Page 21 of Miss Harvey's Horribly Lovable Fiancé
She shook her head. “I must talk with him.”
“Wait.” He caught her by the arm as she strode for the hall. “Let me tell you this.”
Wide eyed, she stared at him. “What?”
“I gave my father a counter proposal.”
“Oh, Giles, no.”
“He’s desperate. He will accept.” He usually did. “I expect my solicitor to arrive here tonight with my father’s response.”
She sagged, as if she lost all her fight. “You cannot give him what he wants. Whatever the amount, you know he will come after you again and again.”
“I will not lose you, Esme. No matter the price.”
She stared at him, a mixture of gratitude and sadness written on her lovely face. “I will talk with Papa.”
She tried to smile but it was a weary undertaking…and then she cupped his jaw and kissed him with all the fire he’d always seen in her.
Then she threw him a wistful look, excused herself and fled the room.
* * *
Esme hurriedup the main stairs to the second floor, then down the hall to her parents’ suite. Her knock at the door produced her father’s valet Nash and the information that her father was still in the village shepherding the guests.
Her father’s man was a decade older than his master, portlier and increasingly infirm. “He should return soon, Miss Esme.” His voice quivered. “Shall I ask him to attend you?”
“Please,” she said and froze on the long red Turkey carpet, empty-headed with trepidation. But action was her by-word and she swung around to head down the servants’ stairs.
The stables would be a fine idea. She could talk to Admiral…or maybe, best not. The horse could offer a nicker of consolation, but no advice. Plus, privacy was an issue. The stables and the carriage house would be teeming with all the guests’ coachmen and footmen. Henry, Giles’s young tiger, would be there too. The wiry French boy was as sharp as a Bow Street Runner. His clear blue eyes saw every detail of one’s attire and expression. Esme had oft applauded the boy’s perspicacity, but this afternoon, she feared it. Worried as she was and without a solution to her dilemma, she didn’t want Henry pilfering about inside her brain.
At the kitchen door, she stopped.
Only one other person filled her need for friendship.
Picking up her skirts, she fled the other way through the beer cellar, the laundry and out the far door.
* * *
Giles checked his time piece,left the office and headed upstairs for the proposed meeting about land along the Ouse. He opened the library doors to note he was the last to arrive. “Forgive me for my lateness, gentlemen.”
“Northington!” Rory Fletcher hailed him as he strode across the room and embraced him. Rory, the new Earl of Charlton was not only a war hero, but also his cousin. Nearly the same age and much the same temperament, Giles and Rory had met as babes and as they grew, engaged in boyish escapades, fishing, treasure hunting and spying on the local brewer who enjoyed his beer. Because they looked much alike, they often tormented the poor man when in his cups, allowing him to think he saw double.
His cousin stepped back, a grin wreathing his face. They had not met since almost a year ago near Brussels, when both attended one of Wellington’s staff meetings before the battle of Quatre Bas.
“I had to dart in before you started your meeting and say hello. I heard from Dalworthy and Bridges here that you arrived earlier. So very good to see you, Northington.”
“Marvelous to see you well, cousin. Shall we dispense with the formalities, Rory?” Giles felt the tension of the morning drain. He had feared for his cousin, who served throughout the wars as officer of an infantry regiment. He’d won constant promotions for his leadership. His last rank had been as colonel.
“Indeed, Giles. I’m happy to be here. Thank you for the invitation. I arrived yesterday. I had to see you married and settled.”
The twinkle in Rory’s grey eyes told Giles he recalled the trouble they’d often gotten into. “Mischief is no longer part of my name. Nor yours, I wager, now that you have inherited your brother’s responsibilities.”
“So true I must learn the value of country life quickly.”
“Not hard, but it does keep you busy,” Giles told him.
“I will come to you for advice…but only after your honeymoon trip!”
