Stolen by the Crown

mouth just saw no need to gracefully welcome a guest before he reached a full stop. The Viscount Falmouth was, in his view as well as in the view of his sma

ed them, but Falmouth was not aware of that. Xavier watched Falmouth gingerly choose his words, the first in his life. "Of course, while it's truest that most English gentlemen deliberately avoid the appearance of employment, there are those who do work because circumstances dictate it. Not the son of the Viscount Falmouth , though. As your bastard, I realize I should be even more cautious than men who were born into the ranks. I fear I have to turn down your kind offer. Xavier examined his father, knowing there were holes in Falmouth 's serenity but not seeing them. Frustration at his wishes brought a rainbow of colour into Falmouth 's chiselled cheeks. Then I will have to cut off your allowance. "As you wish. Xavier stood, happy with the interview in every sense. Without your allowance, what do you suppose you will do? You owe no money of your own. Falmouth said with intentional contempt, "Your mother's family hasn't helped you. The family of your mother has not written in years. Xavier asked, "How many years, sir?" remembering his talk with Eileen. "What? " "A stack of letters stood at your elbow when you told me of my mother's death and then of my grandfather's. Therefore, someone did write. Xavier 's voice caught the edge of resentment. "For what length of time, sir, was my family neglected?"I thought it wiser to cut your contacts with Erudian cleanly." Not a response, but it informed Xavier a lot. "A clean amputation," you might remark. "Exactly." Falmouth seemed to think Xavier approved. "Where are the letters right now?" I handed Johnson some to burn. What then? "I would want to know the situation I find myself in as I'm going back to Erudian sailing on tomorrow evening's tide." Xavier whirled at his watch. Possibly, though, not knowing is preferable. "... Erduian?" Falmouth got up in the first spontaneous action Xavier had ever seen from him. "Where in Erudian do you want to work? There is nothing there! You are extremely mistaken. Famous for its racetracks, spas, gaming establishments, and pleasure seekers, ln Erudian I bought a castle including large stables. My horses preceded me; my hostler, my handler, has followed me. Among the bon tonne, I will lead a nice life. Falmouth walked around the desk till he stopped in front of Xavier ; his emerald eyes blazed with frigid wrath. His nose flared. "Where did you find money for horses? Traveling? About a castle? Have you been taking money from me? Holding his horses with a solid hand and a good ey