Read Andrews Brothers 01 - The Ruse for Free Online Page B

agreed to the ruse and Chadwick hired others,
because he said it lent to the illusion of a more illustrious family.”
    “Chadwick seems to say a lot,”
said Luke.
    “Oh, he does, begging your
pardon, your lordship.”
    “And the staff agreed to
participate in the ruse?”
    Jarvis nodded.
    Luke sent Jarvis away as he
mulled the situation. Like a book character, he felt as if he’d been tossed
about on a ship, swallowed by a sea monster, and spit onto dry land. If only he
could take Chadwick to task. But how? What would be appropriate for his brother’s
dishonesty?
    Throwing him off a mountainous
peak seemed a tad extreme, however, punching him senseless in a round of boxing
held great appeal.
    And what of Roland’s punishment?
The butler had been in his family’s employ since his father’s remarriage. When
his father and stepmother perished in a horrible carriage accident, Roland had
protected him and Chadwick from the curious. But lately Roland and Chadwick had
become thick as thieves, often leaving him out of important manse
conversations.
    No doubt the two had concocted
the ruse to preserve the manse, just as Jarvis suggested, but this time they
had gone too far. Pretending to be him and fabricating a marriage to some
unknown girl would not end well.
    Luke stared out the window. The
village lay just over the nearest hill. Beyond that were towns and cities
teeming with people. People who had visited his estate, toured his grounds, and
met his wife!
    What did this mean for his
future? What if he returned to London, met a lovely young maiden, and decided
to propose? Either he would be branded as a bigamist and a snake for pursuing
another while still married, or he would be branded as a divorcee. He wasn’t
sure which was worse.
    He ran his hand through his hair.
Until he could think of what to do, he would need to hide out. Perhaps he could
move to the west wing and just allow Jarvis to attend to him.
    Blast it all ! He slammed
his fist into his open palm and yelled, “Jarvis!”
    Wig askew and livery lopsided,
the valet rushed back into the room, hit the ruffled rug, and slid, coming to a
shuddering halt two feet in front of Luke. He wobbled until stable and said, “You
called, your lordship?”
    “I did but it seems I might have
interrupted a pleasurable experience,” Luke said, unable to hide his grin at
the sight of his ruffled servant.
    Jarvis’ face colored the shade of
a pomegranate and Luke chuckled. “Come. I have many more questions to ask you.”
    Jarvis tensed his shoulders as
Luke led him to a more comfortable location.
    ****
    Two days later, Brigitta stood by
the window. The sun shone bright on this cool spring day. Heat permeated
through the glass pane and warmed her already flushed cheeks. In the distance
stood spiraling roof peaks. Curls of smoke wafted toward the sky. The town of
Stockport would soon enjoy market day and with market day the tours would
increase.
    She left her window seat and
began an exhaustive search of her closet. All yellow gowns were immediately
discarded, as well as all red, blue, pink, and green. Eyeing the remaining
articles warily, she chose a maroon concoction. Underneath she added a
chemisette with white-work embroidery, long sleeves, and a high neckline. Per
her request, Letta had added extra lace and starched it, until the stiffness
pushed into Brigitta’s chin and lifted it with a regal air. Even if the style
was outdated, today Brigitta would leave nothing to chance.
    She twirled before the
full-length mirror. Every criticism made by her husband had been addressed and
corrected. When he saw her this time, he would be so happy he would surely
allow her to accompany the tour. Perhaps she would even be allowed to dine with
him.
    Letta opened the door. “It’s
time, my lady.”
    Brigitta stopped at the doorway
and attempted to shore up her resolve. She only needed to hold her temper for a
few moments.
    Her heart beat rapidly against her
chest as she stopped at