Read Online Cherished Enemy by Patricia Veryan - Free Book Online Page A

one. For a long moment he was silent, his face unreadable. Then a slow smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. “’Twould be my very great pleasure, Mrs. Porchester,” he said.
    Rosamond frowned.
    *   *   *
    â€œSo you have agreed,” said Mr. Fairleigh, watching the chalk cliffs draw ever nearer as at half-past nine o’clock the packet made her way towards the old port.
    The two men had encountered each other on the deck, and drawn by a mutual liking, stood chatting at the rail. There was only a slight drizzle now, the sun was making a feeble effort to peep through the dispersing clouds, and the motion of the sea had eased to a heavy swell.
    Victor shrugged. “It chances I travel that way myself.”
    â€œAnd Miss Albritton is a true Fair, did ever I see one!” The dark eyes gleamed. “I must hope our paths are not so far removed as to preclude my encountering you somewhere en route. Though the chances are, I suppose, remote.”
    â€œWhich way do you ride, sir?”
    â€œTo say truth, I’m undecided. I have an invitation to join friends in Tunbridge Wells, and another to go to my cousin, who has a delightful country home just west of Little Hampton. On the other hand, I may ride straight to Town and forget the lot of ’em. And you?”
    â€œNorth,” answered the doctor. “Near Rochester, I believe.”
    â€œLovely country,” said Fairleigh, “but devilish cold in the winter-time. Sorri!”
    â€œYour pardon?”
    Fairleigh grinned. “Not at all. I was calling my servant.”
    A sleek, soft-footed man of indeterminate age and immaculate appearance came towards them.
    â€œHis name’s Sorenson,” explained Fairleigh. “I call him Sorri for short. With an i, for I’m far from sorry to have the benefit of his services. Well”—he put out one gauntleted hand. “Good luck to you. And take care you do not trip over any of that Jacobite gold.”
    His smile was warm, and there was liking in the brilliant eyes. For a moment Victor regretted having lied to him. But only for a moment. “Goodbye,” he said, returning the handshake. “I shall strive to control my greed.”
    Fairleigh watched him walk away, his fair head high, his shoulders erect, and only that slight limp marring what would otherwise have been an easy, graceful stride.
    Coming level with his employer, Sorenson eyed him fondly, then followed the dark gaze. “A fine-looking young gentleman, Captain,” he said. “Carries his head very proudly.”
    â€œAt the moment,” murmured Fairleigh.
    *   *   *
    â€œHow glad I am,” said Mrs. Porchester, buttoning her niece’s beige habit, “that the doctor is to be our escort. Such a nice young fellow, do you not think? And quite mannerly, considering he follows a profession. Quite mannerly. The small cap will be best for driving, my pet. Did you notice what fine hands he has? Lud, but you are flushed! I pray ’tis not a fever!”
    â€œNo, ’tis not, so do not distress yourself. I feel much better, and thank goodness the weather is clearing at last.”
    â€œYes, indeed. Come out, come out, baby dog! Oh, that reminds me! I quite forgot to enquire of Dr. Victor as to the nip Trifle gave him. And he seemed to limp slightly when he left us, did you notice?”
    â€œNo. I think I will go and see poor Jacques.”
    â€œHe would not welcome your presence, love. The poor lad is wilted as a hot lettuce leaf, and his man too enfeebled to have shaved him. I will take Trifle along to see him, that will cheer him up. He has arranged to remain aboard for a few hours and recruit his strength, and says he may stay in Dover until he can face the return journey. He means well, you know, but what a fribble he is, to be sure! What a fribble! How glad I am that we have a reliable Englishman to give us his protection