The Lodestone Read Online Free

gent who might enjoy an evening of dice or cards.”
    “I’m simply looking for a clean place to lay my weary head,” was Drake’s easy response. “I’ve endured these past two nights on the hard ground.”
    “You’ll want the Eagle’s Head,” Garnett replied, not the least discouraged. “It’s close by and I’d wager my best cravat that Desmond will put his birds in the arena if the bank is substantial enough.”
    They introduced themselves all around and Drake noted how Lord Easton’s eyes traveled critically over his finely tailored clothes, his thoroughbred mount, his expensive leather saddle with its exquisite carvings, and finally to his hands. Though large, they were well cared for—a gentleman’s hands. The younger Easton was tall, but Drake towered over both Garnett and his father. From long experience in meeting and bettering such men, Drake knew that the uppermost thought in Lord Easton’s mind was whether or not he was to be treated with the minimum courtesy extended to any traveler who had lost his way, or as one whose company was acceptable in polite society. He realized that the laird of Easton Place was allowing him the opportunity to establish himself, but he waited for the polite inquiry he knew would come.
    “What brings you to our countryside?” Lord Easton asked at last. “I do not recognize you as a neighbor, sir.”
    “I hope I soon shall be,” Drake replied graciously. He explained that he was on the last leg of his journey and was hoping to find a house or lodge to let for the summer and perhaps part of the winter. As he was in the shipping business, he said at last to put Lord Easton’s doubts to rest, it was important he be situated somewhere between London and Newcastle. He would, he informed them, have dealings in both of those towns, as well as in Liverpool, at least until the gaming club he was building in London was ready.
    “Oh, I say,” Garnett observed with the appropriate awe. “You’re that Mr. Stoneham.”
    “You don’t mean Stoneham House?” Lord Easton was also impressed. “Why, the ton is wild with anticipation. When do you open it, sir?”
    “Early in the new year, if all goes well,” Drake replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must find lodging.”
    “No rush, Mr. Stoneham,” Sir Laurence insisted. “Do take tea with us first. My wife would be quite put out if I let you get away before she’s met you.”
    Garnett ordered the groom to see to Drake’s horse and then he and his father ushered their guest into the dining room. “After you’ve had your tea around a civilized table, I’ll take you to the Eagle’s Head myself,” the younger Easton offered. “I say! To think you have spent the night alone in the wilds with neither groom nor valet to see to your needs. I say!”
    “That is precisely why I’ll accept your kind invitation, with my thanks, sir.”
    Lady Elizabeth Easton joined the gentlemen at table then, and it was evident where Garnett got his blond good looks and high spirits. Much younger than her husband, Lady Easton was almost as tall, with a small waist, a voluptuous bosom and lovely features that reminded Drake of an eternally smiling china doll. She welcomed him warmly and took her place opposite Sir Laurence so that the gentlemen could be seated again.
    As she poured out the tea and passed around flaky chicken pasties, fruit and cakes, she engaged in light conversation with Lord Easton. Garnett teased her by interjecting double entendres and scandalous bits of gossip at every opportunity, and she glanced lovingly at her husband whenever their son said something funny or bright. It was obvious that Lord Easton quite doted on her. While Drake was not especially flattered by the bold looks she cast at him from beneath lowering lids, he appreciated her discretion for not once did her husband or her son catch her at it. If he found lodgings nearby, he mused, he might try to see where her surreptitious flirtation would