“I was grasped with an immediate need to visit the country. And since I was in the neighborhood…”

“Rusticating, are you?”

Rupert grimaced. “You know me, it’s devil to dare or nothing. I’m on my last legs and my next quarter allowance isn’t due for another sennight. Thought I might as well come and visit you while I wait.”

“And your mother.”

“Her, too, I suppose. Is she giving you fits?”

“No more than usual.”

“That, at least, is good news,” Rupert said with a false smile, a faintly sick feel to his stomach. Greyley House was the last place he wanted to be. “How are the brats? Have they driven you to distraction?”

“Not yet, but they are still trying. How long can you stay?”

“As long as you can bear to have me.”

Anthony glanced at Jenkins, who hovered discreetly in the background. “Ready the green bedchamber for Lord Rupert.”

The butler bowed, then left.

“Rupert, shall I have a tray sent to your room or have you eaten?”

“I never eat after midnight. Now if you wanted to send a bottle of port…”

Anthony laughed. “I’ll have Jenkins see to it. Now off to bed with you. Your mother’s in the east wing, if you wish to see her.”

“Oh, I’ll wait until tomorrow,” Rupert said casually. “I just want to fall into bed. The ride here was hellish, with me thinking the dun men were hot on my heels.”

Concern darkened Greyley’s brow. “Is it as bad as that?”

“Lord, no,” Rupert said with a bravado he didn’t feel. “Not yet, anyway. My allowance is coming soon and all will be right.”

“Very well. If you need something to tide you over—”

“Don’t” Rupert said, more harshly than he intended. He managed a twisted smile at the earl’s look of surprise. “I don’t have it in me to say no, though I know I should.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Anthony said. “We’ll talk tomorrow, and you can tell me how things go on. I want to hear all of the latest news from town.”

“I’m a veritable fount of gossip,” Rupert said, sweeping a dramatic bow.

“You’ve never said anything truer.” Greyley nodded to a footman who stood patiently to one side, waiting to take Rupert to his room. “Good night, then, Rupert. Sleep well.”

Rupert watched Greyley’s broad form as he left. Damn it, it was just like Greyley to offer to assist him. There were times when Rupert believed the earl would be a good friend, if Rupert were capable of possessing such a thing.

Sighing tiredly, he followed the footman to his room where he found his portmanteau already unpacked, a fire flickering steadily in the grate and fresh water on the stand. He tested the water in the basin with a cautious elbow. Finding it warm, he quickly undid his cravat, pulled off his shirt and washed away the travel.

Refreshed, he picked up his dressing jacket where some knowing maid had unpacked it and then slipped it on, gathering a lamp as he left his room. He walked down two halls, turning once until he was in the older part of Greyley House. There he found a wide oak door and knocked softly. On being bidden to enter, he opened the door and softly closed it behind him.