All the Things You Never Knew - By Angealica Hewley Page 0,8
Solomon R.W. Heartily. What does the R.W. stand for,
do you know?”
“No clue,” Leon shook his head. “I wasn’t aware that my father
had a middle name.”
“Well, there were portraits of each lords,” Hargate added. “Your
father was in it.”
“He was?” Now that caught more of his attention.
“Yes,” Hargate went on. “There was this other portrait with him
standing with five other men. You know what I’m getting to, do you?” “The five men?”
“Our five suspects.”
It then hit Leon.
“I need that book, Hargate. I have to see it.”
“It’s not easy to get it out of the office,” Hargate replied, sipping
his brandy.
“Did it have their names?” Leon needed those names. If he has
them, things would be much easier.
“Yes,” Hargate answered. “But it’s barely visible since the book
was old and worn.”
“That’s a shame then.”
“Actually,” Hargate snapped. “I saw part of one.”
“Part of a name?”
“Yes,” Hargate nodded. “It said Marquess…Lan…something.” “Well, that’s really helpful,” Leon scoffed.
“Perhaps I could ask–”
The door suddenly flew open and banged against the wall,
causing one of the paintings to fall off.
“What the hell!” cursed the duke, as they turn towards the door. “Hey! Sleeping here!” Sheik said swiftly, pulling a pillow over
his face and ignoring the rest.
It was Gareth Coleridge, the Earl of Longsword, in a fury mood. “Blast it all!” the earl cursed, walking heavily forward and
kicking out a chair to sit. “To hell with all these society women.” “What the devil is wrong with you, Longsword?” Leon asked. “Need some brandy?” Hargate asked, holding up a cup. “Like that will help.”
“What’s wrong?” Leon asked again.
“He probably was out searching for a countess again. You know
him,” Hargate said, just loud enough for him to hear, which Leon find
was probably true.
Gareth had been out hunting for a bride ever since he inherited
the title as the earl after his father’s death.
“Your search for a bride failed again?” inquired the duke. “Obviously,” Longsword groaned, reaching over and taking
Hargate’s glass of brandy. “I need this now,” he said, taking a big
gulp. “Whoever thought finding a wife would be so complicated.” “You’re working too hard,” Leon said. “Take a rest.”
“Yes,” Hargate said. “I’m the duke here and I’m not even
stressing myself out for a bride.”
“I’m not stressed, okay,” Longsword replied. “Just had a very bad
evening at Lady Mayhem’s ball.”
“What happened? Why is your left cheek so red?” Leon asked as
he examined Longsword.
“Let me see.” Hargate grabbed Longsword by the face and turned it
from side to side. “Holy, are those fingermarks? Don’t tell me you got–” I was slapped by three ladies today, all right,” Longsword
answered madly. “Five of which stomped on my toes.”
Leon couldn’t hold it in and burst into laughter with Hargate. “What did you do to them?” Hargate asked, getting up to get
another glass to pour him a cup of brandy.
“Nothing,” Longsword said. “They wanted me to tell them the
truth of what I think about them and–”
“And you did, I assumed,” said Leon.
“I thought women like the truth,” Longsword said.
“It depends on what kind of truths. Haven’t you learn your lesson from the last time you told Lady Anika that her bosoms were too small?” Hargate said, laughing as the scene came back. “That was
quite a sight.”
“I thought it was just her who doesn’t appreciate the truth.” Leon had to laugh at that. “Come on. Even I know my sisters
don’t like the truth.”
“Your sisters?” Hargate elbowed Longsword and raised a flirty
brow. “You know what; I think you can end your bride hunt. Our
friend here–” He elbowed Leon. “He has sisters that are eligible for–” “No!” Leon blurted suddenly. “Don’t you even dare.” Hargate just smiled. “You know what I’m saying, Longsword.” “Heartily’s sisters?”
There was a sudden change in Longsword’s expression that Leon
didn’t like.
“They’re quite the belles, aren’t they?” Hargate went on, just to
annoy Leon. “Four of them, are there? I’ve only met them a couple of
times, but I can see they’re eligible.”
“I’m warning you, Hargate,” Leon growled.
Hargate went on talking, knowing Leon didn’t actually mean his
threat.
“I say they will make perfect brides,” Hargate added. “A countess
for you and duchess for–”
“Oh for God’s sakes! I didn’t come here to discuss the marriage
of my sisters!” Leon bellowed over Hargate. “Besides, they have no
dowries and certainly are not fit to be wedded to men of titles like you
two.”
“I wouldn’t mind,” Longsword answered. “I have enough to feed
a whole country.”
Leon can see Longsword was no longer furious and hated the
sternness in his voice as he said that.
“Same,” Hargate agreed.
Leon took one look at them both and thought them insane. “I say Avangelene–was that her name–the one always dressing