The Heir Read Online Free PDF Page B

price.”
    “But you didn’t end up marrying the lady,” Val pointed out, “so all’s well.”
    “All will not be well until I have presented His Grace with several legitimate grandsons, and even then, he’ll probably still want more.” He went to the French doors overlooking his terrace as he spoke.
    “He’ll die eventually,” Val said. “Almost did last winter, in fact.”
    “He was brought down more by the quacks who bled him incessantly than by lung fever itself.” Westhaven glanced over his shoulder at his brother and scowled. “If I am ever seriously ill, Valentine, you must promise to keep the damned quacks and butchers away from me. A comely nurse and the occasional medicinal tot, but otherwise, leave it in the hands of the Almighty.” He swiveled his gaze back to the terrace and watched as Mrs. Seaton appeared, baskets and shears in hand while she marched to the cutting garden along one low stone wall.
    “You put me on the spot.” Val smiled. “Do you honestly think I wouldn’t do everything in my power to keep you alive, despite your wishes to the contrary?”
    “Then pray for my continued good health.” Mrs. Seaton was bareheaded today, her dark mane pulledback into a thick knot at her nape. By firelight, he knew, there were red highlights in that hair.
    Lemonade arrived, complete with fat muffins, fresh bread with butter, sliced meats and cheese, sliced fruit, and a petite bouquet of violets on the tray. Nestled in a little folded square of linen were four pieces of marzipan, glazed to resemble fruit.
    “This is tea at your house of late?” Val arched an eyebrow. “No wonder you look a bit more the thing. I will move in directly, provided you promise to tune the piano.”
    “You should, you know,” Westhaven said. He was putting together a plate, but his words had come out far less casually than he’d planned. “I know you don’t like staying at the ducal manse, and I have more than enough room here.”
    “Wouldn’t want to impose,” Val said, reaching for his own share of the bounty, “but that’s generous of you.”
    “Not generous. The truth is… I could use the company. I miss your music, in fact. There’s a neighbor, or somebody, who plays late at night, but it isn’t you, for all that I enjoy it. I thought I’d have a harder time keeping track of His Grace were I to set up my own place, but I’ve been surprised at how little effort he makes to elude my scrutiny.”
    The door opened without the obligatory knock, and Mrs. Seaton marched into the room.
    “I beg your pardon, your lordship, Lord Valentine.” She stopped, her basket of flowers bouncing against her skirts. “My lord, I thought you’d be at your appointment until this evening.”
    Twiddling my mistress’s bubbies , Westhaven thought with a lift of an eyebrow.
    “Mrs. Seaton.” Val rose, smiling as if he knew he was viewing the source of his brother’s happier household and healthier appearance. “My compliments on the offerings to be had here for tea, and the house itself looks marvelous.”
    “Mrs. Seaton.” The earl rose more slowly, the display of manners hardly necessary for a housekeeper.
    “My lords.” She curtsied but came up frowning at Westhaven. “Forgive me if I note you rise slowly. Are you well?”
    The earl glanced at his brother repressively.
    “My brother is not in good health?” Val asked, grinning. “Do tell.”
    “I merely suffered a little bump on the head,” the earl said, “and Mrs. Seaton spared me the attentions of the physicians.”
    Mrs. Seaton was still frowning, but the earl went on, forestalling her reply. “You may tend to your flowers, Mrs. Seaton, and I echo my brother’s compliments: Tea is most pleasant.”
    “I’ll dice you for the marzipan,” Val said to the earl.
    “No need,” Mrs. Seaton offered over her shoulder. “We keep a goodly supply in the kitchen, as his lordship favors it. There are cream cakes and chocolates, as well, but those are