The Laird and the Wanton Widow Read Online Free Page A

deserved it, Garrick,” Harry said. “How is the boy?”
    “Dan? He’s the devil’s spawn according to my butler, who has threatened to resign if he steals one more silver spoon.”
    Dunstan groaned. “Let the bastard butler go. He’s done nothing but interrupt us about this lad all evening.”
    “And I’m also about to interrupt you, I’m afraid, Duke,” Harry said. “I need a private word with my cousin.”
    Dunstan groaned. “I hate families.” He eyed the pile of guineas on his side of the table. “I don’t suppose you want to wager your horse, Beauworth?”
    “ Non ,” Garrick said decisively. “I too have matters to discuss with Harry.”
    “Dull dog.” Dunstan unfolded his six feet of lean frame. He shrugged into his black coat and slung his cravat around his neck. “I’ll bid you gentlemen good-day.”
    Harry stood up and shook his hand.
    Garrick half rose to his feet. “Don’t get up, Beauworth,” Dunstan said. “You might fall over. I’ll see myself out.” He ambled out of the door.
    “Shall I see him home?” Harry asked.
    Garrick shook his head. “His coachman is waiting around the corner.”
    Harry sank back on the sofa and waived off Garrick’s offer of a glass of brandy.
    “What will you do with the boy? Dan?” Harry asked.
    “Take him to somewhere he won’t be in fear of his life from his old master.”
    They’d discovered a man beating the boy senseless on the previous evening. “The lad likes horses, apparently. I’ll take him to Beauworth.”
    Harry nodded. “He’s too puny to leave on the streets. You could also probably use a repairing lease in the country.”
    Beauworth finished his brandy. “I’m joining the army.”
    Harry couldn’t hide his surprise. “What about your responsibilities? Uncle Duncan?”
    Garrick huffed out a breath. “I’m going down to Sussex to tell him my decision. I have to go, Harry. You saw what I did to that bully. But for you pulling me off, I might have killed the cochon . The army will put those talents to good use.” He glowered into the dregs in his glass. “With luck I’ll end up a dead hero instead of a murderer at the end of a rope.”
    The Le Clere curse. He didn’t have to name it for Harry to know what he meant. Harry had escaped it. So far. “If you’d just keep a grip on your temper…”
    Garrick shot him a look of despair mingled with humor. “Right.”
    An image of lively green eyes flashed into Harry’s mind and he recalled his purpose for seeking out his cousin. “I have a favor to ask.”
    “Anything for you, Harry.”
    Harry punched his shoulder. “Hear it first. I want the house to myself tomorrow afternoon.”
    Garrick’s bleary gaze sharpened. “I sense intrigue. A woman?”
    “Yes. A woman.”
    “She is married, non ? You seek to hide from her husband.”
    “No. She is not married. But she won’t like it if you are around.”
    Garrick whistled softly. “I am curious, mon cher cousin .” He grinned at Harry’s glare and raised his hands. “I will be remarked by my absence. I promised to look in at Carlton House tomorrow.”
    “Flying high, aren’t you?”
    “Marquesses always fly high, as you will discover in due course.”
    Harry frowned. “Not going to happen. A Le Clere has never yet died in battle.”
    Garrick sobered before his eyes. “It would be better if this one did, mon ami .” He got to his feet. “I’ll see you later. I don’t know who this woman is, but enjoy. It seems we will make a rake of you yet.”

Chapter Two
    Kate kept the hood of her cloak pulled close around her face as she knocked on the door of the elegant Mayfair town house. Lord Godridge opened the door. He grinned rather boyishly as she stepped inside. A devilish twinkle lit his eyes. “I had my cousin give the servants the afternoon off. Save any embarrassment.”
    “Good idea.” The fluttering in her stomach got worse. After their kiss, she couldn’t quite help wondering if his motives were