Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
“You did not tell me your London townhouse had squatters, Your Grace,” he said.
* * *
Arthur cocked an eyebrow. “I beg your pardon?”
* * *
“You didn’t know?” Lord Hemsworth looked surprised.
* * *
“I did not. What squatters did you find?”
* * *
“I believe they were former servants, either of yours or your father’s. Pearson, he said his name was.”
* * *
Arthur grimaced. “My father’s former butler. Take no notice of him.”
* * *
As much as he tried to brush it off, Arthur was shocked. He never expected to hear of the man in this manner. He had frantically been hoping that the man was as dead as his master.
* * *
“Well, that’s good you feel that way because I am having them evicted forthwith.”
* * *
Arthur nodded. “Good.” He smiled.
* * *
Lord Hemsworth nodded back and walked away. Arthur leaned back in his chair, thinking hard. It was almost like a sign. He’d been wondering if he was on the right path and now…he was almost sure he was. This was all he wanted. For his tormentors to suffer as much as he and his mother had. His father was dead – there was nothing he could do about that – but he had henchmen and women who’d enforced his impossible rules, and Pearson was at the top of that list.
* * *
He remembered the butler laughing cruelly as he cried for his mother when she was taken away. The thought of him being ejected from his home in the cruelest way possible was a boon to his soul.
* * *
He suddenly knew that he’d be able to sleep like a babe tonight.
The note was delivered early in the morning during breakfast.
* * *
“It’s from your beau,” Leticia smiled as she dropped it at the side of Janice’s plate.
* * *
She looked down at it in surprise. “Oh. Was he here?”
* * *
“No. It was delivered by an Avebury footman. Mrs. Campbell brought it in.”
* * *
“Oh.” Janice stared at it for some time before reaching for it with a sigh. She was in two parts excited and fearful of what could be in the note. Did he have a change of heart or was he simply sending his regards?
* * *
Well you won’t know until you read it.
* * *
Taking a deep, shaky breath, she broke the seal.
* * *
Dear Janice,
* * *
Forgive the abruptness but I must travel to London for a few days. I have urgent business which will help me resolve this dilemma we find ourselves in. I cannot say more at the moment but hopefully, when I return, we shall have some progress. Stay well, and I hope to see you soon.
* * *
Please convey my greetings to your esteemed family.
* * *
Yours faithfully,
* * *
Arthur.
* * *
She smiled, with relief and happiness.
* * *
“What does it say?” Leticia asked.
* * *
Janice looked up and smiled. “Oh, well the duke will be in London for a few days. He wanted to let me know.”
* * *
Leticia’s face softened. “That’s wonderful my dear. I’m so glad.”
* * *
She lifted her eyebrow, smiling, “You’re glad he’s in London?”
* * *
“No, of course not!” Leticia threw a napkin at her. “I mean that he felt obligated to inform you of his movements. He has given you the right to know his activities.”
* * *
Janice blushed, ducking her head. “Let us not get ahead of ourselves. He was just being courteous since he did tell me he won’t shut me out anymore.”
* * *
“Ohhh, he did that?” Leticia leaned forward, eyes shining with interest. “So you spoke about it all?”
* * *
Janice held up a hand. “Please, do not make a mountain of this molehill. It’s just…” she took a breath, “we spoke and we came to an agreement on how to go forward.”
* * *
Leticia nodded several times and opened her mouth to say something else.
* * *
“Good morning!” Emily breezed into the room, depositing a kiss on both Janice's and Leticia’s cheeks.
* * *
“Morning. You seem happy,” Leticia turned her attention to Emily.
* * *
“Yes I am. I had a very restful night and for once, all is quiet on the home front. Everyone is happy and content and so I can be as well.”
* * *
Janice reached out and squeezed Emily’s hand. “You are the heart of this family, Emily. But I hope that soon you’ll find a reason of your own to be happy.”
* * *
Emily gave her a look and then smiled strangely before turning her hand to squeeze Janice’s hand back. “I am happy. Very,” she said softly.
* * *
“Me too.”
* * *
Janice was surprised to find that it was true. She was happy.
* * *
“Good morning ladies.” They turned to see their father standing in the doorway staring at them. “Is all well here?”