The Lodestone Read Online Free Page B

not forgotten why we are enjoying the unexpected pleasure of your company, sir; and I advise you to tread lightly until I come to a decision about the outcome of that disgraceful episode. Do not add to your sins by besmirching the reputation of ladies by comparing them in the same breath with that creature. I advise you further not to dwell on your somewhat less than honorable thoughts in regard to that common piece of baggage.” He paused and turned in an aside to his wife. “Her grandmother’s lineage notwithstanding,” he said and returned his attention to his errant son. “If you persist in this, you will further disgrace us, although you would have to go at it night and day to outdo yourself.”
    A spark flared within Drake’s chest. He wanted to defend the girl and that surprised him. He knew nothing about her, except that she was fetching, had spirit and cared deeply for her animals—all qualities he admired. He’d never been one to condone society’s practice of condemning children for the sins of their parents. He was about to convey this thought to his host when Garnett spoke again, with a feigned air of pique.
    “Does no one here appreciate an artistic endeavor?” he asked mournfully. “I have genuine talent and I was simply expressing my divine right as a creator of beauty!”
    Lady Easton giggled and, making a hasty excuse, retired to the garden. When he could be sure his wife was out of earshot, Lord Easton exclaimed, “Artistic, my royal ass!” He turned to Drake and said in scandalous tones that did little to mask his pride in having such a virile offspring, “Do you know what this young rogue has done? He took it upon himself to illustrate in detail selected verses from the Song of Solomon!”
    “ I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had withdrawn himself ,” Garnett quoted with irreverent glee. “It was purely a religious endeavor, I tell you. I really do not see how the chancellor could have read anything else into it.”
    “Perhaps he would not have, sir!” Lord Easton said, trying unsuccessfully to repress his delight. “If it had not been his very proper niece with whom you chose to share this religious experience!”
    “Ah, yes . . . such a pious girl,” Garnett acceded cheerfully. “So devout that she shared several of my sketches with a young Italian count she was trying to seduce!”
    “If that is your only defense,” Sir Laurence replied, “’tis a damn poor one!”
    The room then filled with the deep, resonant laughter of the three men and Drake was inclined to forget his previous ire. After all, it had nothing to do with him. He was not one to indulge in the wasted effort of defending a woman’s honor—that was for young fools like Garnett.
    “I have an eye for fine art,” Drake volunteered when their mirth waned. “I would be happy to offer a critique of your work, sir.”
    This brought forth another gale of laughter, after which Garnett responded, “Pity! They confiscated my sketchbook, you see. I rather suspect they have sent it to Father as evidence of my transgressions. I do not believe for one instant it’s the week-old Herald he sequesters himself with in the library every night after dinner.”
    “Enough of this nonsense, now!” Sir Laurence ordered as his wife, holding a basket full of flowers, came back in to join them. “I’m sure Mr. Stoneham is eager for the inn and a comfortable bed.”
    “No more eager than every man jack of us, if it is adequately furnished!” retorted Garnett. “I understand there’s a pretty little French serving maid at the inn nowadays.”
    “Ah, but Desmond has taken that ’un for himself,” Lord Easton told his son. “Still, there’s nothing the man won’t wager for a good game. Now, you must be off if you’re to take Mr. Stoneham—”
    “Garnett cannot possibly return in time to change for dinner at Fox Hall,” Elizabeth interrupted. “And he promised to let nothing keep him away this time. Mr. Stoneham