Read Online The Lucky One (Brethren Of The Coast #6) by Barbara Devlin - Free Book Online Page A

before would Dalton have bothered with such tedium, but he spared no opportunity to glean information about the Harcourts. The less than glamorous service conveyed more evidence of the dire financial straits he suspected had led to the theft of the brooch. But what had happened to the governor?
    “I beg your pardon, Miss Daphne.” Hicks bowed, and Dalton marked the devoted manservant as the family’s chief protector. “But I have located Mister Robert and Mister Richard.”
    The two lads, one wearing a hat, which Hicks promptly snatched, glared at Dalton, and he just managed to stifle a snort of laughter. Then Hicks shoved the scamps forward. The tallest sibling stared Dalton in the eye, almost daring him to blink. The youngest shuffled his feet, scowled, and pressed his chin to his chest.
    “Good evening.” Much to his surprise, he had been given the place of honor, at the head, and he stood to welcome the late arrivals. “I am Sir Dalton Randolph. Pleased to make your acquaintance, at last.”
    “Sir Dalton, these are my brothers, Robert and Richard.” With an impressive glower, Daphne rested dainty hands on luscious hips. “And I am certain they regret not being here to welcome you to our home, they are very sorry for their ill-mannered behavior, and they humbly ask your forgiveness. Is that not so?”
    “Yes,” the gadlings grumbled their response, in unison.
    “Then take your seats.” With a huff, Daphne returned to her chair.
    Just as Dalton had settled himself, he discovered a frog in his lap. “Miss Harcourt, might I trouble you for the salt cellar?”
    “Of course.” With his lady diverted, Dalton passed the reptile to Robert, who jutted his lower lip, sagged his shoulders, and sighed.
    When she passed the silver dish, the uninvited guest jumped atop the table, and its owner leaped forward, knocking over his glass. “Edwin, come back here.”
    “Richard, how many times have I told you not to bring your pets to dinner?” Daphne dropped her fork and folded her arms, just as Hicks collected the unique interloper. “I shall speak to you, tonight.”
    “But Robert made me do it.”
    “I did not, you little tattletale.”
    “Why should I take the blame, when it was your idea?”
    “Poor bantling.”
    “ Enough .” Daphne drew a deep breath and cast Dalton a woeful expression. “I am so sorry.”
    “No apologies necessary, my dear.” He winked, in an attempt to allay her concerns. “I pulled similar pranks at their age, and theirs is nothing more than harmless fun.”
    “Please, do not encourage them.” She rolled her eyes. “I have enough trouble managing the boys, when Papa is away.”
    “I am a man, not a boy.” Robert pressed a clenched fist to his chest. “And no one manages me.”
    “And if you persist in ruining our lovely meal, you may retire to your private apartment with an empty belly.” The expression Daphne sported reminded Dalton of his mother. Just when it appeared Richard might protest, she cast her younger brother a lethal stare, which quieted the lad. “Very well. Hicks, you may serve the main entrée.”
    A tense silence punctuated the dinner comprised of the simple fare of baked ham, boiled potatoes, sliced bread, and gooseberry cheese, from which he constructed a sandwich, save the vegetable. And all the while, he grasped at every conceivable excuse to explore the grand but battered home. The answer to his quandary, when it came to him, seemed so obvious.
    “Miss Daphne, I was thinking of your desire to assess the Portsea citizenry, and I may have an elementary solution.” He cleared his throat. “And I should be too delighted to assist you, if you are amenable to my plan.”
    “Oh? That is very kind of you, Sir Dalton.” The object of his interest turned to face him. “And I am intrigued.”
    “Given the hospitality your island community has shown my men, during our unanticipated field refitting, I should like to express my appreciation by holding a country