The Phantom Lover Read Online Free Page B

The Phantom Lover
Book: The Phantom Lover Read Online Free
Author: Elizabeth Mansfield
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remarked, half to himself. “His lordship signs himself Arthur Wellesley. I suppose he wrote this before he learned of his being named Lord Wellington.”
    â€œI suppose so,” Charles said uninterestedly, too involved in his own concerns to trouble his mind about the war. “The letter is dated two months past. The mails between us and the Peninsula are nothing short of shocking.”
    â€œWell,” Mr. Prickett said in mild reproof, “there is a war going on over there.” He folded the letter and replaced it in the drawer. Then, gathering up his papers, he said more decisively, “But let me assure you that, war or no war, we shall leave no stone unturned to locate the Captain.”
    â€œBut what are we to do in the meantime?” Lady Sybil asked urgently.
    â€œYour usual allowances will continue, of course,” Mr. Prickett reminded her.
    â€œAllowances? But they are a mere pittance !” Charles complained.
    â€œIndeed they are. I can’t even pay my milliner with mine!” Lady Sybil agreed. “I’m sure that if Henry were here he’d at least authorize the payment of our bills. He would surely do that , Mr. Prickett. Ask Charles, if you don’t believe me. Ask Nell!”
    Nell held up her hands in a gesture that emphasized her intention not to become involved in this discussion. “Don’t ask me anything of the sort,” she pleaded laughingly. “Never having laid eyes on the celebrated Captain, I am completely unqualified to comment on what he would or would not do.”
    â€œOf course you’ve laid eyes on him. It was when you first came to live with us, remember? He came home from school, I remember—”
    â€œReally, Sybil! I was not eleven years old!” Nell laughed.
    â€œI have no reason to doubt your word, Lady Sybil,” Mr. Prickett intervened. “In fact, I quite agree with you. Captain Thorne is, as I remember, a most considerate and generous young man.”
    â€œThen why can’t you authorize the payment of our bills? You admit that Henry would have not the least objection—!” Lady Sybil urged.
    â€œI have no authority to take such action, my lady. My powers of attorney do not extend so far. I’m sorry.” And he snapped his paper-case shut with a sharp click of finality.
    â€œBut suppose he is dead. And suppose we never find his body? Shall we have to wait forever in this impoverished state?” Charles asked irritably.
    Lady Amelia shuddered. “Please, Charles, don’t talk so,” she pleaded. “It positively chills my bones. The poor, poor boy …” She put a trembling hand to her eyes to shut out the thought of such a tragedy.
    Charles tossed his aunt a look of disgust. The sentimental old lady had more concern for the whereabouts of her grandnephew than she had for the disposition of the inheritance. Henry was dead—there was almost no doubt about that. Now the real and pressing problem was to be able to get their hands on the money. Charles had been fond of Henry Thorne, too— very fond of him. The boy had been a very pleasant fellow and a capital rider. Charles wished him no ill at all. Why, he could come home this very minute and take his place as the sixth Earl, for all Charles cared, so long as the bills could be paid . But Amelia’s tears could not help anything at all.
    Nell leaned forward in her chair and patted the old lady’s hand comfortingly. Mr. Prickett coughed and rose from his chair, seizing the opportunity to take his leave. “Don’t upset yourself, Lady Amelia,” he said briskly, moving to the door. “There is every reason to hope that Captain Thorne may yet be found alive.” And bidding them all a firm goodnight, he hastily left the room.
    For a moment, all four sat just as Mr. Prickett had left them—Lady Amelia dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief, Nell patting her shoulder, Lady Sybil and Lord

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