Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
Arthur nodded. “Very well. Would you inform him that I would like a word if he would be so kind?”
* * *
“Of course, Your Grace.” The waiter bowed and left as Arthur waited anxiously. It wasn’t long before Lord Sarandon was sauntering towards him, the waiter leading the way. He pulled the chair opposite Arthur and then stepped back for the Marquis to sit down.
* * *
“Would you like anything, my lord?” he asked the marquis.
* * *
Lord Sarandon shook his head. “No thank you.” He waved a hand in dismissal and the waiter walked away.
* * *
Arthur took a deep breath. “My lord. I wish to inquire about the status of my Avebury manor property. Did I gamble it away to you or not?”
* * *
The marquis cocked an eyebrow. “Do you not remember?”
* * *
Arthur shook his head, trying not to squirm with embarrassment. “No. I’m sorry, I do not.”
* * *
Lord Sarandon sighed. “Your Grace, you were in your cups when you arrived at my residence and still proceeded to imbibe some more, I felt it to be beneath my honor to allow such stakes as you wanted to lay down, even when you insisted.”
* * *
Arthur’s heart sank. “So we did not play for the manor at all?”
* * *
Lord Sarandon shook his head. “No, we did not. If you wish me to purchase the property from you, I would be more than happy to.”
* * *
Arthur frowned. “Why?”
* * *
The marquis inclined his head to the side. “I’m no stranger to painful family history, Your Grace. I understand well the impulse to erase it from memory.”
* * *
Arthur looked away. He was not interested in the marquis’ sympathy or his offer. The point was to lose the property, ignominiously, dishonorably, disgracefully. It was not to profit from his or his mother’s pain in any way.
* * *
“That’s kind of you, my lord.”
* * *
Lord Sarandon raised his hand to summon the waiter. “Bring me a cup of tea and some of those cream pies. I think I shall break my fast with His Grace after all.”
* * *
Arthur looked up in surprise. Lord Sarandon leaned in, clasping his hands together. “Hampton my man, you cannot go on like this,” he said in a low tone, “You were very articulate in your desires that night, and all I can say to you and I hope you listen, is not to cut off your nose to spite your face. Your father is dead. Spit on his grave and be done.” He leaned back, taking his elbows off the table.
* * *
Arthur’s lips twisted bitterly. “If only it were that easy.”
* * *
“Find yourself a wife. Beget many children. Live well,” Lord Sarandon persisted.
* * *
Arthur’s face darkened. “Never. My father’s blood will end with me.” He hissed angrily. “I will never give another his name.”
* * *
Sarandon sighed tiredly, shaking his head. “It is your choice. But I grieve for you, sir. It saddens me to see you embrace such darkness.”
* * *
Arthur narrowed his eyes and glared at the Marquis. “Forgive my bluntness my lord, but you are a notorious rake and wastrel. Why don’t you take your own advice?”
* * *
Sarandon laughed. “We knew each other at Eton and so I remember you well, Hampton. I remember that the entire class once conspired to send Lord Drake to seduce one of the maids while the rest of us watched. But you, you would not participate. In fact, you went so far as to warn her of our nefarious plans.”
* * *
Arthur looked at him in surprise and Lord Sarandon smiled and nodded. “Yes, I knew it was you. I didn’t say a word because I knew they would turn on you if I did.”
* * *
“What did you care if they did turn on me or not?”
* * *
Sarandon looked away. “I…you were not very good at hiding your bruises. I thought you might already have enough problems to be dealing with. Didn’t need anymore.”
* * *
Arthur smiled. “It would seem I am not the only one hiding my light under a bushel.”
* * *
“Pah!” Sarandon waved a hand, “You should know by now how much the ton love to prevaricate and exaggerate. I might have spent too much time whispering with Lady Casper in the bushes of Buckingham palace but I have despoiled no woman who didn’t ask me to, first.”
* * *
Arthur huffed in amusement. “Yes well, unlike you, I do mean to earn my reputation.”
* * *
Sarandon clapped as the waiter placed the tray containing his cream pie in front of him as well as a kettle of tea. Once the waiter had poured out the tea, he nodded to them both and left. Sarandon turned to Arthur. “Well, let us drink to that.”