Read Online Heirs of Ravenscar by Barbara Taylor Bradford - Free Book Online Page A

is a great worry to Mr Deravenel, as you well know. And more than once in the last few weeks he’s asked me to keep an eye on him. You know what I mean … he wants me to keep track of what his brother does in his spare time, but in a … casual way, unobtrusively, shall we say?’
    Will rubbed his mouth with his hand, frowning. ‘I wonder if Mr Edward has heard any of the gossip about Mr George? Has he said anything to you?’
    â€˜Not really. When he does express concern it’s in a … well, a mild way. He doesn’t get excited, or anything like that. And he’s said nothing about gambling or drugs.’
    â€˜It’s bound to get back to him sooner rather than later, especially if there is a demand for payment of the gambling debts. Julian Stark might come to Mr Deravenel if he doesn’t get satisfaction from George.’ Will sighed. ‘I have to tell him, Amos. I really do. He and I have never had any secrets from each other in all the years we’ve worked together here at Deravenels, and even before that, when we were at Oxford.’
    Amos sat back in his desk chair and stared off into the distance, an odd look settling on his face.
    Will Hasling noticed this immediately, and asked, ‘What is it, Amos? You’re looking peculiar.’
    â€˜Can it wait until after Christmas? What I mean is, Mr Edward is a bit worried at the moment, as you well know, about his little boy. And it is the holiday season … the annual lunch tomorrow and then the dinner at your sister’s tomorrow evening.’
    â€˜I see what you mean.’ Will became reflective for a moment or two, weighing the odds before remarking, ‘I understand exactly what you’re saying, but we all know that he detests surprises. If the gossip comes to him from someone else, he’s going to be furious with me for not telling him, preparing him in advance.’
    Sitting up straighter in the chair, Amos agreed, exclaiming, ‘A point well taken. I reckon you will have to have a word with him. To quote my late father, forewarned is forearmed.’ Leaning forward across the desk, Amos added quietly, ‘Mr Richard said to me only last week that he believed his brother George was not suitable for Deravenels and shouldn’t be given any power in the company. That he had very poor judgement.’
    Will was not at all surprised by this confidence. He had long been aware that there was bad blood between the two brothers. Richard was devoted and loyal to Ned, and would lay down his life for him, but he loathed George.
    Will had known Richard since his childhood, and he loved him, admired him. He was of good character; a stickler for discipline and a bit straightlaced. He was also very hard working, talented in business, and Edward was especially pleased that he had settled in so well at Deravenels. Will knew that.
    Of late Richard had become unusually critical of George. Will recognized that Richard had suffered because of George who had tried to block his marriage to Anne Watkins in the meanest way. Will stifled a sigh. He had never quiteunderstood why Ned had not intervened sooner, rectified the situation, not allowed it to drag on.
    Rousing himself from his thoughts, realizing Amos was waiting, Will continued. ‘Do you think Richard knows any bad gossip about George? Has he mentioned anything to you?’
    â€˜No, he hasn’t. However, he might have heard something . Last week, out of the blue, he did make a remark – he said his brother was venal.’
    â€˜He certainly hit the nail on the head.’
    â€˜In my opinion George Deravenel is a dyed-in-the-wool trouble maker.’
    Will gave Amos a long look, murmured, ‘He’s also … dangerous .’
    â€˜Oh, I know that . Ever since he became entangled with Neville Watkins, and his machinations all those years ago, I’ve been suspicious of him. To tell you the truth, I’ve not trusted him