Vexing the Viscount

“What do you think?” he asked, caressing her lip with his thumb.

“I can’t imagine either of them doing such a thing.”

Braden nodded. “I can’t either. Of course, if Jonathon is still eating opium, then he might be a little mad from it. A madman who needs money is a dangerous thing.”

“True.” Tia went silent in thought for a moment. “Who inherits after Alistair?”

“I have no idea. We would have to go back deep into the family history to determine that. My understanding is our grandfather was the only surviving male in the family. We would have to go back to his father.”

“Well, I want you to rest, so why don’t we do that in bed? You tell me what books to get and I’ll go find them.” Excitement gripped her. At least they had something to occupy their minds so they wouldn’t go mad.

“I’m afraid most of the books are at Middleton Hall. You could try to find a family Bible in the library.”

Slightly deflated, she sighed. “Of course the books on the family would be at the estate. I should have realized that. It’s another reason for us to get back there as soon as possible.”

He leaned back and chuckled. “I thought you didn’t want to return to the estate. People will expect that you will take up your wise woman duties again.”

She leaned over him and kissed him softly. “I understand. My holiday if over. I’m looking forward to returning to my duties there. I’ve missed them all more than I thought possible before I left. Besides, I’m rather tired of only nursing you.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, you are a dreadful patient. I tell you to rest and you make love to me,” she said with a giggle. “You need to learn to listen to your wise woman.”

“I shall do my best.”

“You stay here. I’ll look for some books. Do you want to dine up here tonight?”

“That sounds lovely.”

She dressed quickly and bounded down the stairs. She informed Nelson of Braden’s progress and their desire to dine in his bedchamber. Her cheeks heated with embarrassment, but Nelson only nodded. Walking down to the hall, she wondered what the butler must think of her. And why was it bothering her now? She’d been here for over a fortnight.

She strolled into the library and then stopped. There were hundreds of book here. How would she find what she was looking for without assistance? “Nelson, do you have a minute?” she called out.

“Of course, miss.”

Once he entered the room, she said, “I am trying to help out his lordship with some books about his family. Do you know of anything regarding the p

rior generations of his family?”

Nelson’s white brows furrowed. “Hmm, there is at least one family Bible here.” He scanned the shelves before pulling two books down. “Here are two of them. Be very careful with the second one, it must be at least two hundred years old.”

“Thank you.”

“Wait, here is a family history written by one of his grandmothers.” Nelson stood on the ladder and reached up to the highest shelf for it.

“How did you know where all these books were?”

“I catalogued the library for the previous viscount. He was fastidious regarding his library. The estate has some wonderful books on the family history.”

“Excellent. I am quite sure his lordship will be pleased to hear it.” Tia slipped back upstairs to find Braden dressed and sitting on the bed. “Why are you dressed? You have nowhere to go.”

“I would like to be decent when they bring up the food. I’m famished.”

“Well, that is always a good sign.” She placed the books on the beds. “Did you know that Nelson catalogued the library here? He said we should be happy to find more books on your family history when we arrive home.” Home? That beautiful old house would soon be her home.

“I was not aware Mr. Nelson took care of the books too. I need to know more about the house and the estate. Since he has been here for thirty years, I should utilize his knowledge more.”

“I agree.”