Free Anne Barbour by Kateand the Soldier

sentiments do not come as a surprise, brother.”
    “Oh, for Heaven’s sake, Lawrence,” snapped Kate angrily, “can’t you mind your wretched tongue for once in your life?”
    “That will do, Kate,” interjected Regina. Turning to David, she smiled and extended her hand. “You must forgive my son’s, er, impetuosity. We do, of course, wish you well on your endeavors. Our good wishes go with you to—Vienna, is it?”
    Of course, growled Kate inwardly. Now that she is about to be rid of David forever, she can afford to be magnanimous. No “do come back to see us,” of course. No “our house is your house” will we hear from my lady.
    David simply blinked at Regina’s words, uttered with what could almost be taken as warmth, but Lucius took the opportunity to bend low over the countess’s hand.
    “So very happy to have met you, my lady,” he murmured smoothly. “You are everything David led me to expect.”
    Before Regina could reply, Lucius grasped David’s arm, and with a nod to Kate, led him toward the door.
    “And now,” he said, “if you will...”
    He was interrupted by Mr. Smollett, who placed his short, plump form directly in David’s path.
    “But you’re not leaving, Mr. Merritt! Were you not informed....? that is, there must have been some oversight. You must stay, sir. For the reading of the will, you know.”
    Regina gestured impatiently.
    “I’m sure that won’t be necessary. Thomas assured me last week that he settled what he felt was his financial obligation at the time he purchased David’s commission. There can be nothing ...”
    “I’m afraid there has been a—a slight change, my lady,” replied Mr. Smollett, with an air of suppressed tension. “It will indeed be necessary for Mr. Merritt to attend the reading.”
    David glanced questioningly at Lucius, who sighed and began to divest himself of his superbly tailored greatcoat.
    Lawrence, who apparently had at last grasped the significance of the attorney’s words, hurried to his mother’s side.
    “What? What? David in the will! Mother, I thought you told me ...”
    Lady Falworth clicked her tongue impatiently.
    “I’m sure it is nothing, my boy. David apparently once more importuned your father to grant him some favor. Let him stay.”
    “I know!” Lawrence howled in rage. “It’s the River Farm! David managed to wheedle the River Farm out of Father. Well, I won’t stand for it! That place is mine, and David can’t have it.”
    “My lord!” gasped Mr. Smollett. “Please, restrain yourself.”
    Regina gripped her son’s arm and, fairly dragging him in her wake, began to make her way again to the library.
    “Enough, Lawrence,” she said from between tight lips. “Come along. It will all be over soon.”
    The servants’ bequests were soon dispensed with, and those of the staff who had been remembered by his lordship departed the library, with much sniffling and flourishing of handkerchiefs.
    Seated at the large Sheraton desk belonging to the late earl, Mr. Smollett gazed about the room from beneath a pair of spectacularly bushy brows. His rather prim mouth was curled in a slight, unaccustomed smile, and an oddly expectant expression sat on his plump features as he allowed his piercing stare to rest on each member of the family in turn.
    Lady Falworth sat nearest him, in a regal attitude. Next to her, as usual, slouched Lawrence, sucking on the end of his quizzing glass. Farther back, Crawford and Cilia murmured together, their eyes wide with the unaccustomed solemnity of the occasion. David sat apart, glowering and uncomfortable. Kate watched him from the other side of the room, and Lady Falworth gazed at her black-gloved hands, occupied with her own unfathomable thoughts.
    Mr. Smollett rustled the papers before him to gain the attention of those remaining in the room.
    “My lady,” he began, “my lord—ladies and gentlemen. If we may get started?”
    “By all means.” Lawrence yawned. “Let’s get on