Page 76 of Enemies with an Earl
He rolled his shoulders and turned to face Ash, who was striding out of his dressing chamber. “What is it you need?”
“Felicity and I are going to travel to Brackenridge Hollow to see Colborn.”
Sam’s eyebrows rose. “Well, that certainly will be an interesting reunion. Hullo, son! I’m here with your ex-betrothed. I mean your new mama.”
Ash’s expression went flat. “I’m glad you are still capable ofsomejests. Even if they’re at my expense.”
The corner of Sam’s mouth tugged up. “Apologies. I know I haven’t been pleasant to be around lately. I promise I’ll be back to my usual insufferable self soon enough.”
“Mmm,” Ash said.
Like the bastard didn’t believe Sam. Samwasgoing to get over a certain arrogant, pretentious, intolerable arse-hat. Who wasn’t actually any of those things. Not really. It was a mask the man wore. Sam recognized it so clearly now. Months of dwelling on every minute interaction that has passed between them had that effect.
It had been a shocking revelation, a fist to the gut, the day Sam realized that he and Felix were one in the same. They both donned masks for the world to hide the tumult they carried inside. Which had done nothing to help Sam move past whatever hold the man had on him. But he was going to move on. At some point. He kept waiting, and it kept not happening. But it would eventually.
Once that happened, everything would be right in the world again. Sam would be back to his flippant, carefree self, content to spend the rest of his days valeting for his best friend. That was all he needed. Then he’d be happy. And safe.
“How long are we planning to stay at Brackenridge for?” Sam asked. “I’ll ensure your trunks are packed and coordinate with Her Grace’s lady’s maid.”
“I’d like to plan for at least a month.” Ash’s dark-brown brows drew together, and he gnawed on his lip while he fastened his breeches. “Colborn has apparently…been doing quite well there. All the reports I’ve received from my stable master and steward have been nothing but praise.” Ash glanced up, and there was so much hope in his friend’s blue eyes. “Not only has Colborn been managing the estate, but he’s been actively involved with the horses.”
Sam’s heart went soft. He knew what that meant to Ash, how important horses were to his best mate. Sam crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “Do you think your staff would really say anything negative to you about your son? Obviously, I would. But I’m different.”
“Yes, yes, because you’re my best mate—”
“Not everyone is blessed with big ballocks like me,” Sam said over Ash.
Ash dropped his head in his hands, his frame shaking with his muffled laughs. He blew out a breath and composed himself. “Normally, I’d agree with you—about the staff being unwilling to say anything bad about Colborn,notabout you having titanic tallywags—”
“Oooh, brilliant alliteration, Ash. I’ll have to add that one to my repertoire.”
Ash ignored him and continued. “But I know Wilde would never mince words. And the first letter I received wasnotcomplimentary.”
Sam chuckled. “I can only imagine what Wilde’s first impression of Colborn was. Your stable master possesses extreme skill, but patience and benevolence are not among them. Unless it’s toward a horse, of course.”
“I think that’s what I find the most surprising. Well, besides the fact that Colborn hasn’t tried to run back to London.” Ash settled into an armchair and gestured for Sam to follow suit in the one opposite him. “You know how implicitly I trust Wilde’s opinion. So, if she is impressed by Colborn? I have to believe this time spent at Brackenridge has been good for him. I’m excited to spend some time with him there. And a mite nervous about what my reception will be.”
Sam fell back into the chair across from Ash. “You two have corresponded as fast as the post allows since he’s been there. You have nothing to worry over. He’s going to be happy to see you, Ash. I sincerely believe that.”
Ash sent him a small smile, one where the corners wavered with hesitance, like it was too afraid to be a full smile and end up snuffed out when things didn’t come to pass the way one hoped.
“All right. When are we leaving?”
“Actually…”
The hairs on the back of Sam’s neck lifted.
“Felicity and I would like to depart the day after tomorrow.”
Sam frowned. There wasn’t anything outrageous in that request. “That’s not a problem. I can have us ready by then.”
“I was thinking it might make sense…for you not to accompany us.”
Sam’s jaw went slack.
“Felicity has confided a few things to me,” Ash said carefully. “Apparently, her brother retired to their family estate early. She said he’s been moping and whiny.”
Sam blinked, not following this conversation at all. He shook his head but gained absolutely no clarity. “She can tell all that from letters?” he asked dumbly. He groaned inwardly. He hadn’t meant to inquire about a certain lord he was very much not thinking about.
