Secrets of a Proper Countess Read Online Free Page B

the gardener coolly. “If he fails, then you can try lopping off my leg.”
    When his grandfather arrived, and entered the room without being announced, Phineas was still seated in the chair, with three members of his staff kneeling at his feet, watching in fascination as Thomas the footman, former picklock, worked at the clasp of the sword belt.
    â€œWhat in blazes is going on, Blackwood?” the Duke of Carrington demanded, glowering down his beaked nose athis heir. He didn’t bother to say hello, and Phineas felt his gut clench, ready for another confrontation. He should have realized that no pleasure was without punishment, and Yasmina had been exactly the kind of sinful indulgence that attracted retribution.
    The servants almost knocked each other over trying to rise and bow to the duke at the same time, and Crane snapped to attention. “May I announce His Grace, the Duke of Carrington?” he intoned.
    â€œNever mind, man, I’m here already!” the duke growled.
    Phineas crossed his legs casually. “Good morning, Your Grace. ’Tis only a masquerade costume gone wrong. Forgive me for not getting up.”
    The duke strode forward and assessed the situation. His sharp black eyes traveled over the sword, then swept up to glare at Phineas. “That’s the Archer sword, you fool, not a masquerade costume! Get out of the way, all of you, before you damage it. It is a priceless family heirloom, captured at Agincourt by one of the first members of the Archer family.”
    Phineas had heard the tale before, of course. That Archer, who humbly shot arrows for a living, had captured a French knight in battle, and wisely kept him alive. He’d won the sword, a rich ransom, and the king’s favor.
    His grandfather reached for a large ruby near the hilt of the sword and pressed. The belt parted, and he caught it before it fell to the ground. The staff sighed with relief.
    â€œOut, all of you,” Carrington commanded, then turned to his grandson as they scrambled to obey. At least he waited until the door was closed, Phineas noted, before beginning his lecture.
    â€œI suppose I should not be surprised by this. You have always treated your heritage carelessly,” he began, and picked up the untouched cup of coffee and sipped. He grimaced, set it down without a word, and crossed to pull the bell. “ Hot coffee,” he ordered when the door opened almost at once. Phineas rolled his eyes. Crane had obviously been hovering, waiting for a chance to serve the duke.
    â€œTo what do I owe the rare honor of a personal visit, Your Grace?” Phineas asked. “You usually just summon me to Carrington Castle when you wish to give me a dressing-down.” It was almost two years since he’d seen him last, yet his grandfather never seemed to age. He always seemed as ancient, cold, and impenetrable as the very stones of the ancestral keep, even when Phineas was a child.
    Carrington’s eagle eyes roamed the salon of Blackwood House, examining the heirlooms and art that decorated the walls, and stopped on the dark space on the wallpaper where the sword normally hung. He replaced it on the hooks before turning back to Phineas.
    â€œI am here because your sister is in Town.”
    â€œWhich sister, sir, Miranda or Marianne?” Phineas asked. He hadn’t seen his younger sister Miranda since the duke sent her to school in Scotland, and it was months since he had a visit from his elder sister. He missed them, but circumstances forced him to stay away. They did not belong in his world, and he had not been welcome in their circle for years. He was eager for news of them, but didn’t let it show.
    â€œI’m speaking of Miranda. She’s making her come-out this Season.”
    Phineas looked at his grandfather in surprise. “Her come-out? Surely she’s too young for that. She can’t be more than fourteen or fifteen at the