” James asked, as the two made their way directly across the street and away from the tavern. “Did he mention Lord Barlington?”
Lord Thurston shook his head. “No, he did not and I did not pry. I did not think that it would be wise to do so. Instead, I simply asked about his family and situation and he told me that hispresence here in the village was on matters of business… and because his daughter insisted on going to the haberdashery.”
James’ lips pursed. “I see.”
“We have not learned anything useful, only to say that Lord Barlington and Sir Jeffries are somehow acquainted.”
“And that there is bad feeling between them for some reason,” James added, turning around to survey the tavern. “It is very strange indeed. I should like to ask Lord Barlington about it just to see what he would say but I do not think it would be wise. If he is attempting to hide something, then asking him questions will not help.”
“No, it will not. Instead, I think it would force him to stay even quieter.”
James looked to his friend. “Then what shall we do?”
After a moment, Lord Thurston nodded to himself and then looked to James. “I think that we should say nothing and do nothing for the moment. It would not be wise to say anything to anyone else – including Lady Temperance – since we have no proof of anything.”
“But I must do something!”
Lord Thurston nodded. “Of course. Might I suggest that we then agree to observe Lord Barlington as best we can? Speak with him, encourage an acquaintance between us? It may be that more of such behaviour appears and we will be able to discover something more.”
A scowl darkened James’ features once more. “Then that means I shall have to engage in conversation with him, pretend that I find his company a delight rather than unwelcome.” A sudden thought hit him and he shook his head. “I cannot do that, not when Lady Temperance will believe that – ”
“Then inform her of what you are doing but do not say any more than that,” his friend interrupted, gently. “Mayhap you merely say that you are looking to make certain of Lord Barlington’s motivations and thus, you think it best to make certain of his movements about the area. You need not explain any more than that.”
James nodded. “An excellent suggestion,” he agreed, feeling himself a little more assured. “I shall do that.” His eyes flared as he caught sight of his carriage approaching. “Goodness, it appears as though my mother is determined to join us today! She wasmuttering about coming in search of various things for her artwork here in the village.”
Lord Thurston’s eyebrows lifted. “I did not think that such a small place would have such things.”
“She has had some things sent here from town, I believe.” James smiled as Lord Thurston nodded his understanding. “On the very day that my mother picked up her paintbrush again, she sent various letters to town and the like, determined to have the very best of supplies sent back to her.”
“Ah.” Lord Thurston chuckled. “Then do you wish to join her?”
“I suppose I should,” James grinned. “Though do not feel as though you have to stay.”
Lord Thurston made to say something, only to open his eyes a little wider as he looked beyond the approaching carriage. “Though that appears to be my very own carriage coming also!”
“Your wife?” James asked, as Lord Thurston nodded. “Then it seems we are both to stay!” With a smile, he waited for the carriage to arrive, all thought of Lord Barlington – for the moment, at least – gone from his mind.
