Read Online Norrington Abbey by Josie Dennis - Free Book Online Page B

Perhaps he could work on his needlepoint or color a screen.”
    “Never mind,” Henry said. He poured John and himself each a brandy. “As John said, there is more to consider than momentary satisfaction.”
    “Momentary?” Frederick laughed again. “Oh, you are surely doing it incorrectly if that is your opinion on matters, eh, Thorne?”
    John shrugged. “Your brother may have the right of it,” he told Frederick. “Finding the right girl may be far better than finding the girl of the moment.”
    Frederick shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me which girl I find as long as she’s willing to suck my cock and let me fuck her any way I wish. Have you taken a girl in the ass?”
    John reddened. “I am not without experience,” he said in a clipped tone.
    Henry blinked. In a girl’s ass? He’d never considered that. There was a lot that he could learn from John, apparently. And his brother, though he couldn’t stomach the thought of taking his jibes along with the lessons.
    “So where is this pretty companion I’ve heard tell about?” Frederick asked. “Catherine Morse, I believe?”
    “Morris,” John and Henry said at the same time.
    Frederick stared for a moment then grinned. “Ho! It’s like that, is it? Both smitten with her, are you? Perhaps I should have a go at the chit.”
    “You will not,” Henry said. “Catherine is a guest here.”
    “Catherine is little more than a servant, Henry,” Frederick said. “A nobody. Why, if the both of you want her you should both fuck her. She is in no position to demand matrimony from either one of you.”
    John looked as though he wanted to smash Frederick’s face. “Don’t speak of her that way.”
    “Thorne, come on! You’ve shared a wench before, haven’t you?”
    “Yes, but that is immaterial.”
    “You have?” Henry asked.
    John gave a quick nod. “Catherine is not to be trifled with, Captain. I trust you get my meaning?”
    Frederick stood straight, obviously attempting to intimidate John. To his credit, John did not back down.
    Frederick snorted. “Fine. But what of my brother’s interest? Will you meet him at dawn?”
    “Frederick, that is preposterous,” Henry said.
    “Of course it is,” his brother agreed. “You would end up with a bullet through your heart. Thorne’s a crack shot, as I recall.”
    “First you impugn Henry’s manhood and then his shooting skills?” John asked. “It is badly done of you.”
    “I can do what I like in my house,” Frederick snapped. “My brother doesn’t have the ballocks to stand up to me or our father, so perhaps it is a good thing you’re here.”
    “John, you don’t have to defend me.” Henry stood and crossed to Frederick. “Tell me you will stay away from Catherine.”
    “Who is the chit to me? I’ve never even seen her.”
    “That is not an answer, brother.”
    Frederick waved a hand. “Fine. I’ll leave the girl to you and your friend there.” He tossed back his drink and poured himself another. “I daresay you’re good for him, Thorne. Perhaps you can make him a man where I and my father have failed.”
    John’s eyes boggled at Frederick’s words. “How can you speak to your brother so?”
    “Brothers are different from sisters,” Frederick said. “Speaking of which, is your sister spoken for?”
    “Don’t think to try a seduction, Captain. I wouldn’t wait until dawn to settle matters,” John said.
    Henry watched the exchange. If he’d doubted John’s assertion that he’d changed since school, he did no longer. Here was a man of honor and familial duty, not to mention someone who could become a good friend under the right circumstances. Their rivalry over Catherine would need to be settled and soon. But for now it was nice to have someone at his back. Someone who truly acted like a brother.
    “Well, I am off for bed.” Frederick drained his glass again and set it down. “I believe father engaged several new maids since I was last home. Perhaps I’ll show