Manor of Pleasure: An Erotic Historical Romance Read Online Free PDF Page B

stunned but managed to reply, "My wife told me." He put his glass down and sat back in his chair. So Desmond knew. He did not know whether to feel dismay or relief.
    "Please understand," Desmond continued. "The episode means nothing to me. Your daughter is dearer to me than anything else on this earth. That will never change."
    Lord Garway regarded Desmond with compassion and respect. "I'm glad we are speaking of this. Do you know as well that Sir Isaac threatened to disgrace her in the papers? He said he would tell everyone that she seduced him. That he then used it to extort Rebecca's affections, to keep her bound to him?"
    Desmond nodded. "And now that atrocity hovers above her like a curse." He shifted his gaze to his glass. "Can you think of anything more despicable?" He looked up at Lord Garway intently. "When he hears of my engagement to Rebecca, it may well be the tipping point. He will be more likely to publish now than not."
    "True. Still I can't see a way out of it."
    "Lord Garway, that is my point exactly. I cannot be expected to stand idly by under these circumstances. When I think of Rebecca's despair as she told me of it..." Desmond clenched his jaw. He shook his head.
    "Steady on, Desmond. But an angry man does not, cannot think intelligently."
    Desmond took another drink. "I want to meet with Sir Isaac. He has the wealth of a king so no amount of money will turn his head. I shall have to persuade him that publication of Rebecca's story will do him more harm than good."
    Lord Garway set down his empty glass. "Desmond, I cannot say what I would do in your place. But I will say this to you. Men like Sir Isaac don't respond well to threats. If you mean to have him listen to you, you will have to cater to his ego."
    "I hope you can trust my motives, Lord Garway. I think only of Rebecca and her happiness."
    "Yes, of course." Lord Garway put his hand on Desmond's shoulder. "No one could doubt it, my good man. You will keep me apprised?"
    "I will. Now I'm afraid I must be off. My head is splitting. A function of the wine, I guess." Desmond smiled sheepishly and rose from the table. "Please make my excuses to Lady Garway and Rebecca."
    "I'm sorry for that. Shall we see you tomorrow?"
    "Yes, I hope so." Desmond stopped suddenly. "Would you pass on a message to Rebecca for me? Just tell her that I've not forgotten our wager…inside joke, I'm afraid."
    Lord Garway smiled. "Now you are betrothed, you're entitled. Goodnight, Desmond. And thank you."
    Desmond made his way to the front entrance where Abbott was waiting. The manservant helped him with his overcoat and handed him his hat.
    "Thank you, Abbott." Desmond put on one glove and patted his pocket for the other. "I'm afraid I'm missing a glove." Desmond looked about randomly on the ground. A distant bell rang.
    "I have to see to that call, Mr. Baines, but I will be back directly to lend a hand."
    "It's all right, Abbott. I can manage. Good night." Desmond watched him as he disappeared into the next room. Assuring himself of a clear path, Desmond slipped quickly down the hall and up the grand staircase.
    Lord Garway had rejoined the ladies. "I'm sorry, my dear Evelyn, but Desmond had to make an early exit. He sends his regrets."
    Rebecca's heart sank. "Really, Father? Has Desmond left?"
    "Yes," her father replied, "He dearly regretted having to leave but it seems he was not well, he had a headache. He asked me to remind you about your wager with him, Rebecca. Inside joke, apparently."
    Lady Louisa and Lady Garway both turned to Rebecca expectantly.
    "It's a bit of silliness, really." Rebecca smiled. She was sad, happy and puzzled all at once. "This afternoon, we challenged each other in a race. I won and it seems he wants to redeem himself."
    "I think it's wonderful that Desmond is riding again," Mrs. Baines said brightly. "He needs to get out from under his books and files. I'm glad to see you getting him out there, Rebecca."
    "Yes, of course," replied