Read Online Compromising the Marquess by Wendy Soliman - Free Book Online

relieve the severity of his attire, his appearance perfectly matched his mood.
    Forbidding.
    “Right, Spencer. I suppose that will do.” Hal tightened the ribbon that held his hair back and grimaced at his reflection. “Be extra vigilant tonight.”
    “We have additional men patrolling the grounds and more still keeping the ship under watch. You don’t need to worry, m’lord. Everyone knows what to do.”
    “Make sure that they do. If word of this entertainment has spread abroad, our enemies might well decide to strike, thinking my attention to be diverted.”
    “I rather thought that was the point.”
    Hal nodded grimly. “Perhaps.”
    It was certainly the impression that he’d given his brothers and trusted staff. Hal disliked entertaining. He had more important business to attend to the majority of the time and so this deviation would not have gone unnoticed by his foes.
    “Interrupt if you need me,” he said to Spencer, walking through the door his man held open for him.
    Hal made his way to the family sitting room and found Flick already there—a vision in pink silk—along with his brothers.
    “Right, minx,” he said to his sister. “I suppose we had better show ourselves.”
    “Stop pretending that you’re not excited at the prospect of entertaining,” Flick said, taking his proffered arm. “You know very well that you’re looking forward to it.”
    Hal elevated a brow. “How do you make that out?”
    “Quite easily.” She shrugged. “Why else would you have asked me to arrange it?”
    “I don’t recall making any such request.”
    “Oh, you didn’t ask me in the usual way. If you ever do that, I shall probably think you’re sickening for something. You merely said that it would be a fate worse than death if you were obliged to entertain my new friends.” Flick offered him a transfiguring smile. “Naturally, I immediately understood that was precisely what you wished to do.”
    Gabriel laughed. “She has you there, Hal.”
    “You think so?”
    “She’s full of herself because Darius Grantley will be here.”
    “I invited his mama,” Flick said, a little too insistently. “Since Darius is presently at home, I could hardly exclude him.”
    “Of course you couldn’t.” Rob tweaked her nose.
    “Well, he is one of your closest friends, Rob, so I thought you’d be pleased to see him. After all, he’s hidden away in London half the time nowadays, working away at being a barrister for the poor and needy.”
    “Ah, so you did it for me then?” Rob laughed. “I beg your pardon, squirt. I didn’t realise that.”
    “I admire Darius’s determination to stand up for those less fortunate, who couldn’t normally afford the services of a good barrister. Someone has to take the part of the common man.”
    “Won’t pay the rent though, will it?” Rob remarked. “I doubt the poor beggars he defends are able to pay much at all.”
    Hal shook his head. “What motivates you, Flick? You turned down all the eligible gentlemen who could have kept you in style, yet you encourage an impecunious landowner.”
    “I do not encourage Darius,” she protested. “And he will soon be a great deal more than a landowner. He’s making quite a name for himself in legal circles.”
    “He’s making a name for himself as a supporter of lost causes,” Hal said, raising his eyes. “Is he ever tempted to accept briefs from wealthy clients?”
    “Money isn’t everything,” Flick said defiantly. “He has principles. It’s a rare trait in a gentleman, and one I admire. What’s more, he makes me laugh.”
    Hal glowered. “Just as long that’s all he makes you do.”
    “Absolutely.” Rob exchanged a loaded glance with his brothers.
    Gabriel sprang to his feet. “I say, he hasn’t made inappropriate advances, has he, Flick?”
    “Oh, you three are impossible!” Flick whirled on her heel. “I do so wish—”
    “I think we’re needed,” Gabriel said, downing his drink. “I hear