end. Though I hated lying, my first loyalty must be to the Crown.” He drummed his fingertips against the polished wood of the arm chair. “I’ve been instructed that as an indulged, unmarried heir, I will want to spend much of my time in London. Which is why I had you meet me at Brooks’s rather than White’s.”
“I thought perhaps your travels had turned you liberal.” Sunderland chuckled. “Wouldn’t be the first aristocrat to sympathize with the masses.”
Madoc gave a half-grunt, half-chuckle. “I sympathize with myself and getting back to life as it was before the bloody war. But no, since I need to be aware of murmurs on both sides of the throne, I need to frequent both clubs. To think the past four years, I’ve been dreaming of the humdrum but idyllic countryside, not the smoky dens of London. In truth, I’m tired of looking over my shoulder or wondering what’s waiting for me in the shadows.” Lifting his glass, the well-practiced smile returned. “Here’s to no more spy rings and long, dull days of leisure. May I never take boredom for granted again.”
Sunderland guffawed. “By all means, enjoy them if you can before you become earl. After that, your days may not be filled with intrigue, but you will certainly stay occupied. My estate, properties, and seat in the Lords demand much of my time.”
His friend’s statement gave him pause. “I hadn’t really thought about the future, in that sense, but you’re right enough. I’ve been trained for the title and know what is expected of me. Yet, having the responsibility solely on my shoulders scares the hell out of me.” Madoc sighed. “If I fail an assignment, my disappearance will cause little harm. Another man will take my place, and the task will be accomplished. But making decisions that affect the lives of my tenants, people whose livelihood could be crushed by a man’s whim…”
The earl nodded. “The obligation can be heavy at times, but it’s our duty to maintain our inheritance, our family name. Those who tend the land and the animals, work within our abodes, are all an integral part of the system. Treat them fairly, and with the dignity they deserve, and you’ll do well. It’s that mutual understanding and common goal to make life better that will bond you to them.”
“Blast, if you don’t sound like my father. And a Whig.” Madoc laughed. “Next you’ll be telling me it’s time to find a wife. Speaking of spouses, how is Grace?”
“Trying to ferret out a ghost that she thinks lives in the original stronghold of Sunderland Castle. The last time I ventured to that area, the hairs on my neck rose. My wife seems to think it’s an ancestor.” Sunderland laughed, his dark eyes crinkling. “Good God, I hope I don’t have that effect on people. But if the days get too tedious for you, come to Sunderland Castle. We’ll give you the whole north wing.”
“No, thank you. I prefer an adversary I can see.” Madoc studied his friend. “You still seem happy with the leg shackles. How long has it been?”
“Three years. She’s my life’s blood, I tell you. Flows through my veins. If you want some words of wisdom, the right woman completes a man.” The earl finished off his brandy and set the empty glass on the polished side table with a thud. “Well, Doc, shall we have another or call it a night?”
“One more before I resign myself to the next role of prodigal son. Soon enough, I’ll face my mother’s wrath for not answering her correspondence. I almost prefer the dangers of espionage.”
“Be careful what you wish for.”
“And my father, if he still partakes, prefers whisky to brandy.” He shuddered. “Good God, maybe I should I bring along my own bottle to preserve my sanity.”
“Considering the countess’s temper, I’d recommend a cask.”
* * *
***
* * *
The right woman completes a man.
Sunderland’s words echoed in his head. Madoc squinted against the early morning fog that swirled around the stallion’s hocks and left droplets clinging to the top of his Hessian boots. He mentally sorted through the females of his acquaintance. None seemed to hold the kind of influence described by his friend. He’d met beautiful women, intelligent women, silly women, even a combination of these, but never had he considered even one of them indispensable to his happiness. Perhaps the Countess of Sunderland was an enigma.
Madoc shivered, pulled up the fur collar of his great coat, and adjusted his