Read Online Eulogy's Secret (The Huntley Trilogy) by Grace Elliot - Free Book Online

the Duke, whose appointment he was about to miss, would be furious. But Huntley couldn’t leave, not now, not for anything. Farrell couldn’t take his eyes off Miss Foster, fascinated, and so was Huntley.
    After an awkward silence Farrell spoke. “I was reet sorry to hear of you ma’s passing.” His hand twitched toward a pewter tankard, but stopped.
    “Oh.” Eulogy cleared her throat. “You knew her well?”
    “Aye, I had that honor. A great woman, Ella. None could match her kindness or beauty.” He looked up sharply. “Until now, that is.”
    Huntley rolled his eyes. “Enough flannel, Farrell. I won’t have Miss Foster spoken to with such familiarity.”
    Surprise sparked across Farrell’s rheumy features. “Foster you say?”
    “Yes.”
    A look passed between the two, and then, for the first time Farrell looked directly at Huntley. “You are this young lady’s betrothed?”
    “Oh no.” Huntley nearly choked. “An acquaintance come to see Miss Foster safe.”
    “Mr. Huntley was kind enough to find me lodgings when I arrived in London.”
    With bleary eyed respect, Farrell extended a shaking hand. Huntley recoiled.
    “Well I’m reet grateful to you, Mr. Huntley. I thank yer. Doubly so as I let yer down so badly all those years on.”
    Huntley reeled, amazed that the drunken sot had remembered. Feelings of frustration and anger, long since forgotten, rose to the surface then subsided. It was after all a long time ago, what point in raking up ancient history?
    Quietly, Huntley spoke. “What’s passed is passed. Best leave it there.”
    But to Huntley’s surprise, Farrell frowned. “Only, the way I let you down has weighed heavy on me conscience ever since.”
    “Forget it.”
    Farrell seemed determined to continue and glanced anxiously at Miss Foster. “But this is my chance to make amends, for so many things. I’d rather keep no secrets from Ella’s girl and have everything in the open.”
    Huntley narrowed his eyes. Perhaps it was as well that Miss Foster knew what her-supposed-guardian was really like. “Very well, if that’s what you want.”
    Farrell seemed to crumple a little, as if the weight of confession almost too much. “Best you say.”
    “No, you don’t have to tell me anything,” Miss Foster interjected.
    “Please, lad. Go on. I want her to know.”
    “Very well. As it’s what you want.” Grim faced, Huntley drew a deep breath to address Miss Foster. “Ten years ago I was starting out, trying to make a name as a dealer in fine art. I knew of Farrell’s past work and had also heard of his…decline, a once great artist fallen on hard times.”
    “And?”
    “And, I had this sudden crack pot notion of giving him a chance to resurrect his career. I convinced an influential patron that I could keep Farrell on track. All Farrell had to do was stay sober enough to paint.” Huntley let out a dry laugh.
    “And?” Eulogy glanced anxiously from one tense face to the other.
    “And I was played for a fool. Farrell took the advance payment and drank it away. No picture and one very unhappy client, who blackened my name with potential clients. It took years to repair the damage to my reputation.”
    “Oh!”
    “So you see Miss Foster, if you have a romantic notion about reforming this old reprobate, think again.”
    “I’m so sorry, Huntley. One day I’ll repay yer. Yer have my word.”
    Huntley sneered. “Your word is worthless. This is no place for a young woman. Miss Foster, come with me.”
    But  much to his irritation Miss Foster didn’t move.
    “It were Ella’s wish, that if anything ever happened to her, that I would tek an interest in her child. Miss Foster, if yer would allow it I’d like yer to stay here. I will treat yer like one of me own blood.”
    Eulogy positively glowed. “Mr. Farrell, I can think of nothing I’d like more.”
    “Good, that’s settled.”
    “It most definitely isn’t!” Huntley jumped to his feet. Suddenly he didn’t give a damn