Emily Hendrickson Read Online Free

attended this Season. Surely he might be acquainted with the various rectors near London?
    It didn’t take long to find him—at White’s of all places. He joined him, casually making his inquiry.
    “Hmm, the Reverend Mr. Herbert, you say? I do know something of him. The family is an old one, goes back to the Conqueror’s days, you know. He is the eldest son of Lord James Herbert, the second son of the Earl of Stanwell. Has six children but limited money. Wrote some excellent papers. Is that what you wished to know?” He cocked his head at Adrian, curiosity clear in his eyes.
    “I believe that will do.” Seeing that he needed to give some explanation, he added, “My mother has one of the Herbert girls staying with her as a companion.”
    The archdeacon nodded with supreme dignity. “Most appropriate. She is of good family and doubtless knows how to serve others. Most rectory children are taught from childhood to be caring people.”
    Adrian had the feeling that the archdeacon knew more but chose not to say it. While it piqued Adrian’s interest, he had received the essential information he required and was content to let it be at that.
    Adrian concluded the conversation while considering the intelligence given him. Caring? Oh, this chit was undoubtedly caring, and undoubtedly hoping for a fat plum to fall in her lap from his rich mother.
    He had not expected the girl to be from a fine gentry family, however. The Reverend Mr. Herbert could use Esquire following his name if he chose, being the eldest son of the second son of a peer. This put a slightly different slant to the picture. The chit, this Miss Herbert, was not some nobody. She had connections. He must proceed with care. The Earl of Stanwell might be elderly and not mix in Society, but he was a man to be reckoned with. His grandson was everywhere in London, at all the best soirees and dinners. Adrian had to admit he was of the highest ton. He mulled over just how he ought to proceed until his thoughts were cut off when Lord Ives entered the room.
    “Ives, good fellow! I am glad to see you.” Adrian rose to his considerable height and crossed the room to grasp his friend’s hand.
    “I gather something has annoyed you. What ho?” They walked back to stand before the window slightly apart from the others in the room.
    “A surprise. I talked with Archdeacon Pallant only to discover that the companion who clings to my mother is none other than the great-niece of the Earl of Stanwell. Her father is the eldest son of Lord James Herbert.”
    “That does put a different complexion on it. What will you do now? You can scarce claim she isn’t fit to serve your mother as a companion, coming from gentry of that standing!” Ives took a seat near the window. Adrian joined him in a moment after taking two glasses of fine sherry from the summoned footman.
    “I am not sure,” Adrian admitted. “I suppose I will have to decide what approach is best once I get there.”
    “When do you plan to leave?”
    Adrian gave his old friend an amused smile. “Several days before I am expected. The element of surprise ought to work in my favor, would you not agree?”
    Lord Ives studied his longtime friend before replying. “I trust you know what you are doing. Somehow I doubt your mother is going to take kindly to your shipping her companion back to her village. What will you do if she objects?”
    “My mother has never argued with me before. I have no doubt she will see the wisdom of my wishes in this instance.” Adrian ignored the skeptical look Ives sent his way. That he might upset his mother was a thought he nudged aside. All he did was for her own good.
    “If you say so. I intend to join you as soon as I can leave London. All of a sudden, I have the feeling that you are going to have a turbulent time. I’d like to see that.” Ives’s grin rankled just a bit.
    Later, Adrian returned to his house before going to dine with friends. He paused in the hall, then entered