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)
* * *
Or perhaps I should lose and then refuse to pay. There would be nothing more dishonorable than that.
* * *
“Hmm. That would certainly drag the Hampton name in the mud.” He gave a sidelong smile. “Serves you right, Percy.”
* * *
He took a large gulp of his drink, draining the glass before pouring himself another. He closed his eyes, recalling the last time he’d seen his mother. She had been screaming and crying, pleading with Percy to stop. Percy had called to his butler to come and take his wife away.
* * *
Pearson had not hesitated to carry the duchess away as if she was a sack of potatoes. He’d been his father’s right-hand man, enforcer of his father’s rules. Arthur hated him almost as much as he hated Percy.
* * *
Unfortunately, he had no idea what became of the man once his father died. He would have liked to institute some personal retribution upon him if he could have. He picked up the bell and rang it, summoning his butler, Anson.
* * *
“Bring me some food would you? Some steak and bread, and a mug of ale.”
* * *
“Yes, Your Grace.” Anson bowed and backed out, as Arthur returned to the window, looking out. For a working manor, the compound was extremely silent. No servants bustled about calling to each other, nor were there tinkers trying to sell their wares. The place was essentially dead.
* * *
It always had been, for as long as he could remember. Nobody ever knew what would set Percy off and so everyone tried their best to be invisible. Arthur realized he’d done nothing to change that culture.
* * *
And I don’t want to. I just want to be shot of this place and its terrible memories.
* * *
Pouring himself another drink, he gulped it down before pouring another. He intended to drink all afternoon so that by the time he arrived for the game, he would be deep in his cups. He wanted to leave no margin for error. He wanted to lose everything, and he wasn’t risking winning by accident. He fully intended to be out of his mind by the time he sat down to play.
CHAPTER 9
“Where are you going?”
* * *
Janice turned to see Emily approaching her, a thundercloud on her face.
* * *
“Out. I’m taking the new puppy for a walk.” She bent down and patted the puppy she’d retrieved from one of the kitchen maids.
* * *
Emily crossed her arms and glared. “Janice…” she said chidingly.
* * *
“What? Am I not allowed to walk a dog now?”
* * *
Emily narrowed her eyes. “You know full well that’s not what you’re doing.”
* * *
“Then what am I doing?”
* * *
“You’re going in search of that man again.”
* * *
“I am not.” Janice tried to be as indignant as possible.
* * *
“You don’t fool me, sister.” Emily’s teeth were gritted with annoyance.
* * *
“Alright. I will not deliberately seek him out. My word on it. Are you satisfied?”
* * *
Emily grabbed her arm. “Janice…”
* * *
Janice flicked a glance to the side. She spotted her father, watching them with concern, his arms crossed. He began to walk towards them.
* * *
“Emily, Papa approaches. Do you want to explain to him what is going on? Because if not, you should let go of my hand.”
* * *
Emily looked to the side and saw their father. She let go of Janice’s arm abruptly, sighing with resignation. “I have your word that you will not seek him out?”
* * *
“Yes, Emily. Now, let me go.”
* * *
Emily sighed in resignation as she shooed her away, and Janice turned to go on her way.
* * *
“Girls?”
* * *
She froze, sighing with resignation before turning around and pasting a smile on her face. “Yes, Papa?”
* * *
“What is going on? Are you fighting?” he asked as he came to a stop beside them.
* * *
“Of course not father.” She grabbed Emily and bussed her cheek. “Why would we fight?”
* * *
Lord Benjamin looked suspiciously from one to the other. “Then what were you discussing so intently?”
* * *
“We were simply debating the merits and demerits of walking the new puppy so soon after its injury.”
* * *
Their father’s frown deepened. “I thought the farrier said it was merely exhaustion.”
* * *
“It was. Emily is just a worry wort.”
* * *
Finally, their father smiled. “Well, it’s very soft-hearted of you to be concerned my dear, but walking the puppy is fine. No need to be in high dudgeon.”
* * *
Emily gave him a shaky smile. “Of course. You’re right Papa. Perhaps I was overreacting.”
* * *
“Perhaps you were.” He turned to Janice, gesturing for her to go. “Walk the puppy. But don’t go too far. You haven’t had your breakfast yet.”
* * *
“Yes, father.” She wasted no more time and grabbed the dog leash and hurried off. She could feel Emily’s eyes on her, probably still glaring. She was relieved to get outside and have the front door between them.