Read Online The Beautiful Stranger by Julia London - Free Book Online Page A

in Arthurs honor that entailed excellent lobster, Spanish wine, and a pretty wench who was happy to warm Arthurs bed that night. Ah yes, he had rather enjoyed the River Clyde. But not Perth. He slapped his gloves against his palm again and glowered at the stable entrance. What could possibly be taking the man so long? This entire ordeal just confirmed that he was quite mad for continuing on to Dundee on horseback. But when he had returned from his review of the new Scottish clippers, a letter from that funny little Regis had been waiting for him at the Sherbrooke, requesting a meeting in Dundee to discuss the final disposition of Phillips landin three weeks precisely four longer than previously set. That did not set well with Arthur. He was quite certain he had told the hapless solicitor that he fully intended to be on board a ship bound for England by then.
    Frustrated and restless, Arthur had gone on to Perth, where he had arranged to meet Mr. Abernathy of the Bank of Scotland, and thereby save him the unnecessary journey to Dundee. It did not help his disposition to learn that Mr. Abernathy had been called away to Inverness and was not expected in the area for some time. When he had asked exactly how long that might be, the bankers assistant had
    responded with the very definitive and very helpful, Couldna rightly say, milord.
    Faced with a wait of an indeterminate amount of time, Arthur had then made the uncomfortable discovery that there was absolutely nothing for him to do in Perth and found himself hopelessly bored. A few jaunts beyond the town proper had revealed a glimpse of a beautiful wet and green wilderness, steeped in history, replete with an occasional castle ruin and Celtic cross. Arthur was curious enough to want to see more of it. So curious that he came up with the notion of having a look at Phillips land for himself while he waited.
    He inquired with a clerk at the less than serviceable Kinrossie Inn where he had taken up residence. The lad had told him that the glens were just beyond Pitlochry, which was actually rather close by, and had sketched a map of the general area, suggesting that the distance was nothing more than a leisurely ride of a day or two. In Dunkeld, he could inquire as to the exact location of the land if he ever reached Dunkeld, that was.
    Confound it all, you stupid nag!
    The shout came from just inside the stables. Arthur lifted his gaze and watched the stable master emerge, fighting a mare into the paddock. Ah, just bloody grandhe had paid a premium for a green horse. With a weary sigh, he donned his leather gloves and strolled into the paddock. As he neared the man and horse, he could see that the bit was fastened too tightly, and immediately reached to loosen it. The mare jerked her head at his touch, but Arthur stroked her nose and cooed softly as he loosened the leather straps.
    The horse calmed considerably; the stable masters eyes widened with surprise.
    Idiot.
    Oh, shes broke, he hastily assured Arthur when he saw his dubious expression. A wee bit ornery she is, thats all.
    Yes, he could see she had been brokennot five minutes ago, hed wager. My bags, he said, and nodded imperiously toward the edge of the paddock where he had left two large, soft leather bags. The swindler flushed; he awkwardly thrust the reins at Arthur and retrieved the bags, dropping one into the dirt rather carelessly when he returned so that he could jerk the leather straps tight around the other. When he picked up the bag at his feet and moved to the other side, the mare moved uneasily, snorting loudly as the man once again jerked the straps too tight. He stepped back, rubbed his palms together; Arthur politely handed him the reins, loosened the straps so the horse could breathe, and pausing to adjust his hat, gestured for the reins again.
    The horse, however, was not of a mind to be mounted and began to dance impatiently, nickering at Arthur when he put his foot in the stirrup. A smug smile lifted the