Free Miss in a Man's World by Anne Ashley

lordship responded with gentle mockery, while smiling faintly at the look of bewilderment on his friend’s face. ‘No matter, child, come forwards. You remember Mr Gingham, I trust?’
    It surprised his lordship not at all when Georgie came forward to study his friend’s physiognomy quite brazenly, though it clearly wasn’t what Charles was accustomed to. His jaw dropped perceptively when those striking orbs scrutinised his features for a full half-minute.
    â€˜Oh, yes, now I remember you, sir!’
    â€˜Er—do you, my boy?’ Charles asked faintly, much to Lord Fincham’s further amusement
    â€˜Why, yes! You were with us at Deerhampton that day.’
    â€˜Was I…? Yes, I suppose I was,’ Charles returned, evidently still unable to recall precisely where he had encountered the singular young person before. ‘Er—you appear to have the makings of a black eye, young fellow,’ he added, having returned the compliment by scrutinising the delicately featured face and clearly feeling some further comment was expected of him.
    â€˜I know I have!’ was the proud response. ‘His lordship gave it to me.’
    This was almost too much for the Viscount’s self control. ‘Go away, you abominable brat!’ he managed with only the faintest trace of a betraying tremor in his voice. ‘And, no, I do not require you to accompany me out today, most especially as you’re sporting that injury. I’m not having the polite world believing I’m some kind of tyrannical monster. What’s more, you are not to venture forth again yourself until the bruise has faded,’ he added above that infectious gurgle of mirth that never failed to win an answering smile from him nowadays.
    â€˜I’m not ashamed of it,’ he was promptly assured. ‘I look upon it as a kind of trophy. I’ve never had one before, you see?’
    â€˜Which only goes to prove that those most closely associated with you in the past must have shown praiseworthy forbearance!’ his lordship parried, which resulted in a further gurgle of that infectious laughter. ‘You may bear me company this evening. I shall not be going out. We shall repair to the library and finish that game of chess we began the other evening.’
    Still showing visible signs of complete bewilderment, Charles stared fixedly across the table. ‘Who thedeuce was that?’ he demanded to know the instant he and the Viscount were once again enjoying privacy.
    His lordship raised his black brows in mock surprise. ‘Why, my page, Charles. Who did you suppose it was?’
    â€˜Don’t try to flummery me, Finch! I’ve known you too long. Since when have you ever required the services of a page?’
    â€˜It would be more accurate to say I acquired one rather than required one. Master Georgie Green has been with me since the day you and I attended that prize fight at Deerhampton.’ He smiled softly as a fond memory returned. ‘After all, it was the least I could do after the child had saved me from possible injury.’
    â€˜Well, I suppose that’s true enough, though I doubt you’d have sustained more than an odd bruise or two, if that,’ Charles responded, having at last recalled precisely where he had seen the young person before. ‘I must say, though, I’m most surprised at you, of all people, tolerating such familiarity that borders on impertinence, most especially in a servant. Clearly the boy doesn’t know his place. I can almost appreciate why you inflicted the black eye, though I don’t usually hold with maltreating flunkies.’
    At this the Viscount threw back his head and laughed heartily, something his friend had not witnessed him do in many a long year. ‘I would strongly advise you not to pay heed to everything that little demon tells you.’
    â€˜Do you mean he deliberately lies?’
    â€˜No, I would say,