Return of the Viscount Read Online Free PDF Page B

Other than visiting my family, there is little I need to do in England.”
    â€œYou are so anxious to return to India?” Lady Blackthorne asked. “We experienced much of it as children, including traveling up the country with our father’s regiment. It was hot and wet and unpleasant.”
    It could be all of that. But was she so unadventurous? he wondered with disappointment. “The climate has its disadvantages, but the views can be pleasant. All of that is of little consequence to me. I am a soldier for the queen.”
    â€œYou’re not an officer?” Appertan asked, looking curious for the first time that evening.
    â€œI am a noncommissioned officer.”
    â€œThat makes no sense.” Appertan shook his head. “I would never want to make things so hard on myself.”
    No one answered that, and Michael guessed that Appertan made certain nothing was very difficult in his life. How could one not relish a good challenge? That thought momentarily changed the direction of his thoughts, and his gaze slid to his wife. Now she was a challenge.
    After several minutes of silence while they continued to eat, Michael said to Appertan, “From what I could see of the grounds during the storm, they look well cared for. Your father would be pleased that you’ve continued his excellent management.”
    He shrugged, lounging in his chair. “The servants know their duties. Whatever else comes up, Cecilia is perfectly capable of handling it. It’s not that difficult.”
    Michael saw Lady Blackthorne inhale and briefly close her eyes, as if she was embarrassed that Appertan proved his own ignorance. Michael was more and more disturbed every time the young man opened his mouth. He kept remembering the pride with which the late Lord Appertan talked of his son—did he know Oliver at all? Sadness and frustration warred with each other in Michael’s mind, and he knew how disappointed his commander would be, how conflicted Lady Blackthorne must feel, torn between the gentle pursuits of a lady, and the practical concerns of her family estate. He’d begun to think she was a woman too used to controlling everyone around her—even himself—but now he wasn’t so certain.
    â€œYou must have an excellent steward yourself, Lord Blackthorne,” his wife said, “considering that you’re hardly ever home. Wait—now I remember that you wrote about your brother handling such duties.”
    He couldn’t help the way his gaze swept over her. He was feeling possessive, and defensive on her behalf. “We keep in regular contact. But it is nowhere near the size of the earldom.”
    Suddenly, he wondered if other people saw him in the same light as Appertan, both of them peers who allowed others to take control. Much as he knew their situations were vastly different, it bothered him, made him wish there was something he could do to help Appertan see the error of his ways.
    â€œNo wonder you agreed to this marriage,” Appertan said.
    Michael felt the slur, saw Lady Blackthorne give a start and look away with embarrassment.
    Michael regarded him impassively. “I did not accept your sister’s dowry, nor do I have access to her funds. You can be certain I will not abuse her finances.”
    Appertan’s contempt seemed to fade into puzzlement, then he shrugged again and started a conversation with Miss Webster about a party they would be attending. Lady Blackthorne finished eating, keeping her eyes on her plate.
    At last, Appertan rose and tossed his napkin down. “I’m off to Enfield for the evening.”
    Michael was relieved his new brother-in-law didn’t ask him to accompany him. Michael might have to call him on his behavior, not a way to win the young man over.
    Miss Webster smiled at her fiancé. “I’m sure Papa has already sent the carriage for me.” She looked back at Lady Blackthorne, and said, “But if