Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
“Will you tell me where you have been?”
* * *
“I have only been to Scotland and France. I joined the army briefly when I attained my majority, to get out of the house and away from him. My maternal uncle helped me to purchase a commission. I could not bear the fighting, however. It was too reminiscent of what I was trying to escape.”
* * *
“Where do you wish to visit?”
* * *
He smiled. “I would love to see the white tigers in the Indian subcontinent or find out if the elephants are truly as large as they say they are.”
* * *
“Are you not afraid to put yourself in danger?”
* * *
“Better than doing it while setting out to kill.”
* * *
“Very true. And once you are done with destroying your father’s legacy, perhaps you can travel.”
* * *
His lips twisted. “I’d probably have to become a pirate to do it as I shall have no funds but it’s worth considering.”
* * *
She watched his sadness fill her heart. She did not like how wholly he believed in the need to burn it all to the ground. As if there was nothing else to do, or believe in. The bleakness in his eyes broke her heart. The hopelessness was hurtful to her spirit. She decided that she was going to do everything to give him some joy while they had some time together.
* * *
“It is indeed. I expect you’d make an excellent pirate, swashbuckling even.”
* * *
“I certainly do have the debauchery part accomplished.” He grinned.
* * *
“There you have it.” She smiled, glad to see a genuine smile on his face.
* * *
The puppy yipped happily.
* * *
The clock chimed the hour and Arthur looked up and his face fell. “Oh dear. It’s three o’clock in the afternoon! Your family must be frantic.”
* * *
She stared at the clock in shock. “Oh no. Emily will be having kittens,” she whispered in horror.
* * *
He got to his feet. “Come, I’ll take you home.”
CHAPTER 11
He spent the entire carriage ride back staring at her, reflecting on her ability to make his day better simply by her presence. He should be bent over and miserable from his night of debauchery, yet instead here he was, smiling and joking, petting a puppy and assuring Lady Janice that no one would have noticed her long absence.
* * *
As they turned into the driveway of Somerton Manor, he knew that he could not let this be the last he saw of her.
* * *
“Would you like to go on a carriage ride with me tomorrow?”
* * *
She looked at him, eyebrows raised. “Really? Why?”
* * *
“Well, I fear we have not had enough time to finish speaking. I have hardly regaled you with my piracy plans in detail. And we have only spoken of two books. There are many more I would like to touch on.”
* * *
She giggled. “Well, in that case, I cannot but utterly agree.”
* * *
Her brother came rushing towards them as they came to a stop, his face like thunder. “Where have you been? What have you done to my sister?” he growled.
* * *
Janice shot to her feet. “Frederick! Stop. He has not harmed me in any way. We simply lost track of time.”
* * *
“You left here at the crack of dawn for a walk. You come back in the middle of the afternoon, and you don’t expect us to worry?”
* * *
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause a fuss. But it is absolutely not the duke’s fault so please don’t be angry with him.”
* * *
Frederick huffed. “Fine. You’re sure you’re alright?”
* * *
She nodded. “Yes. I am.”
* * *
“Very well.” He held out a hand to her and helped her out of the open carriage.
* * *
She stepped down and turned, nodding to the duke. “Thank you very much for the wonderful time.”
* * *
He stood up in the middle of the carriage and bowed. “No Lady Janice, thank you.”
* * *
He sat down, took hold of the reins, and spurred the horses into movement.
“Janice!” Emily screamed. “Where have you been?” She came hurtling down the hall and threw herself into Janice’s arms. Janice rocked back and forth, before catching hold of Emily and using her to find some balance.
* * *
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
* * *
Her sister moved back to stare into her eyes. “Why did you then?”
* * *
“I lost track of time.”
* * *
Emily narrowed her eyes at her before pulling her down the hall and towards the stairs. “Did you do anything else with that man?”
* * *
Janice giggled nervously. “No, I did not.”
* * *
“Are you sure?”
* * *
“Yes.”
* * *
“Well…” She looked Janice up and down. “I’m glad you’re alright.”
* * *