Read Online Belle's Beau by Gayle Buck - Free Book Online Page A

wineglass between his fingers. With a smile, he commented, "It seems strange to me to be back in England. It is all so very civilized."
    "Yes, I wish that I had had the opportunity to escape it," said Darlington. He lounged back in his own chair, and a lazy smile lit his pale face as he met the viscount's surprised glance. "You see, I have always envied fellows such as yourself, Ashdon. My greatest ambition was to purchase a pair of colors and run off to war. But my familial duties bound me close to home, so that any dream of soldiering remained but a dream."
    Ashdon frowned thoughtfully. "I had quite forgotten. Your father had died, had he not? And there were younger siblings, as I recall."
    The marquis bowed from his sitting position. "My duty was plain, of course."
    Ashdon nodded. "Yes; I understand that you were honor-bound to support your family. I, too, find myself in the position of satisfying family duty."
    Darlington's eyes lit with interest. "Indeed! How is this?"
    Ashdon smiled ruefully. "I am the last of my line, Darlington. It behooves me to find a suitable wife."
    "My condolences, my lord," said his companion, smiling a little. "Have you a fair damsel in mind, perhaps?"
    "Yes. But whether she remembers me, or even remains unwed, I know not," said Ashdon.
    "I scent a romance," murmured Darlington, his mobile lips twisting slightly.
    Ashdon laughed. "Hardly that! The lady is simply someone whom I met when I was on wounded leave last year. I hope to discover her whereabouts, and perhaps wed, before I return to the Continent."
    "Have you not sold out, then?" asked Darlington with extreme interest.
    Ashdon shook his head, frowning slightly. "I have been called all sorts of fool, Darlington, but I continue to hold to my opinion. Bonaparte's abdication was not in his style. I believe that we shall see him again."
    The marquis sat up straighter. His eyes glowed. "You interest me profoundly, Ashdon! Would that I could go with you."
    "What of your siblings, my lord?" asked Ashdon. "Do you not still bear responsibilities?"
    "Quite, but the situation is somewhat changed from what it was when my father died," said Darlington. "Then, the estate was hopelessly encumbered. I have been able to retire the mortgages, so that my mother and sisters and brothers need not be in fear of losing the roof over their heads. Also, the sister closest in age to me has been married off, and another is betrothed, both having accepted offers from solid gentlemen of worth. One of my brothers is up at Oxford, and the other two are at Eton. The youngest sister is still with my mother."
    "I have heard that good men are needed for the Congress of Vienna," suggested Ashdon.
    "Politics?" Darlington grimaced. "Really, Ashdon. I hardly think that is quite in my style."
    "Perhaps not. However, the experience would expose you to the notice of important personages, such as Wellington, who is always attaching another gentleman or two to his staff," said Lord Ashdon. He could see that the suggestion had made an impression on his companion. "If you need a sponsor, I can probably put you in the way of a good word. My commanding officer is a good sort and has the ear of a few people."
    "Decent of you, Ashdon," said Darlington in a low voice. There was a controlled fervor in his voice.
    Soon after, Ashdon took friendly leave of the marquis. He was glad to have been of some encouragement to him. He hoped that the marquis would take him up on his offer of introduction. He had had much experience at reading men, and unless he was very much mistaken, Lord Sylvan Darlington was ripe for trouble. In London, there were the seamy sides of life that could offer both the sort of thrills and challenge he felt the marquis yearned for and also very real dangers. He would spare the young marquis that, if he could.
    Ashdon made his way on foot back to his father's town house. For a moment he stood looking up at the silent front of it from the sidewalk. Though strange to think