Night of Pleasure Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Who is Mr. Grey to you?”
    “A dear friend.” Several phlegmy coughs escaped him. His father cleared his throat and let out a gruff laugh. “’Tis a…a funny story as to how we met. Your mother and I…we…we were on our honeymoon outside of Paris when the coach we were traveling in was robbed at…at gunpoint by a fellow who barely reached my…my shoulder.” He smirked, clearly amused, even for the state he was in. “We were left with no money, no trunks and…and your mother’s French…her French wasn’t enough to save us. Fortunately, Rupert was at a…a tavern where we ended up. He assisted us. Sadly, with the amount of…of traveling he does, our close association has…has dwindled to mere letters. Rupert, you see, is a very…influential diplomat well known all over the world. Very important man.” His father hesitated, dragging in more unsteady breaths. “This union will allow the estate, its lands and…and our legacy to survive difficult times. Do you…understand?”
    Dearest God. “Is this about money?” Derek half-whispered in disbelief.
    His father lowered his gaze and adjusted the linen. “It was my duty to ensure we…we all lived well. Perhaps we lived too well. Aside from our own expenses, none of…none of your cousins were ever capable of financially…supporting themselves. I had to…to bestow them all with yearly allowances and…and I’m afraid it depleted quite a bit of our funds.”
    Derek’s eyes widened. “You’ve been giving yearly allowances to all eighteen of our cousins and their children? Father, how could you—”
    “They are family, Derek. And…and we always take care of our family. No matter the burden it brings. I…I expect you to be as generous as…as I was. Continue to give whatever they…they need.”
    It was a mess. All of this. What defined need? A new house? A new carriage? His cousins weren’t living in straw huts and starving. “Will Mr. Grey’s assets even be capable of sustaining the burden of generosity you speak of?”
    “More than capable.” The viscount adjusted the bandage on his arm with trembling fingers. “Rupert is worth…well…an astounding amount. You and he will negotiate the financial aspect of the…the marriage contract when it is time. He assured me it will be generous.”
    Derek fingered the middle button on his coat. “Does Miss Grey know of our union?”
    “She was informed of it shortly before arriving in London.” His tired eyes brightened. “Did you get a chance to…to meet her?”
    He was such an arse. “Yes. I did meet her.”
    A small smile cracked those lips. “Respect her and…and your bond will be…unbreakable. My own marriage was…was arranged as well and it…it was…beautiful.” His father hesitated. “Promise me that you will…you will honor this arrangement. Promise me.”
    Derek searched those ragged, pleading features. Just as his father had never denied him anything, he was not about to deny his own father peace. He loved the man too much. “Our families will become one.”
    A shaky breath escaped his father. “My secretary and…and solicitors will guide you until you come of age.” He searched Derek’s face. “You…you have always made me proud.”
    Derek’s lip trembled, knowing his father was saying good-bye. Those words were too staggered and not at all reflective of the playful, witty man who raised him.
    “Embrace your blessings and…and always take life with a smile.”
    A tear traced its way down Derek’s cheek. He couldn’t hold it in. A sob escaped him.
    “Oh, now, now, none of that. You…you must live up to what I have given you. Honor me by…by showing the world you can laugh even at the worst times. As I have done.” The viscount adjusted his head against the pillow in between rasping breaths. His mouth curved into a playful but broken smile. “Do tell me. Is Andrew still…still writing those female penny novels about romance and…and love? Has he started