Read Online Not Quite Darcy by Terri Meeker - Free Book Online Page B

a shocked expression.
    â€œWhat’d I say this time?”
    â€œWe’re to dust everything, the limbs as well.”
    â€œLimbs? Good god. I can’t say ‘legs’?”
    â€œWell, it’s not considered proper, exactly.”
    â€œI just…wow.” Noticing the concerned look Dora was giving her, Eliza smiled. “We did things differently where I’m from, that’s all.” She knew Victorians were uptight, but this was taking things to a Prude All Star level. With a sigh, she went back to dusting.

Chapter Seven
    William sat alone in the corner of the Alexander Club’s library. Though rain pattered a steady rhythm against the walls, it was quite cozy inside. A fire crackled in the corner, illuminating the book-lined walls and rich brocade draperies framed the windows. The library was his favorite room at the club. Well, it was his only room at the club. His Mother would have been crushed had she known that his “social connections” consisted primarily of men like William Shakespeare and William Blake. As they’d long been in the grave, their acquaintance would likely do little to promote the Brown family’s social aspirations.
    After nearly a month away, he should have felt a terrific comfort to find himself sliding back into his routine. He’d been back for a few days now. Why did he feel such an overwhelming sense of disquiet? Of unease?
    A light smattering of raindrops struck the window, pulling his attention away from his book.
    For some inexplicable reason, he’d forgone his usual poetry in favor of Mark Twain’s The Innocents Abroad . When it was first published, he’d written it off as populist drivel, but since his usual fare couldn’t hold his interest, he thought to try something different.
    He drummed an index finger along the spine of the book. His strange sense of restlessness made little sense. He couldn’t be worried about Mother. Though the new girl was unusual, she appeared to be perfectly competent as a companion and nurse. Indeed, his mother seemed to thrive under Bessie’s care. Though Mrs. McLaughlin had expressed displeasure at the girl’s lack of skills, he had no doubt the housekeeper would come around in time. Bessie hadn’t even been with them for a week yet. She would adjust.
    Realizing he might as well give up reading as a lost cause, he placed his book on a side table. Perhaps if he were to have a nice strong cup of tea, it would be just the thing to lift him out of his funk. Perhaps even a little conversation with a few of the other members could divert his attention from this odd restlessness.
    William went down the hall to the rear lounge where the majority of members tended to congregate. With its mahogany paneled walls, leather chairs and view of the back garden, it was the most popular room in the club. Though the rain had thinned the numbers today, a few men clustered in groups.
    Just as William entered, a trio of gentlemen approached the door. Cavendish, Madison and Perry were college chums who were seldom out of one another’s company. In their mid-twenties, they were the youngest in the club. Of the three, William knew Edward Perry the best, and he only had a passing acquaintance with him. He was tall with dark hair and dark eyes. A rather quiet sort of fellow, but when he spoke, it was with great wit. William had once held a lively conversation with him regarding the merits of Chaucer.
    Perry nodded in greeting. “William Brown, what brings you from the confines of your library?”
    â€œGood afternoon, Perry.” William tilted his head toward the younger man. “I was feeling a bit restless. Thought I’d have a spot of tea.”
    Cavendish and Madison burst into laughter at that, and William felt himself shrinking.
    â€œWe were just heading out, if you’d care to join us,” Perry said.
    William could never tell if a person was taunting, joking or