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have something more productive to occupy your time. He nodded. I ve already come to that conclusion on my own. His father may worry any exertion might be too much for him, but it felt good to know Arthur believed otherwise. Since we are being completely honest with each other, I will have you know that I owe you my thanks. I had a visitor the other day. Randolph Amherst. He asked me to keep the call from you, but I would rather you hear it directly from me than inadvertently through a bit of gossip. He That fucking bastard, Leopold spat, protective instincts screaming to the forefront. How dare Amherst approach Arthur again? I bloody well warned Thorn, he said firmly, cutting him off. There s no need to go rushing out in my defense. He understands you ve staked your claim on me. A little pleased smile tugged at the edges of Arthur s mouth. Whatever threats you hung over his head are more than sufficient. No need to see them through to completion. He came by to apologize, of all things. Took me quite by surprise. Though I do wonder how he came to the conclusion that he had somehow caused me pain. That prig Amherst had apologized to Arthur? And what had he told him? I haven t the faintest notion how he came to that conclusion. Thank you. Arthur leaned in to brush his lips across Leopold s in a light kiss. I do hope you realize he was never a threat to you. I would never go back to him or seek out another. I only want you. If there were any doubts left in his mind, they were now gone. A smile curved his lips. I will admit, I ve been itching for an excuse to lay into that self-righteous bastard. The look on his face was& quite satisfying. A chuckle rumbled from Arthur s chest. I rather wish I could have seen it myself. Silence fell between them for a few moments. Then Arthur spoke again. You know, you still haven t told me why you left Town or where you went. Convincing Leopold 99 I left because I was determined to make you keep one of your promises. As for where I went& He glanced out the window and recognized the three old oak trees clustered near a small pond, their barren branches stretched out against the dull early afternoon sky. We are almost there. Arthur leaned forward to glance out the window. Then he looked to Leopold, a question marring his brow. I bought us a house and have spent the last couple of days getting everything in order. I understand that your office is important to you and requires your attention. I hold no expectations that you will ever walk away from it. But& He turned his shoulders to Arthur, needing the man s complete attention. I need you to honor your word, to put us before your office. In any case, it isn t healthy for you to work so hard. Yorkshire s too far away for frequent visits, but Sinclair Abbey is less than two hours from London by carriage. I& He gathered his courage. The possibility Arthur would refuse his request had diminished to near nothingness, but that possibility was still there, a little nudge that sent his heart beating in a rapid tattoo against his ribs. I need you to agree to come away with me every now and then. Not for weeks at a time. Two or three days will suffice. I love you, and I need you to give us the chance we deserve. The carriage turned right, onto the long drive that led to Sinclair Abbey. The rattle of the carriage wheels on gravel filled the interior as he waited for Arthur s response. You purchased a house? Yes. I was not carousing about at brothels or hells. He nudged Arthur s crumpled list with his toe. Sorry about that, Arthur said, contrition written all over his face. I was worried and could not think of anywhere else you might have gone. You are forgiven. He sighed. It hurt that Arthur had assumed the worse, but he couldn t very well blame him. My original intention was to purchase a small cottage, but then I thought better of it. Sinclair Abbey is more than just a country 100 Ava March house. It includes a large tract of property with an apple orchard and a farm. I figured it could give me a purpose, so to speak. A means to occupy some of my time. It also includes some woods, though I have heard the hunting is not nearly as good as can be found at Ramsey House. Arthur s jaw dropped. You are going to become a farmer? He scoffed. I don t intend to actually till the fields. Ridiculous notion. The abbey already has a tenant. A genial man by the name of Mr. Clark. From what I have been able to discern thus far, he manages the fields quite well. And I will not need to spend every day there. Occasional visits will do, and Clark will send word when something requires my immediate attention. I know practically nothing about farming, but I plan to change that, and hopefully I can prove a decent landowner. There was a lot he needed to learn, but he welcomed the challenge, looked forward to it even. I am certain you will be a brilliant landowner, Thorn. But who did you have write up the contract? Trust Arthur to worry about legalities. A solicitor in the village handled the sale. No lease involved. It was an outright purchase. Very straightforward. Amazing what a large enough bank draft could accomplish. You are, of course, welcome to review the contract when we reach the house. Arthur nodded once. No doubt the man would have the document reviewed before supper. And if he found any cause for concern, Leopold was confident he would resolve it for him with his usual efficiency. Do you agree, then? You will come with me to Sinclair Abbey, and at least once a month? Yes, Thorn. I agree. It s a splendid idea. I truly enjoy the quiet of the country and had once contemplated purchasing a house of my own, but I could not justify the expense when I did not have anyone worth sharing it with. He paused as a smile full of love curved his mouth, one Leopold had once doubted he would ever Convincing Leopold 101 witness. Slowly he leaned forward, closing the distance between them, his gaze locked on Leopold s. Now I do, he whispered against Leopold s lips. The kiss was soft and slow and filled every inch of his soul with Arthur s love. A warm, comforting blanket that vanquished even the memory of despair and promised a future filled with hope. Arthur pulled back, breaking the kiss. I could kiss you all afternoon, but I believe we have arrived. As if hearing Arthur s words, the carriage slowed to a stop. The springs creaked faintly as Jones jumped down from the driver s bench. Sensing Jones approach the door, Leopold held up a hand to stay the footman. There is one more request I need to make of you. Please replace Fenton. He knew he could trust Arthur with his very self, but the thought of that whelp lusting after his lover day after day was truly more than he could tolerate. Arthur frowned. I will give you that he is not the most competent of secretaries, and he seems to have a small problem remembering instructions Because he is thinking about how he can best get your cock in his arse. The incredulity on Arthur s face was almost comical. What? I-I have never& [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |