Anabelle Bryant Duke of Darkness (epub)

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.It was unmistakable to anyone familiar with vehicles.The carriage wheel had splintered and broken.The coachman jumped down into the steady rhythm of rain to make quick work of assessing the damage, only to report they could proceed no further.Damn it all to Hades.Devlin scowled at no one in particular, and welcomed the foulest of moods.Determined to make it to The Willows before nightfall, he disconnected Orion from the team and barked directions to the coachman.Then donning his greatcoat and beaver hat, he galloped through the wind gusts like a man bent for hell.He travelled for more than an hour when he discerned his aunt’s estate perched on a small hill north of where the road turned.It appeared much as he remembered, a shadowy memory of the proper tutor house he knew as a child.He urged Orion through the pelting rain, aware the horse needed rest and anxious, too, to be out of his sodden clothes.His black hair whipped about his head as a strong burst of wind stole his hat and he tightened his jaw with determination, his clothes drenched for no help of the greatcoat that hung like a heavy burden across his shoulders.Were anyone to view the rider who rode like a demon towards the little manor on the hill, they might experience an intense premonition of dread.They would wonder at his intentions, as lightning flashed brilliant and jagged through the sky, and thunder vibrated through the earth with tremulous anger, and they would label him insane for pursuing his journey in such miserable weather, but Devlin was not to be stopped.He leapt free before Orion slowed, and paused only long enough to lead the animal to shelter near the side of the estate, as no one came out to greet him.Then he moved with sure steps to the front door of the manor house, and dropped the knocker twice, eager to be out of the elements.Grimley opened the door with haste and Devlin stepped inside.The wind followed on his heels to unsettle a few calling cards that remained on a salver near the entryway.“Your Grace, we were not expecting you in such weather.You are drenched to the bone.You will catch the ague.”Devlin’s lips twisted with a wry grin.Aunt Min’s butler was somewhat of a worry wart.Some things never changed.“Grimley.” He nodded his head, a few stray droplets of water falling to the parquet floor tiles.“Come in, Your Grace.Shall I order you a bath? And your valise?” Grimley stepped away as a footman stooped low to clear the water seeping from Devlin’s greatcoat.Was it not such a sombre situation, they might have shared a laugh at the puddle beginning to form.“Later, thank you.I came as soon as possible.How is the staff holding up? I know Aunt Min regarded you as family.Her passing must be felt dearly throughout the household.” The uncomfortable subject sent his eyes downward once again.It would seem his dripping had ceased.“My condolences to you, Your Grace.I know you have suffered the greatest loss.” The two men shared an awkward moment of silence before Devlin removed his coat and handed it to a servant.“I have also come to enquire of my new ward.I am concerned about the effects of my aunt’s death upon Alex.” At odds with the question on the tip of his tongue, Devlin swept his gaze from left to right, the interior of his aunt’s home sparking memories buried long ago, yet alive despite his best attempt to suffocate them.He shook off the uncomfortable awareness and focused on how little had changed.Yellow chintz pillows angled atop velvet upholstered elbow chairs, an umbrella stand shaped like an owl between them.As a child, he’d hidden numerous treasures in its porcelain base.Again the past reached for a stronghold and he whipped his eyes to Grimley.“Where might I find my charge?”Grimley studied him for a long moment, although his soft grey eyes gave nothing away.“Alex is at the stable house.One of the mares is having a difficult time with her delivery.The stable boys rely on Alex for help.There is a certain innate ability there to ease the animals when they are ill-tempered or suffering with pain.”Devlin found his first smile of the day.Good news.His ward held a talent with horses.Perhaps his trepidation was for naught.They would get along fine.And surely the lad must possess considerable years to be called on to help with the birth of a colt.The only troublesome measure was the condition of the weather outside.The storm hadn’t lessened and Devlin reasoned only a lackwit would venture out in it, whether himself or his charge.“My coat again, then.I will ride down to the stable house and see if I can be of assistance.” When the butler hesitated, Devlin continued [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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