The Unofficial Suitor by Charlotte Louise Dolan Page A

misguided sinners, and I determined to lead you back into the paths of righteousness.”
    He turned toward Richard with a rueful smile on his face. “I was not so blind to reality, you see, as to think that you were a total innocent when you were dragged on board. I was reasonably certain you had not spent your early years entirely on the right side of the law.”
    “In that you were correct.”
    “Where I erred was in my belief in a world without true wickedness. I have since discovered that there is such evil in the world and it is ofttimes so much more powerful than the good that it frequently makes me doubt my father’s unshakable belief that the righteous will triumph over the unrighteous, and justice prevail over the unjust.”
    “While I appreciate your taking me into your confidence, John, I am unable to see how this relates to your wishing to continue as my valet.”
    “As to that, I fear it is sheer cowardice. I simply feel more comfortable continuing under your protection, and I do not yet have any great confidence in my ability to survive long on my own in such a wicked world as this one.” The self-mocking smile on his lips was not reflected in his eyes, which were dead serious.
    “You wrong yourself when you admit to cowardice. Remember, I have already seen numerous examples of your bravery.”
    His friend shook his head sadly. “Ah, Richard, it is one thing to face physical danger bravely. It is another matter entirely to face evil with no spiritual armor. Were my father alive today, and did I explain myself fully to him, I am sure he would denounce me as a wicked blasphemer, for, truth to tell, I would sooner have you as my shield and defender than our Savior himself.”
    “Nevertheless—”
    “As I predicted, Richard? The iron hand in the velvet glove?”
    “As you predicted. I cannot allow you to continue in such a subservient role as my valet, and the sooner you accept the equality that is your due, the better it will be for both of us. As I have always told you, the half of such wealth as we have acquired belongs to you, and I have fully meant what I said. We can, however, compromise to the extent that I might introduce you to others as my secretary—perhaps a distant relation? That would not utterly limit your options and would make your later rise to riches more credible.
    “I do not doubt but that the day will come when you see me as a mere mortal, with all the normal human weaknesses, rather than as ... er ... your savior, as it were.... Confound it, John, that image you have of me is too much to swallow. Now I must strive to keep my boots on in your company, lest you discover my feet of clay.”
    * * * *
    “What do you mean to do, my dear?” The cook paused in her packing and looked at the newest addition to Lord Parkhurst’s household.
    Annie Elizabeth Ironside did not answer for a moment. Then she shoved aside some clothes and sat down on the bed. “Do? Why, continue on in service here, of course.”
    “You should not even think of staying in this household, now that the wicked Earl of Blackstone is taking over the premises for the Season. I have always said that gambling is evil, and this certainly proves the case. I cannot think what Lord Parkhurst was about, wagering the use of this house on the turn of a card. And then to have included all of us servants in the bargain—work of the devil, that was, and the devil was in the cards that night, too.”
    She folded another voluminous apron and stuffed it into her bag. “Well, take my advice and find yourself another job. Lord Parkhurst may have gambled us away like so many shillings, but we are not slaves to be bought and sold like that. I advise you to come away, also, and find another position in a more respectable household.”
    “I think I must stay and take my chances,” Annie replied simply.
    “Well, it shall be on your own head, then,” the cook muttered. “I, at least, have done my Christian duty by warning you.”