Chapter 8 #2
It wasn’t often that Reed found himself enjoying such a favorable rapport with another member of the aristocracy.
The exception had been Sariah’s father, but the circumstances surrounding their meeting had been rather delicate as well.
Lord Richard, however, had the easy sort of demeanor that could be found with his fellow shipyard comrades, so it was not difficult to find a common ground with the baron’s son, even though their blood still ran very differently.
While Sariah reluctantly headed upstairs to get settled into her chamber, Richard took Reed aside. “Care for a drink, Mr. Carrington? I would like to get to know my future brother-in-law a bit better.”
Reed wasn’t surprised by the offer. He’d known it was coming. Just because Lord Richard was not immediately dislikable, that did not mean he would not take the initiative to protect his sister and get to the bottom of their arrangement.
They headed for a room that was decorated in shades of brown and dark green that Richard remarked was the marquess’ personal parlor.
“Lord Harville and I have been friends for years, so do not think that we are intruding.” He walked over to the sideboard and poured two drinks, handing one of the crystal tumblers to Reed.
“I trust whisky is acceptable? That is what the marquess generally has on hand.”
“I am good with anything,” Reed murmured in return. He took a sip of the Scottish blend and gave a nod. “Very smooth.”
“Quite.” Richard nodded and then took a seat before the dormant fireplace. He waved a hand and Reed joined him. “I admit that this weather we have been having is rather fine. Would you not agree?”
Reed gave a light snort. “Come now, Lord Richard. You can be honest with me. You did not request an audience in order to discuss the weather.”
His companion chuckled. “I daresay you are growing on me more and more, Mr. Carrington. Or would it be acceptable to call you Reed?”
“As you like. I am not one to normally stand on formality like most of polite society.”
“Indeed.” Richard lifted a brow. “I understand your upbringing was not a very enjoyable one.”
Reed quirked his lips. “You are well informed. I am sure you also heard that I was a blue boy and caused quite a bit of havoc at school.”
“It has been brought to my attention, yes. Then again, you do not seem very concerned that I am aware of your conflicting history.”
He shrugged. “I have nothing to hide.”
“That is reassuring.” Richard slowly took a long drink from his glass.
“However, I cannot decide if you are a charlatan or speak in truth, but I am going to trust it is the latter for my sister’s sake.
The fact that you came forward with an offer to help secure her reputation is definitely a mark in your credit. ”
Reed clenched his jaw. “I am not generally in the habit of allowing my honor to be called into question without retaliation, but considering you are speaking out of concern for Miss Kent, I shall allow this particular slight, and because I acknowledge a similar care for her.”
There was a marked silence after his statement, and then Richard grinned and lifted his glass in a salute. “Well spoken, Mr. Carrington. I do believe this shall be a successful endeavor for all of us. And I do not just mean professionally.”
Reed downed his drink and set the glass aside.
Folding his hands over his stomach, he said evenly, “Before there are any other misappropriations on my character, I should say that my parents are dead and as far as I am aware, I have no siblings. If there are any additional family members, there are none that I claim or that have bothered to come forward over the years.”
Richard inclined his head. “It sounds like a very isolated childhood,” he noted.
With a shrug, Reed returned, “I found other ways of enjoyment, which are, no doubt, some of the stories you have been told.”
“I think we all prefer to sow a few seeds in our younger days,” Richard said with a chuckle.
“I am certainly not innocent in that regard. I just had to be more careful as a baron’s son.
” He sobered slightly. “I do, however, appreciate your willingness to sit here and discuss a situation that, which might be fabricated for now, I feel such an arrangement could easily turn into something more permanent with my sister.”
Reed stiffened slightly. “What makes you say that?”
Richard leaned forward slightly. “Because I can truly tell you care deeply for Sariah. I would warn you against hurting her, but it is not me you would have to fear. Although, your arrangement does gives me good cause to wonder how far you are willing to take this charade before it turns into reality.”