Page 12 of Brazen

Chapter Four

Magnus thanked John for the ride, then entered Barkely Hall’s front door. All he wanted was a hot bath and a brandy. Perhaps a brandy during the hot bath. Then another after the bath.

“Neill,” he called as he veered toward the staircase to the right.

“Here, sir.”

Magnus paused, his foot on the first stair, and looked over his shoulder at his valet. “You always seem to be in the right place at the right time, Neill. A bath, right away, please.”

The valet gave no indication of surprise at Magnus’s appearance and said, “Very good, sir. First, however, you have a visitor.”

Magnus turned to face him. Who could possibly be visiting? Stirling, of course. “The parlor, Neill?” He started down the hallway.

“Yes, sir. Mr. Young has been waiting for forty-five minutes.”

Magnus froze. Young? He looked at his valet. “Who is in my parlor, Neill?”

“Mr. Gordon Young, sir,” Neill said with a straight face.

Magnus narrowed his eyes. “You are aware, Neill, that I do no’ like the man.”

“Indeed, sir, but he refused to leave.”

Magnus eyed him. “I have never known you to be squeamish about shutting the door in someone’s face.”

“Aye, sir. Unfortunately, it wasn’t I who opened the door, but Mrs. Rose. Once she had seated Mr. Young, I saw no way to force him to leave, as we haven’t yet hired anyone large enough to be able to toss him out the door.”

“That will be my first order of business tomorrow,” he growled. “Stay close, Neill. If he becomes difficult, I will throw him out myself.”

“Of course, sir.”

Magnus strode down the hall with Neill following. They reached the parlor and Magnus continued inside while Neill waited in the hallway. Gordon stood at the window overlooking the lawn that stretched toward the east grazing land.

“You have outdone yourself here, Magnus.”

“What do you want?” Magnus demanded, although he wanted to ask, How did you find me in less than a day?

“Is that any way to talk to your business partner and friend?” Gordon turned. “Good God, man, what have you done to yourself? Have you been wallowing in mud?”

“State your business, Young. I am a busy man.”

“So I see.”

Magnus crossed to the tray where sat a decanter of sherry and glasses. He filled one for himself, then faced Gordon.

“You might offer me a sherry,” Gordon said.

“No need. You will not be staying. What do you want?”

“I’m fortunate to have found you. What the devil are you doing here in the country?”

Magnus sipped his sherry and waited.

“I have news about Blane you need to hear.”

Magnus snorted. “There is nothing about my uncle that I need to hear.”

“You will think differently if he decides to pay you a visit.”