The Notorious Lord Havergal Read Online Free PDF Page B

his patent-leather slippers, not omitting a black evening suit, immaculate cravat, and a ruby the size of a cherry inserted in the latter. He shimmered forward and took Lettie's hand, not to shake, but to raise to within an inch of his lips for a kiss.
    “Madam,” he said in hushed tones. “I am honored.” He then lifted his little head, tossed it in Siddons’s direction, and reached out his hand to receive what Siddons was holding. It was a bouquet of roses. He took it and handed it to her.
    “Why thank you, sir,” she said, blinking in confusion.
    It soon came out that Havergal was the cause of this strange visit. “Crymont, allow me to present Miss Lettie Beddoes,” he said, and went on to include the others. “The duke is on his way home to Havenhurst from London and mentioned he might stop at Ashford.”
    “I would have been here sooner, but I was held up by a rush of callers and did not arrive till six. I took dinner at the inn and came along as soon as possible.”
    Lettie thought it strange that the duke should be calling on Havergal at Laurel Hall. Was he under the misapprehension that Havergal was staying here? Worse, did Havergal himself expect an offer of rack and manger? She gave Siddons the flowers and sent him off to put them in a vase.
    The visit had one good effect. It turned Norton into a mute. He said not a word but just stared at every detail of the duke’s toilette. When he had learned who the duke was and that he was here to see Havergal, he ran off home to tell the news to Miss Millie, who would soon relay it to the whole town.
    Violet remembered her manners and said, “Perhaps everyone would like to have tea now—or would you prefer port?”
    “A cup of tea would be marvelous,” Crymont decided.
    Tea was called for, and the four mismatched people took up seats to await its arrival. “So, Havergal, were you shocked to discover ‘old Beddoes’ is a lady?” Crymont asked with an arch look at his hostess. “I was told at the inn, madam, when I was seeking directions here, that you are Havergal’s guardian.”
    “I was surprised,” Havergal admitted.
    “He was shocked,” Lettie said to the duke.
    “Why did you play such a stunt on the poor boy?” Crymont demanded, and she gave her explanation.
    “Well, it is an odd thing,” Crymont said consideringly, “but by no means unique. My cousin Jethro had his bit of blunt left in the hands of his sister, for he was a wastrel. Not to say that Havergal is one!” he added swiftly.
    “No indeed,” she agreed demurely.
    Havergal felt his spirits sink. He had thought there might be a legal way out of this position, but his friend’s word convinced him otherwise.
    The tea arrived, and Lettie poured for the guests.
    “What sort of a town is Ashford?” Crymont asked. “Do they have assemblies and things?”
    “Indeed we do,” Violet told him. “There will be a spring assembly on Friday evening.”
    “Friday? That is only two days away. We must stick around for that, Havergal,” he said in a perfectly bored tone at odds with his speech. “Perhaps we can induce the ladies to accompany us?” he asked with as close as he ever came to a smile in Violet’s direction.
    “I hadn’t planned to stay quite that—” Havergal began.
    “We might as well,” Crymont said, and drew a weary sigh. “London is dull as ditch water this week, which is why I left. There is nothing new playing at any of the theaters. We’ve seen the offerings at both Drury Lane and Covent Garden. There is only Castlereagh’s ball and Mrs. Johnston’s rout, and of course Gully’s ridotto. Oh, and I believe Lady Eskott asked us to dinner, but Auntie won’t mind if we shab off.”
    Lettie’s mind reeled to think of so many entertainments. What had Ashford to offer? It was pure chance that the spring assembly was coming up. Other than that, it would be dinner with the vicar and friends and perhaps a few calls from Mr. Norton. Almost certainly a barrage of calls