Chapter 3
Milton sat in his study, watching Richard from across the room while his friend downed his brandy and began fidgeting with his pocket watch for the third time.
Whatever he had on his mind must be dire, if he would abuse the liquor in his glass.
Richard poured another draught while Milton glanced at George sitting next to him.
Their friend shrugged, before bringing his own drink to his lips and taking a slow sip to savor the liquor.
Milton went to the sideboard to refill his drink, and returned to his chair. “Whatever you’re worried about, Richard, you might as well spit it out,” Milton said, with growing frustration in his gut.
Richard emerged from contemplating whatever thoughts were spinning inside his head. “You know I wouldn’t ask this of you if I didn’t think it was important,” he finally managed to say. He strode across the room and took a seat.
Milton sighed. “You haven’t asked anything of me as yet,” he said, before turning toward George. “Is this why you’re here? For reinforcement?”
George smirked. “Richard asked me to join him here without explanation. Call me curious.”
Milton raised his glass to his lips, having the notion he was going to need the spirits to calm him. “Very well. What’s on your mind?”
Richard leaned his head back, closing his eyes. “Josephine and our cousin will be heading to Brighton,” he began, as he stared between the two men.
“And?” Milton urged Richard to continue, since Milton was already aware of Josephine’s plans from the conversation that the men had had at White’s.
“And I have learned from good sources that a highwayman has been plaguing the road north of Brighton, which is the road Josephine must travel.”
A snort left George. “Scoundrels in that area are hardly anything new. Smugglers are well known,” he replied.
Richard stood again and began to pace in front of the hearth, before looking directly at Milton. “I would like you to accompany the ladies on their trip to Brighton to ensure their safety. I thought George could join you if he wasn’t too busy.”
Milton swore softly. “I don’t see how this will help my cause to win over your sister, especially since she’s upset with me. I highly doubt she will appreciate my company.”
Richard shook his head and gave a heavy sigh. “Since I can’t go myself at this time, I need someone I can trust with my sister’s and cousin’s safety. Someone I am familiar with who I know can protect them.”
“Hire guards to protect them. You can afford the expense,” Milton suggested.
Richard scowled. “Since you told me of your own plans to go to Brighton, why hire men to guard them when you’d be more than capable of performing the task?”
“Because right now Josephine hates me,” Milton fumed.
“I want her to come to love me again. Being stuck inside a carriage with her for hours will only cause her to distance herself from me at any function we might attend together. If she refuses to spend time with me, how will this work in my favor?”
Richard returned to this seat but leaned forward, placing his forearms upon his legs. “I need you to keep her safe, Milton, and I trust you. Will you travel with them, please?” he asked quietly.
Inwardly, Milton cursed again. This was not how he envisioned winning over the lady.
Or was it? Close proximity when she couldn’t escape him could work in his favor if he played his cards right.
He thought about her reaction, and his own, when he left her the other day after a quick kiss upon her mouth.
Afterward, her chest rose and fell, and he knew then and there that she still cared for him, whether she voiced her feelings aloud or not.
“Milton?” Richard looked at him expectingly.
“You know I will, especially knowing that Josephine and Julia might encounter danger on their journey,” Milton finally answered, and relief swept across Richard’s features. He turned his blue eyes upon George. “You’re going with me…”
George looked down at his nails, examining them as if he appeared bored. “Are you asking me or telling me?”
“Asking.”
“You know how much I detest the country.”
Richard chuckled. “Brighton is very popular with the ton. The Prince of Wales himself bought a house there years ago, as you know. He is rebuilding it, and now Brighton is becoming quite the spot to be seen.”
George raised one brow. “Well, if the prince is there… why not? I suppose a change of scenery couldn’t harm me overly much.”
Milton nodded before he tossed a smirk toward the two men. “And who exactly is going to tell Josephine she’s to have my sparkling conversation to keep her company on the road to Brighton?”
George stood. “I’ll do it,” he said with a mischievous grin. “Josephine actually likes me, and I doubt Richard would remain in her good graces if he tells her, especially if she’s hoping for an offer from Upton soon.”
“I never gave my blessing, but then again, I didn’t give Philip the time to ask. He’s a good chap, but if I had my way, Milton would be my choice for a husband for my sister,” Richard said, looking uncomfortable.
“That’s reassuring. Now if only I can convince your sister,” Milton said with a grimace.
“You will… with a fair bit of time,” Richard commented before turning toward George. “You’re a good friend to inform Josephine of the change of plans.”
“Yes, I am, and don’t either of you forget it.
However, don’t let the word get out, or it may ruin my reputation of being indifferent to the outside world,” George said, smiling before he frowned with apparent thoughts about his upcoming conversation with Josephine.
“She’s not going to like having her plans go awry. ”
Milton agreed. “But she’ll adapt, and I’ll be thankful for the extra company, George, in Brighton. I’ve already sent word to open the country house. It’s been a while since I’ve been there. It shouldn’t be too much trouble for them to ready an extra room.”
Richard stood. “You both have my gratitude. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get home to my wife and the children.”
“And I’d best be on my way to Josephine,” George said.
Richard cleared his throat. “Take the long way,” he suggested.
Both men stared at him, wondering what else was going on.
“Why?” George finally asked.
“My mother may already be over at Josephine’s,” he said, looking guilty.
George swore as Milton watched them both leave. He made his way over to his desk, as there were important matters he needed to see to regarding business before he left London. He could only hope Josephine would take George’s news with an open heart.