For now, she had no choice but to endure. But part of her wondered if she was being too melancholy—her life was not truly that terrible. Maybe she would fall in love as Charlotte and Georgina had. Though she could not see how that was possible. She wasn’t that lucky or perhaps she just had not met the man she was meant to love yet. All she knew with any certainty was that at the moment Melisande was making her miserable, and she saw no relief in sight.
Five
The crack of the cue against the ball echoed in the game room at Easton Abbey. It was a soft, rhythmic sound that had become a familiar one for Kingston over the past hour. His gaze shifted from the billiard table to the window, where sunlight filtered through the drawn curtains, casting a gentle glow on the room. Lord Easton stood beside him, his expression focused, calculating the angle of his next shot with the precision that had always come so naturally to him. The two men had always shared a certain camaraderie—one forged over years of friendship and shared experiences. They had played many games of billiards over the years—many of them inebriated. Though before this day’s game they had not indulged in any spirits.
“Your shot,” Kingston remarked, his voice cool but tinged with a slight edge of amusement. Easton’s game could be far too predictable at times, but it was the simplicity of it that made the match enjoyable. No great risks or passions here, just a simple game between old friends. Unlike the games he had played with his other closer friend, the Earl of Foxmoore. Their last match had been indulgent and in that one, they had definitely imbibed a little too much brandy. It had been a grand time.
Easton gave a low chuckle, lining up his next move. “You left that wide open for me,” he replied, taking a precise shot that sent the ball spinning effortlessly into the corner pocket. He stood and met Kingston’s gaze. “Did you do that on purpose or was it entirely an accident in my favor?”
Kingston leaned back against the fireplace, taking a long draw from his glass. While they were not completely foxed, they had each poured a glass they sipped on as they played. It wouldn’t be billiards without a fine bit of brandy to enjoy as they played. If only Foxmoore were there with them. But, alas, their friend had gone and married one of Havenwood’s students. They were on their way to Foxmoore’s estate to enjoy their newly wedded bliss. Though he suspected Foxmoore and his countess would return to Easton Abbey soon enough. His wife and Easton’s were fast friends.
“I would never give you an advantage if I can help it,” Kingston drawled. He gestured toward the table. “That is purely an accident. I like winning if you recall.”
“That I do…” Easton said, then laughed.
The door to the game room creaked open, and Lord Kendal entered. The newcomer’s presence was marked by the slight shuffle of his boots on the floor as he stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room briefly before glancing at Kingston and Easton. Kingston’s brow furrowed slightly at the sight of the man, though he gave no outward sign of surprise. He had not expected to see the viscount. It had been a few weeks since Kendal had last come to Easton Abbey—perhaps even longer than that. If he recalled correctly, it had been during the house party. He had been one of the guests.
“Greetings,” Lord Kendal said, his tone both polite and cautious. “I see I am interrupting a rather intense match.” He gestured toward the table. “Who is winning?”
Kingston nodded, a tight smile forming on his lips. “Only mildly intense, Kendal. Easton is no real challenge, I’m afraid.” His tone was light, but the undercurrent of something more serious lingered just beneath the surface. The duel still weighed heavily on his mind, and with one of the men from the duel now in his presence, it would be impossible to avoid the inevitable conversation. “I am winning of course.”
Easton rolled his eyes. “He lies,” he replied in a challenging tone. “I am winning. He fumbled on his last shot and left it wide open for me to score enough to win.” He turned his gaze toward Kingston. “And if I am so little of a challenge then why do you bother playing with me?”
“Because you entertain me,” Kingston drawled. “Why else?” He chuckled lightly and turned his attention to Kendal. “What brings you here?”
Lord Kendal, to his credit, didn’t press further about the game. Instead, he made his way to one of the chairs beside the fire, settling down as if this visit was no different from any other. But Kingston could tell by the slight tension in his posture that there was something unsaid, something he was waiting to bring up.
After a moment of silence, Lord Kendal cleared his throat. “Do I need a reason tae visit?” His words were carefully measured, as if he were testing the waters. That only made Kingston even more wary. “Can a man no’ pay a call on his friends?”
Kingston raised a brow. “Are we friends?” he asked in jest. They were friends. Perhaps not as close of a friend as Easton or Foxmoore, but Kendal had always been someone he could rely on. Something did seem to be troubling him though. “I was unaware of our close relationship.”
Lord Kendal rolled his eyes. The man was used to Kingston’s sharp wit. It was the same look he had given him after they played lawn billiards at the house party. Now that game had been rife with competition. Kendal’s partner in that—what had been her name? Oh, yes, Lady Melisande... She had been determined to be the victor and had shown no mercy. She was actually a good match for Kendal. He could often be the same in any sort of competition. They were bloody determined and brutal in their bid to win.
“And that,” Easton said in a triumphant tone, “gentlemen, is how it is done.” He made his last shot and scored the winning point.
Kingston sighed. “Very well done,” he conceded. “You have indeed won the game. What shall we do now?”
Easton shrugged. “I suppose we should ask Kendal here. He is far too relaxed for my comfort.” He turned toward the viscount. “Now tell us the truth. Why are you here?”
“Och, man, I swear there is no nefarious reason. I just wished tae visit,” Kendal said. “Is that a crime now?”
“No,” Easton said, then shrugged. “I suppose not.”
Well, since Kendal did not have any real reason to visit… He wanted to go outdoors. The game room was starting to feel stuffy, but he did not know if Kendal would wish to leave the comfort of the room. He had to travel at least an hour from his estate to reach Easton Abbey.
“I was going to suggest we go for a ride,” Kingston said, trying to steer the conversation toward something more neutral. If Kendal had another reason for visiting, he’d tell them when he was ready. Not another moment sooner. “What say you, Easton?”
Easton paused, casting a brief glance at the fire before looking back at them. “I’ve no objections,” he said, his tone measured but thoughtful. “What about you Kendal?”
Lord Kendal looked between them, then nodded, though he seemed a bit taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation. “I suppose that would be all right,” he said, standing to follow them. “I’m more than happy to accompany you. I am sure my mount is rested enough—though it might tire the stallion out. Perhaps I should spend the night.”
“You are more than welcome to,” Easton said. “I’ll have a room prepared for you now. So, it is ready for you later.” He nodded at them. “If you will excuse me a moment, I will inform my wife of our new guest. She will have to inform Cook and the other servants. I will meet you both at the stable.” With that he turned on his heel and left them alone.
Kingston made his way to the door. “Come along, Kendal,” Kingston said. “We will walk to the stable together and perhaps along the way you can tell me what is bothering you.”
Kendal gave a small shrug, his face unreadable. “I dinna know what ye mean,” he replied nonchalantly. “I have nothing tae tell ye.”
Kingston paused, meeting his friend’s gaze with a weary sigh. “Very well. If that is the way you wish it to be, I will not push.”
