AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Robert shook his head. “Not just you. You and Elizabeth are my everything. I would lay down my life for either of you.”
“Well, you’ve bloody well done that, haven’t you?” Ash pursed his lips as he struggled to gain control over his anger toward Lady Eleanor. “I apologize for saying that.” He leaned back against his chair. “What would your aunt do if you quit politics altogether?”
“I’ve thought of that more times than I can count,” Robert said with a sad smile. “But I’ll be honest. I like my work. I think I’m helping people, good people who deserve a better life.”
“I know you do, Robbie. You’ve always been that way. It’s one of the things I love most about you.” He squeezed Robert’s arm and then rested his elbow on the arm of his chair. But he was anything but relaxed. Not with Robert’s aunt directing every move that Robert and Elizabeth made. “She wasn’t like this a year ago. What happened?”
“I wish I could say.” Robert stared at the end of the table. “She’s always hounded us to live in London. I thought it was because she spent most of the time here and was lonely. She doesn’t have much money. She can’t travel freely.” He turned his rich, brown-eyed gaze to Ash.
“Can’t you pay for your aunt to go visit some relatives or something for a year or five?”
Robert laughed, softening the lines around. It was an endearing look that he was recapturing some of his earlier ease.
Ash grinned in return, then turned somber. “Robbie, I can’t help but think that your father would have been proud of your accomplishments. He would not have cared if you packed your trunks and took Elizabeth and me to Overton Hall. You could come back and forth to London if there were any major votes that needed your support.”
“I think you’re right about my father. It’s hard to believe that he’s been gone for ten years.” Robert’s brow furrowed into neat lines. “But your suggestion might work if I trusted someone to keep me apprised of such votes and give me notice.” He stood slowly and walked to the large sash windows that lined the room. Clasping his hands behind his back, he lowered his head. His stance indicated a man who was dejected not only with his lot in life but also worried for his family. “If only I could find someone who would keep me informed.”
“What about the Duke of Southart?” Ash stood and walked to stand beside Robert. Gently, he placed his hand on the man’s shoulder and squeezed affectionately. “You’ve always admired him.”
Robert turned to face him. “Do you know that Martin Richmond works for the Duke of Southart?”
Ash blinked slowly as his shock wore off. “Martin Richmond of The Midnight Cryer?”
“As a legislative reporter or something. Richmond writes a weekly paper that’s delivered to all the members of Parliament.” Robert shrugged. “Indeed. He gave up the Cryer for his wife. She hated the gossip. When Southart heard, he hired him.” He stared at Ash. “However, I’m not certain I trust Richmond. He was the one that reported that you and I were lovers. It was just a lucky guess on his part. Thankfully, no one could corroborate the story.”
“That was years ago, Robbie.” Ash shook his head and returned to the table to pour another cup of tea. “You don’t think he’d still try to stir up trouble?”
“I don’t know.” Robert returned to the table as well.
“What I’ve read about Southart, he was a favorite target of The Midnight Cryer, and now Martin works for him. I think you should seek him out. Get the lay of the land. The duke obviously knows how to woo the dark side to his advantage.”
Robert laughed, and the merry sound filled the room. Ash chuckled in return.
“Some of the things you say.” Robert shook his head, but he still had a smile on his face.
“Ack, it’s the truth.” Ash closed the distance between them by leaning close. “Go see Southart. See if you can determine where he stands on such issues.”
“Meaning you, me, and Elizabeth?” Robert asked with an arched brow.
“Perhaps.” Ash took his hand and squeezed. “You can’t live like this, and neither can Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth grinned as she caught sight of Ash standing at the bottom of the stairs. She’d finally finished with the housekeeper Mrs. Clarion and Winter. The household books were balanced and the orders for food and wood were completed. Normally, Elizabeth would then attend Eleanor, but today was a reprieve, and she meant to enjoy every moment of it.
“There she is,” Ash announced with a courtly bow. “The lady of the house with whom I’m about to spend the entire day.”
As soon as Elizabeth reached the bottom step, Ash held out his hand. When she took it, he held her still and slowly perused her attire.
“That deep rose gown is fetching on you, darling. You remind me of a confection that is about to be eaten.”
“Ash, behave.” Elizabeth glanced around the entry. Thankfully, not a single footman in sight.
“I am behaving. This is my normal behavior.” He leaned near and pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek. “You’re mine. Always have been.”
“And Robert?” she playfully challenged.
“Darling, he’s mine too.” Ash winked, then took her hand and led her outdoors, where a shiny black barouche waited for them. The pair of matching bay horses pawed the ground, as if anxious to leave.
“Good morning, my lady. Mr. Hawksworth,” called out their driver.
