Read Online Valentine by Jane Feather - Free Book Online

There’s no need for me to accompany the message.” Heducked his head to step beneath the low lintel. “Now, what’s all this about not ordering for the manor?”
    Greg was regarding the inn’s guest with astonishment. “Beggin’ yer pardon, sir, but you’re not ’is lordship, are you?”
    “Yes, he is, Greg, I can’t imagine why Lord Stoneridge hasn’t made himself known to you before this,” Theo said coldly.
    “Perhaps imagination isn’t your strong point,” the earl said, carelessly flicking her cheek with a fingertip as he perched on the edge of the table beside her.
    Theo brushed at her cheek as if a fly had settled there and said pointedly, “You’ll forgive me, my lord, but I have business to transact with Greg for the dower-house cellars.”
    “I forgive you,” he said with a bland smile, not moving from his perch. “And you’ll forgive me, I’m sure, if I suggest that you also take care of the manor’s needs at this time.”
    “Those needs are no longer my concern, sir.”
    “I think you will find that they are,” he said, a hint of steel in his voice now, a cold glint in the gray eyes. “Have done with this nonsense, cousin.”
    Greg abruptly dived behind the bar counter, reemerging with a crusted bottle and three glasses. “A glass of burgundy,” he suggested with a hearty chuckle. “Best eighty-nine vintage. It’s the last bottle left of that consignment, but I’m hopin’ the Gentlemen’ll manage a few more this run.”
    Theo accepted the diversion with relief. She couldn’t imagine what the innkeeper must have thought of that terse exchange, but clearly she had to yield the issue. It would be childishly spiteful to refuse her help, but Gilbraith could have asked for it instead of demanding it.
    Sylvester played no part in the exchange between Theo and Greg. He listened attentively, sipping his wine. His cousin was both knowledgeable and efficient as she listed the manor’s needs. It was highly improper, however, for a young lady of breeding to be so at ease in a local taproom. Had her grandfather encouraged this familiarity? It surprised him thatLady Belmont would allow such behavior. It would have to change once they were married. Just as this racketing around the country like an itinerant gypsy would have to stop.
    She glanced at him at the end and said, “I trust that will do for you, my lord.”
    “I trust so, cousin.” He offered a mock bow. “I shall know who’s responsible if it doesn’t, won’t I?”
    Was he accusing her of deliberately misordering, just to spite him? Her eyes widened in indignation and the earl laughed.
    “I’m truly grateful for your assistance,” he said, setting his glass on the table.
    Theo closed her lips tight on a retort and turned back to Greg. “Now, I need a separate order for the dower house….”
    “That’s somewhat modest,” the earl observed when she finally nodded her satisfaction and rose from the bench.
    “A modest household has modest needs, sir,” she said coldly. “Greg, that account should be sent to Lady Belmont at the dower house.”
    She gathered up her gloves and whip. “I’ll send Alfred with the gig to collect the supplies in the morning…. Lord Stoneridge, I give you good day.” She walked out of the taproom toward the kitchen.
    Sylvester blinked, realizing that she was wearing a most unusual riding habit—it seemed to have a divided skirt. Surely she wasn’t riding astride?
    “Make sure both accounts come to me at the manor, Greg,” he commanded. “I have an arrangement with Lady Belmont.”
    “Ah,” Greg said, nodding wisely. “One that Lady Theo doesn’t know about, I daresay.”
    Sylvester agreed. It was an outright lie, but he had it in mind to present Lady Belmont with a housewarming gift—a tactful, graceful gesture, but one he suspected would be lost on his fiery young cousin, who, if he’d confided in her, wouldprobably have contrived to insult him in front of the innkeeper. He