Read Online A Certain Threat (The Merriman Chronicles Book 1) by Roger Burnage - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Roger Burnage
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we were involved in burning boats believed to belong to smugglers back in eighty four down in Kent.”
At that moment Merriman ’s family entered the room and seeing the two men, moved across to them. As they rose to their feet Merriman made the introductions.
“ This is my friend Captain Robert Saville of whom I have spoken. Robert, meet my father Captain Merriman, my mother, my sister Emily and my brother Matthew.”
“ Captain Merriman, your servant Sir.” The elegantly dressed soldier bowed over Mrs Merriman’s hand, “Honoured Ma’am to make your acquaintance.” He turned to Emily and took her hand. “Delighted to meet you Miss Merriman. James, why didn’t you tell me that your sister was such a beauty. I’m positively dazzled, sink me if I’m not.” He again bowed and held onto Emily’s hand for longer than was really necessary before releasing it and turning to Matthew. “Your servant Sir. Glad to know you.”
They all murmured the usual words. All that is, except Emily who, to her own discomfort, had blushed to the roots of her hair.
“We’re about to go into dinner Captain, and would be pleased if you would join our table,” suggested Mrs Merriman. “Capital idea my dear,” boomed Captain Merriman, “let’s all sit together.”
“ I thank you Ma’am, I should love to. I had a table saved for James and myself but I’m sure the innkeeper will have someone else wanting it.”
During the meal, Robert Saville proved himself to be a lively and congenial companion, keeping them entertained with talk of London society and the late st fashions. His anecdotes had them laughing so much that Mrs Merriman, holding her sides, had to ask him to desist or he would be the death of her.
Merriman listened quietly and was amused to see that his sister was stealing glances at Robert beneath her lashes, whilst Robert was trying not to be too obviously looking at Emily. The convivial meal drew to a close as Merriman’s father said to his wife, “Well my dear, we shall have to be going if we are to be in time for the concert you wished to see.”
“ Emily and Matthew are coming with us James, do you and Robert wish to come with us also? We are going to the “Yacht” to see what has been advertised as -----,” he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and read, “-----A Fashionable Entertainment of Music, Recitation and Imitation By Mr. George Saville-Carey who has appeared for two seasons at the Freemasons’ Hall in London and also before Their Majesties at Windsor.”
“ I actually saw the performance whilst I was in London” said the soldier, “It is really very good. But I hasten to assure you that this Mr. Saville-Carey is of no relation to myself.”
After a look at his friend, Merriman replied, “Thank you Father, but no, Robert and I have a lot to talk about so I believe we’ll stay here.”
As they prepared to leave, Mrs Merriman pressed on the soldier an invitation to visit them in the near future. “You really must come out and see us Captain, as soon as your duties allow.”
“ Thank you Ma’am. My duties are little enough I assure you. I’ll be delighted to call on you.”
The family departed, leaving Merriman and his friend to spend the rest of the evening getting to know one another better over the remains of a bottle of brandy. Eventually, they moved into the entrance hall of the inn, the sold ier to return to his own quarters and Merriman to climb the stairs to his room.
As they said their goodbyes, the door of a small room suddenly opened and Merriman saw their coaching companion, the lawyer Jeremiah Robinson emerge, deep in conversation with a thin, dark featured man followed by a tall, slim man who kept his face averted, and who seemed vaguely familiar. There was another large man with them who, catching sight of Merriman rushed out of the front door before his companions. The lawyer saw Merriman at the same time and
At that moment Merriman ’s family entered the room and seeing the two men, moved across to them. As they rose to their feet Merriman made the introductions.
“ This is my friend Captain Robert Saville of whom I have spoken. Robert, meet my father Captain Merriman, my mother, my sister Emily and my brother Matthew.”
“ Captain Merriman, your servant Sir.” The elegantly dressed soldier bowed over Mrs Merriman’s hand, “Honoured Ma’am to make your acquaintance.” He turned to Emily and took her hand. “Delighted to meet you Miss Merriman. James, why didn’t you tell me that your sister was such a beauty. I’m positively dazzled, sink me if I’m not.” He again bowed and held onto Emily’s hand for longer than was really necessary before releasing it and turning to Matthew. “Your servant Sir. Glad to know you.”
They all murmured the usual words. All that is, except Emily who, to her own discomfort, had blushed to the roots of her hair.
“We’re about to go into dinner Captain, and would be pleased if you would join our table,” suggested Mrs Merriman. “Capital idea my dear,” boomed Captain Merriman, “let’s all sit together.”
“ I thank you Ma’am, I should love to. I had a table saved for James and myself but I’m sure the innkeeper will have someone else wanting it.”
During the meal, Robert Saville proved himself to be a lively and congenial companion, keeping them entertained with talk of London society and the late st fashions. His anecdotes had them laughing so much that Mrs Merriman, holding her sides, had to ask him to desist or he would be the death of her.
Merriman listened quietly and was amused to see that his sister was stealing glances at Robert beneath her lashes, whilst Robert was trying not to be too obviously looking at Emily. The convivial meal drew to a close as Merriman’s father said to his wife, “Well my dear, we shall have to be going if we are to be in time for the concert you wished to see.”
“ Emily and Matthew are coming with us James, do you and Robert wish to come with us also? We are going to the “Yacht” to see what has been advertised as -----,” he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and read, “-----A Fashionable Entertainment of Music, Recitation and Imitation By Mr. George Saville-Carey who has appeared for two seasons at the Freemasons’ Hall in London and also before Their Majesties at Windsor.”
“ I actually saw the performance whilst I was in London” said the soldier, “It is really very good. But I hasten to assure you that this Mr. Saville-Carey is of no relation to myself.”
After a look at his friend, Merriman replied, “Thank you Father, but no, Robert and I have a lot to talk about so I believe we’ll stay here.”
As they prepared to leave, Mrs Merriman pressed on the soldier an invitation to visit them in the near future. “You really must come out and see us Captain, as soon as your duties allow.”
“ Thank you Ma’am. My duties are little enough I assure you. I’ll be delighted to call on you.”
The family departed, leaving Merriman and his friend to spend the rest of the evening getting to know one another better over the remains of a bottle of brandy. Eventually, they moved into the entrance hall of the inn, the sold ier to return to his own quarters and Merriman to climb the stairs to his room.
As they said their goodbyes, the door of a small room suddenly opened and Merriman saw their coaching companion, the lawyer Jeremiah Robinson emerge, deep in conversation with a thin, dark featured man followed by a tall, slim man who kept his face averted, and who seemed vaguely familiar. There was another large man with them who, catching sight of Merriman rushed out of the front door before his companions. The lawyer saw Merriman at the same time and
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