Read Online My Lord the Spy by Audrey Harrison - Free Book Online Page A

Grinstead in his high perch phaeton, her lilac day dress and deep purple pelisse, looking fine against Henry’s dark grey great coat. Charles, Edmund and Clara had all chosen to ride. Clara was dressed in a deep blue riding habit, with black top hat, the organza swathed around the hat and flowing down her back, ready to stream backwards in the wind when she was travelling at speed.
    Boxes were strapped to the phaeton, loaded with food and drink for the party, while Edmund had picnic rugs strapped behind his saddle.
    Clara was a confident horsewoman, her time at home spent more in the saddle than out of it. A quiet life led by their parents had ensured that their children had made their own entertainment, travelling far and wide over the local area when Charles’ school holidays had allowed it.
    Charles was happy to talk to Henry and Milly, so Clara and Edmund paired as soon as they had left the bustle of the City streets behind.
    “I imagine you approve of your brother’s activities of the last two days?” Edmund asked when sure that they would not be overheard.
    “Yes, it is nice to see the old Charles emerging,” Clara responded honestly. “He turns into someone different when associating with Mr Shambles.”
    “Or is it that he turns into someone different when being defensive under his sister’s disapproval?” Edmund asked with a raise of his eyebrow.
    “That sounds like the voice of experience, My Lord,” Clara responded with a smile.
    “An aunt in my case,” came the easy response. “I was destined to disappoint her.”
    “Oh?”
    “Yes, her son did not inherit the sacred title, which she thought should have been his, whilst at the same time I was doing my best to discredit every ancestor I had. She didn’t seem to appreciate that the longer it took me to settle down and produce an heir, the more likely my cousin would inherit. According to Aunt Janet, the family crypt was a very busy place.”
    “I don’t understand?” Clara asked puzzled.
    “From the skeletons that were constantly turning in their graves as a direct result of my activities.”
    Clara burst out laughing. “I have some sympathy with your aunt! You are cruel to take pleasure out of tormenting her, My Lord.”
    “I didn’t initially. I can honestly say that I never considered her once during any of my activities,” Edmund said with a grin.
    Clara’s heart rate definitely increased whenever Edmund smiled. He was everything that seemed perfect in a man, but the knowledge of his rakish background kept Clara from completely losing her heart to him. He was a rake, and men with those tendencies did not make good husbands, even if he was looking to marry, which her realistic side presumed not. She had to enjoy his company, but nothing more; no good would come of her losing her heart to him apart from her own heartbreak. His kisses, though, she probably would never stop reliving in her private moments.
    “I can understand your dislike of Mr Shambles, but is it just him as an acquaintance that you object to or the amount of funds that your brother must be spending?”
    “I admit I don’t like the thought of Charles spending the whole of his wealth,” Clara confessed becoming serious. “But it isn’t just that. Apart from separating my brother from his money, Mr Shambles hasn’t exactly done anything wrong to my knowledge.” Clara looked a little uncomfortable at this point, but continued. “But there is something that I just don’t trust about him.”
    “I can understand that.” Edmund had only been in the company of Joshua for seconds before deciding that he was a rogue. Whether or not Shambles was as bad as Henry made out was yet to be proved. “Will your brother not realise that Shambles is not a true friend?”
    “Charles thinks everyone is good. He is young for his age; if he had experienced a Grand Tour or some other similar education he might have returned more worldly-wise, but Mr Shambles got to him first. I would