Today's Reading

"And still, again, in a French prison," the attorney pointed out.

"The prison came later," Lord Heathbrook snapped. "I was at that time in Verdun, technically not a prison. In any case, Father could have written a codicil to the will and given it to me, so I could become guardian the moment I set foot on England's shore. Then I wouldn't be having to endure this Court of Chancery nonsense."

"Forgive me, my lord, but from what I've determined of your situation before you went to France, he was concerned that your temper would make you inadequate to be your brothers' guardian."

"I was sixteen then, for God's sake! Show me a sixteen-year-old who has not'got a temper!"

"You're showing your temper right now, sir."

As a frosty silence ensued, Giselle arched an eyebrow. Touchè, monsieur. You tell him.

Then Lord Heathbrook dragged in a heavy breath that made his broad back rise, then fall. "You're right. Forgive me. I'm not putting my best foot forward."

His apology surprised her. Her stepfather had never apologized for his temper, not even in situations that warranted it far less than this one. That the earl would do so relieved her a bit. But only a bit.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pitney winced as if realizing he might have spoken too boldly to his lofty client. "I am merely saying that perhaps your father believed that a more ... shall we say ... even-tempered guardian was in order. And he did also seem to think that our ... er ... fondness for the ladies might be a problem."

She rolled her eyes. She could have told the lawyer that. Lord Heathbrook had come by his reputation honestly.

Lord Heathbrook sighed. "Knowing my father, I'm sure he thought precisely that. No matter what I did to change his opinion of me in our later years together at Verdun, it remained fixed." The touch of bitterness in Lord Heathbrook's voice saddened Giselle. "And whose side are you on, anyway?"

Mr. Pitney colored. "I'm merely pointing out that appearances are everything to the Court of Chancery, and their investigators probe everywhere. Your cousin is older than you and seems less ... susceptible to strong emotions when he comes before the chancellor. You must learn to be just as dispassionate. Or at least give the appearance of being so."

"Right." The earl rubbed the back of his neck. "Certainly. I will try. Besides, how do you know so much about my father's opinions?"

"I have my own investigators, my lord."

"Well, I hope they are investigating Yates, sir, and not just me. Or, for that matter, my relationship with my father."

"Investigating your cousin is their first priority, of course. But it always helps to know what the other side plans to use 'against' you as well."

"I'm sure that's true," Lord Heathbrook said, a bit stiffly.

"Next week should be better. By then, my spies will undoubtedly have turned up information we can use to reinforce your opinion of Mr. Yates when we counter his arguments for keeping the lads."

"I hope so. My friend, Captain Scovell, speaks highly of you, so I'm willing to give you a chance."

She knew Captain Scovell because he, too, had been in Verdun, living in the same house where she had worked and where her father and his other friends had lived. It did not surprise her that his lordship would trust the captain's recommendation.

The earl went on. "God knows the other two lawyers weren't as knowledgeable as you. Or as blunt."

Mr. Pitney blinked. "Sir, I—"

"Don't apologize," Lord Heathbrook said wearily. "I'd rather a blunt man than a sycophant. Besides, you were right to take me to task. My temper landed me in trouble in my youth, and in this particular situation, I seem incapable of being 'even-tempered.' But I realize I cannot let it get the better of me."

The attorney nodded his agreement. "And you will consider the other recommendation I made? It wasn't only your father's concern about your temper that guided his decision, after all, and my recommendation—"

"I'll consider it." The earl sighed. "But I don't have to like it."

"What man does? Still, it's a trial all men must bear."

"An interesting way to look at it."

They both laughed inexplicably and began chatting of other things.

Giselle shook her head. What was that about? What trial must all men bear? She was so busy trying to puzzle it out that she didn't see the maid heading toward the door with the tea tray before the young woman was practically upon her.

What our readers think...