Read Never Run From Love (Kellington Book Four) for Free Online Page B

when
he’d returned from the ball at two in the morning, having been informed by
several matrons that his youngest brother had to be carried to the family’s
carriage after having passed out in the Raleighs’ garden.  Their Aunt Agatha
had threatened to move into Lynwood House until Hal could be persuaded to give
up his rakehell ways.  Lynwood made it clear to Hal that he would do whatever
was necessary to dissuade their aunt from carrying out her threat, even if it
meant locking Hal in his bedchamber and barring the windows.
    Hal couldn’t blame his brother for being so angry. 
He rather thought he deserved the condemnation, although he’d never admit such
a thing to Liam.  Even he didn’t understand his downward spiral of the last few
months.  Maybe it was time to pull back a bit, perhaps find an activity that
was more worthwhile than drinking, gaming and whoring his nights away.  It
shouldn’t be difficult to find a more honorable activity, but he had a feeling
it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun.
    “There you are,” came the familiar drawl of Charles
Francis, as he slouched into the chair next to Hal holding a brandy.  “I called
at Lynwood House just now, only to be told in terse tones that you were not at
home.  Sometimes I get the impression the duke doesn’t like me.”
    “He’s been in a devil of a mood these past few
weeks,” said Hal, taking another sip of a restorative drink.  “If I didn’t know
him better, I’d say it was a problem with a lady.  But, it’s Lynwood.  What
kind of women problems could he possibly have?”
    “Exactly.  I’ve always believed the world comes a
bit too easily to your brother.”
    Hal wasn’t sure that was true.  Liam had assumed the
title at nineteen, upon the death of their parents.  He’d had to grow up
instantaneously at such a young age.  Hal could barely assume the responsibilities
of adulthood at five and twenty.  It must have been incredibly hard for Liam to
do that and more.  He took another sip of his drink.  “I’ll thank you not to
speak ill of my brother.”
    “I would never dream of it,” said Francis with a
lazy smile.  “We shall change the subject to one so much more interesting, like
your luck with the ladies.  I saw you speaking to Lady Lawson last night and
things looked quite cozy between you.  Please tell me you availed yourself of
the good woman.”
    “Here’s the thing,” said Hal, pondering a question
that had been plaguing him all morning.  “I’m not so sure I did.  I don’t
remember much of the Raleighs’ ball, other than speaking to Regina and arranging
to meet.  The next thing I knew, I was kissing a delectable piece who fit my
arms like none other.”
    “So you and Lady Lawson did meet up.”
    “I do not know the answer to that, but very much
wish I did.  She was about the same height and had the right coloring, but it
was all a bit off.  Something in the way she tasted.”
    “Ah,” said Francis, as he took a sip of his brandy,
“just the kind of details I like to hear.  How did she taste?”
    “Like innocence.”  Hal might have laughed when he
saw the look of disappointment on his friend’s face if he hadn’t been so
perplexed by the incident himself.  “Sorry to let you down, old boy, but that’s
the story.  I seem to have blacked out shortly thereafter, briefly awakening when
the Raleigh footmen delivered me to Lynwood House.”
    “Such a disappointing tale,” said Francis.  “I can’t
help but wonder if you somehow managed to kiss someone other than the
delectable Lady Lawson, who I can’t imagine has tasted like innocence in two or
more decades.  And to pass out after only a kiss.  I do believe you’re losing
your touch.”
    “I most certainly am not,” said Hal.  “Although I do
find myself becoming a bit bored with our usual entertainments.”
    Francis looked his surprise, then chuckled.  “I
wouldn’t think you were ready for your leg shackle, but it appears