Read Online Scandal By The Ton by Virginia Henley - Free Book Online Page A

Michael suggested.
    "Yes, I'd love to see it," Julia exclaimed. "I've heard so much about the ancient cave carvings."
    "Why don't we go now?"
    Julia glanced at Nicholas, hoping he'd agree to the adventure.
    "Yes, take him up on his invitation. You'll both enjoy the outing. I can bring these books over tonight."
    Julia was disappointed that Nick declined, but liked the idea of him coming to Shelborne Place this evening. She smiled at Michael. "I accept your gallant invitation."
     
    After Julia and Mick departed, Nicholas visited the malthouse and saw that the green malt shoots had indeed begun to sprout. Then he looked about the property and found a spot that would be ideal for a future brewhouse.
    Back in the library, he made out an order for cattle feed, and some new plow blades. His thoughts kept returning to Julia and gradually it began to dawn on him that he felt possessive of her.
    He enjoyed her company, and wished she was here instead of spending time with Mick. He looked at the grandfather clock, saw that they'd been gone for more than two hours, and surmised that his brother would most likely take Julia to one of the pubs for lunch. Nicholas schooled himself to patience They may not be back for hours.
    When Michael returned mid-afternoon, he was alone. “I escorted Lady Julia home. She's great fun to be with and far more intelligent than most females of my acquaintance.”
    “Most females of your acquaintance aren't ladies,” Nicholas pointed out.
    “Perhaps that's about to change,” Mick said cryptically. “She interpreted the carvings for me and what she said made sense. Afterward, I took her to the Chequers for a leisurely lunch.”
    “Did you have pickled onions?”
    “I should think not. Give me some credit for how to treat a lady.”
    Since Nicholas wasn't eager to hear more about his brother's outing with Julia, he went outside to direct the gardeners to plant a few more climbing roses, preferably Tudor roses, along the wall that separated the gardens of Royston and Ashridge.
    That night after dinner when darkness began to fall, Nicholas took the books he'd promised. Mrs. Barlow, who'd been told to expect him, showed him to the library.
    Julia was on a ladder, reaching for a volume on the top shelf. “Nicholas, do come in.”
    “Let me help you.” He set the books he'd brought on her desk, moved toward her, and raised his arms.
    She laughed down at him. “Why don't I jump?” Displaying supreme confidence that he'd catch her, Julia plummeted into his arms.
    He held her tightly against his chest, and grinned. “You enjoy being reckless.”
    “I'm learning from Mistress Hardwick. It makes life more exciting.”
    He finally set her feet to the carpet, and when she took her seat at the desk, he sat down in a comfortable library chair. “Did you enjoy your outing today?
    “Yes. You should have come with us. The cave is bell-shaped, and the chalk walls have ancient carvings of the Crucifixion and some saints, but I also saw some symbols that looked Pagan. Some of the carvings could have been done in medieval times by the Knights Templar.”
    “Some of the symbols are Masonic. King James the First was a Mason, and he kept a hunting lodge here in Royston.”
    “How fascinating.”
    “I'll show you the building, if you ride out with me tomorrow.”
    “Oh, not tomorrow. Michael invited me to go punting on the River Cam. You'll join us, won't you, Nicholas?”
    Nick's dark brows drew together. “The river will be filled with students, giddy with drink. Mick must have a fancy to relive his days as a schoolboy.”
    “If you don't want me to go, I'll give him my excuses.”
    His brow cleared. “Of course not. Go and enjoy yourself. You seem to be a good influence on my brother.”
    “Ah, but who knows what influence Michael will have on me?' she teased. “Since you haven't come up with some debauchery in which we can indulge, perhaps he will oblige.”
    Nicholas stood up. “I'd better go.”
    Julia