Read Online The Reluctant Suitor by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Ads: Link
into his flesh. I wouldn’t doubt the roar of cannons makes him quake in terror after the endless torment he suffered at the hands of surgeons who took their time prying all those pieces out. ‘Twill be a miracle if Stuart doesn’t box your ears for claiming anyone can put him to shame.”
Her brother-in-law gave her a bow, abbreviated rather harshly by a sharp reminder of his past wound, which at unpredictable times caused painful twitches. “Thank you, dear Samantha. ‘Tis immensely gratifying to realize my brother married above himself when he took you to wife. Obviously you have the intelligence he has been lacking all these many years.” He ignored Percy’s spluttering protests and dryly digressed into difficulties associated with his injury. “Though the wound has mended to a goodly degree, I doubt my pride ever will. Blasted luck, what with so many thinking the worst, and my own brother chortling like a village idiot over the precise location of my injury. Though I’ve tried time and again to explain how I came to be wounded from the rear and have repeatedly given my pledge that I was charging to the fore rather than retreating, my companions . . . and brother . . . still hoot in disbelief.
Callous oafs, that’s what they are. ‘Tis sure they’re no friends of mine.”
When the mirth finally subsided, Stuart faced his host in all sincerity. “I’m especially honored by this opportunity to renew our acquaintance, my lord. Wellington sang your praises so often during our latest campaign, we entertained no doubt that you did a great service for our country, not only at Waterloo, but on other battlefields you’ve traversed throughout your illustrious career. From all reports, your regiment proved itself as valiant in battle as any in the British army.”
“I was fortunate to command men of exemplary courage,” Colton assured the major. “Whatever tribute has been bestowed on me, I owe the greater part of it to them, for ‘twas their valor that helped us win
the day over the enemy.”
“They did indeed prove a shining example of a well-disciplined force,” Stuart agreed, “but I also heard in the ceremony wherein your men were being honored that they vowed to the very last man that whenever there was ground to be gained and they had to charge into the ranks of the enemy, you led the way into the thickest of frays and inspired them to accomplish daring feats of their own. They were dreadfully disappointed that you were not there to receive your medals, but I can understand how your injuries might’ve prevented your appearance. May I say, my lord, that few officers have received such glowing accolades from their men as yours bestowed on you that day.”
Uncomfortable with such praise, Colton murmured his appreciation but otherwise remained mute until the lengthy silence made him glance about for some other avenue upon which to turn the subject. He noticed that the young man who had voiced some outrage at his familiarity with Adriana had taken himself to the far end of the hall. It was just as well, for the hothead seemed well out of harm’s way there, at least from the wolfhounds. His host would be another matter entirely if the lad didn’t mind his manners, which he seemed incapable of doing. In spite of the distance between them, Colton could feel the heat of the glare that smoldered in those pale green eyes. It hinted strongly of an unreasonable jealousy that revolved around Adriana, but then again, Colton mentally smiled as he mused, not so unreasonable when a lady was as exceptional as she obviously was.
Colton was convinced this individual was none other than the one his mother had spoken of earlier that afternoon, Roger Elston, the apprentice who, against all odds, was striving desperately to win Adriana’s hand in marriage. In his opinion, the man was definitely reaching beyond his limits.
In presenting an ignoring back to the man, Colton found himself facing the young, fair-haired
Her brother-in-law gave her a bow, abbreviated rather harshly by a sharp reminder of his past wound, which at unpredictable times caused painful twitches. “Thank you, dear Samantha. ‘Tis immensely gratifying to realize my brother married above himself when he took you to wife. Obviously you have the intelligence he has been lacking all these many years.” He ignored Percy’s spluttering protests and dryly digressed into difficulties associated with his injury. “Though the wound has mended to a goodly degree, I doubt my pride ever will. Blasted luck, what with so many thinking the worst, and my own brother chortling like a village idiot over the precise location of my injury. Though I’ve tried time and again to explain how I came to be wounded from the rear and have repeatedly given my pledge that I was charging to the fore rather than retreating, my companions . . . and brother . . . still hoot in disbelief.
Callous oafs, that’s what they are. ‘Tis sure they’re no friends of mine.”
When the mirth finally subsided, Stuart faced his host in all sincerity. “I’m especially honored by this opportunity to renew our acquaintance, my lord. Wellington sang your praises so often during our latest campaign, we entertained no doubt that you did a great service for our country, not only at Waterloo, but on other battlefields you’ve traversed throughout your illustrious career. From all reports, your regiment proved itself as valiant in battle as any in the British army.”
“I was fortunate to command men of exemplary courage,” Colton assured the major. “Whatever tribute has been bestowed on me, I owe the greater part of it to them, for ‘twas their valor that helped us win
the day over the enemy.”
“They did indeed prove a shining example of a well-disciplined force,” Stuart agreed, “but I also heard in the ceremony wherein your men were being honored that they vowed to the very last man that whenever there was ground to be gained and they had to charge into the ranks of the enemy, you led the way into the thickest of frays and inspired them to accomplish daring feats of their own. They were dreadfully disappointed that you were not there to receive your medals, but I can understand how your injuries might’ve prevented your appearance. May I say, my lord, that few officers have received such glowing accolades from their men as yours bestowed on you that day.”
Uncomfortable with such praise, Colton murmured his appreciation but otherwise remained mute until the lengthy silence made him glance about for some other avenue upon which to turn the subject. He noticed that the young man who had voiced some outrage at his familiarity with Adriana had taken himself to the far end of the hall. It was just as well, for the hothead seemed well out of harm’s way there, at least from the wolfhounds. His host would be another matter entirely if the lad didn’t mind his manners, which he seemed incapable of doing. In spite of the distance between them, Colton could feel the heat of the glare that smoldered in those pale green eyes. It hinted strongly of an unreasonable jealousy that revolved around Adriana, but then again, Colton mentally smiled as he mused, not so unreasonable when a lady was as exceptional as she obviously was.
Colton was convinced this individual was none other than the one his mother had spoken of earlier that afternoon, Roger Elston, the apprentice who, against all odds, was striving desperately to win Adriana’s hand in marriage. In his opinion, the man was definitely reaching beyond his limits.
In presenting an ignoring back to the man, Colton found himself facing the young, fair-haired
Similar Books
