Free A Conspiracy of Ravens by Gilbert Morris Page A

loves him, but he knows him too well.”
    St. John suddenly laughed, put his arm around his mother, and hugged her. “I have it! You know how Uncle Edward dotes on Gervase. I’ll marry her, and he’ll make me his heir to please her. You know how she’s his favourite.”
    “St. John, she’s your cousin!”
    “What does that matter? She’s adopted, so she’s no kin to me.” Suddenly he shrugged and stepped back from his mother. “I’m going to warn Gervase about that actor that Lady Trent is bringing.”
    “I think that might not be out of place. She’s foolish over him, and you know what a foolish young girl can do.”
    “Certainly. They’re not like steady young men such as I am, right?” He laughed, turned, and left the room.

    Gervase’s maid was putting the finishing touches on her mistress. Gervase had beautiful hair, golden and long, and now done up in a most attractive fashion. She had green eyes and a fine figure. She felt a touch on her leg and looked down at the large cat. “Jeremiah, what do you want?”
    “I think he wants to be let out,” the maid said. Della Munson knew her mistress very well. “I don’t know why you like that cat. All he does is fight and bring you dead things.”
    “They’re presents. He thinks they please me.” Leaning over, Gervase stroked the blunt, scarred head of Jeremiah and said, “You love me, don’t you, Jerry?”
    A knock suddenly sounded, and she called, “Come in. Oh, hello, St. John. My, you look nice. Is that a new suit?”
    “Yes, I’ve run up another bill with my tailor. Uncle Edward won’t like that. You look very nice.”
    “Thank you, St. John. You can go now, Della. You’ve done very well.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    As soon as the girl left, St. John came over and put his hand on her head. “I think I’ll mess your hair up. That bloody actor won’t look at you then.”
    “Don’t you dare!” She stood to face him, having to look up, for she was not a tall woman. “He’s such a handsome man, St. John.”
    “Of course he is. That’s what actors are: good-looking, shallow people with no brains and no morals.”
    “Oh, you’re wrong about that! He’s very smart. He helped get Aldora’s brother Clive free when he was accused of murder. Now you be nice to him.”
    “Oh, I’m always nice, and I’ll be especially nice to the policeman. What’s his name?”
    “Inspector Matthew Grant. I think he’s in love with Aldora.”
    St. John grinned. “Well, that won’t help him. I’ve decided to marry Aldora myself.” He laughed as she stared at him. “The Vis-countess of Radnor can afford to support one penniless and useless husband of a beloved sister, don’t you think?”
    “Don’t be mean, St. John. You have so many gifts. Why don’t you finish school and make something out of yourself like Clive? He’ll be an excellent barrister one day.”
    “Too much trouble.”
    “You’d better be careful. I heard Uncle Rupert telling Edward that he ought to make you go to work.”
    “Oh, he sings that sad song all the time. He despises me, but then he despises most people, doesn’t he? Come along. Let’s go down and prepare to meet the guests.”
    They walked downstairs together, and he whispered, “There, they’re coming in right now.”
    Indeed, Lord Darby and his wife Heather were standing together, greeting the newcomers. He smiled at Serafina saying, “Lady Serafina, your family arrived in good form a short time ago. They’ll be joining us later.” He turned then and said, “And here’s the dear girl. I claim a godfather’s right to a kiss.”
    He leaned over and kissed Dora on the cheek, and she said, “I’ve missed you, Uncle.”
    “And I missed you.”
    Serafina said, “Let me introduce your guests. Mr. Dylan Tremayne and Inspector Matthew Grant. This is our dear friend Lord Darby and his wife, Lady Heather, and this is Miss Gervase Hayden and Mr. Bramwell St. John.”
    After the brief introduction, Serafina said,