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.“Grandpapa, are you sure you should?” She was not afraid that a game of chess would excite her grandfather so much that he would have another fit of apoplexy, but she did not like the idea of his spending that much time with Benedict.There was so much more possibility of a slipup.“For heaven’s sake, girl, don’t turn into a ninny like all the others.I am not going to pop a blood vessel over a game of chess.Why don’t you run on along and visit with your aunt? Lydia’s been most anxious to see you.”“Uh, well, I thought I might stay and watch.” Camilla liked even less the idea of Benedict being trapped alone with the old man.Her grandfather was a clever man, no matter his age or his present infirmity.She had seen him trip up more than one person who thought that his wits were no longer sharp because of his condition.“Don’t fuss,” the old man ordered peremptorily.“We shall be fine.I promise I won’t interrogate the fellow.Much.” He winked at Benedict.Jenkins brought the set and put it on the bed, and Benedict began to set up the pieces.Camilla lingered beside him, trying to think of a reason to stay.Benedict looked up at her and smiled.“I will be all right, my dear.You would only be bored if you stayed.I’m sure you and the Viscountess have a good deal to talk about.”Camilla remembered then that she had promised to tell Aunt Lydia this morning all about her supposed marriage to Benedict.She felt even less like leaving.However, with both her grandfather and Benedict practically shoving her out the door, she could hardly stay here.With a sigh, she leaned over and kissed her grandfather on the cheek, promising to come back and visit with him that afternoon.When she had walked out of the room, Benedict turned to the Earl.“Now, I presume, is when I should tell you about my finances and what sort of allowance I am giving Camilla.”The Earl waved his hand, dismissing the topic.“Can you take care of her?”“Yes.”“And will you squander her money?”“Her money is and shall remain her own, to do with as she will,” Benedict answered truthfully.“I am not even aware of how much she has.”The old man looked surprised, but only shook his head.“All these modern ideas… Well, she is a self-sufficient little thing, always has been.’Course, old Marlin will take care of her, right and tight.He’s been my agent for years, and his father before him.” He paused, studying Benedict.“Do you gamble? Drink? Chase after other women?”“No.I neither gamble nor drink to excess, and I am no libertine.” Benedict tried to repress his indignation at the questions.It was, after all, the old man’s right to pry into his affairs if he was married to his granddaughter.The old man cackled.“Don’t like being asked questions, do you? Well, neither would I, if I were in your shoes.But I’m not, and my only concern is my granddaughter.I won’t ask you if you love her.Foolish notion.In my day, people didn’t go about spouting off about love—leastways, not where marriage was concerned.You married for family and property, and if you were lucky, you liked your spouse well enough.” He shrugged.“Well, it don’t matter whether you love her now or not.If I know my girl, you will soon enough.”Benedict could think of nothing to say in response.“Well, let’s get to it,” the Earl went on impatiently, as if it were Benedict who had been delaying the game, and waved toward the board.They began a game.Benedict found himself enjoying it more than he would have thought.The old man still had his wits about him, and he took the first match from Benedict.Benedict came back and won the second.“We shall have to play again,” the Earl said, settling back among his pillows and grinning.“You’re the only person here who will give me a decent game.”Benedict bowed his head in recognition of the accolade and started to rise.Chevington waved him back down.“No.Sit.I have something else I want to say to you.” He glanced around the room.“Jenkins?”“Yes, my lord?” Benedict had forgotten about the old servant, but he came forward now to pick up the chess set.“Take that away and go find yourself something to do,” Chevington commanded.Jenkins frowned.“But, my lord…” He glanced from the Earl to Benedict and back again.“Are you wanting to sleep? Shall I see Mr [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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