The Riddle of the Reluctant Rake Read Online Free

you up from Woking?”
    â€œJulius—Mr. Harrington—did. Oh, but you look dreadful, Hastings! Poor dear! What a ghastly time you have had.”
    His eyes became veiled. “Were you at the Horse Guards today, then?”
    â€œGoodness, no!” She shuddered. “I could not have borne it. Especially since we know you are not guilty! As if you could ever do such—frightful things!”
    He hugged her and managed to mumble his gratitude, and true to form, she wept copiously all over his cravat.
    His nerves were already taut and this kind demonstration quite unmanned him. It was all he could do to take out his handkerchief and dab at her tears, and he was dismayed to see how his hand shook. Minerva smiled up at him mistily, then glanced down to the first floor landing where her fiancé waited, his round face troubled.
    Adair ushered his cousin to the lower hall and put out his hand uncertainly. Julius Harrington seized and wrung it hard. He was some seven years Adair’s senior, and although they were not close friends they knew and liked one another. The scion of a family that had become wealthy in shipbuilding, then gone on to greater successes in maritime trading ventures, Harrington had shown an interest in politics and had mounted a brisk campaign to become Member of Parliament for his small north-country district. Having won the election with a comfortable majority, he had at once removed to London, and returned to his district as seldom as possible. Of barely average height, inclining to portliness, his curling brown hair beginning to thin on top, he was no more handsome than Minerva was beautiful. But he had a fine pair of green eyes, a ready smile, and a cheerful and amiable disposition that had soon made him popular in both social circles and the House of Commons. He never embarked on long and boring speeches, he was a sympathetic listener, and always ready to work on a committee or lend a hand in time of trouble. Some unkind colleagues had been heard to remark that Harrington could rise to the highest office simply by having lacked the gumption to offend anyone or take a stand on any controversial issue.
    He now said huskily, “My poor fellow! They have treated you vilely.”
    â€œThank you,” said Adair, amazed that this man should risk public censure by associating with him. “You are very good to have come, but you should not have brought her, you know.”
    â€œIf Julius had been unwilling, I would have come alone,” declared Minerva stoutly. “ Someone in the family must stand by you, Hasty!”
    â€œWe want you to know that we’re with you,” said Harrington as they walked slowly along the wide corridor. “Both of us. Even if the others—”
    â€œOthers?” The muscles under Adair’s ribs tightened painfully. “Who else is here, Minna?”
    She hesitated, and Harrington said, “The whole lot, I’m afraid, my dear fellow. Your parents, of course; the General; both your brothers—”
    â€œNigel came down?” interrupted Adair sharply.
    â€œHe said it was too—ah, uncomfortable at Oxford,” said Harrington.
    The door to the drawing room opened and the butler hurried to them. “His lordship requests that you join the family, sir.”
    Adair nodded. “Take her away, Harrington. No, Minna! I am more grateful than I can say that you and Julius have faith in me, but there’s no need for you to be exposed to—to any more of this nasty business.”
    She hugged him and said anxiously, “You won’t go away or—or do anything silly, will you, my dear?”
    â€œAt the moment, I have no plans beyond the next hour.” Adair smiled, dropped a kiss on her brow and shook hands again with her devoted suitor. Then he took a deep breath and followed the butler to the drawing room.
    It was a large and luxurious room, the décor reflecting his mother’s excellent