Harold's Haven

By Lee Brazil

Behind Closed Doors, 3

It takes an irresistible bribe to pry Harold Gretton away from his experiments to act as a bodyguard for an escaped prisoner. Bored with his confinement, American businessman Martin Tillman is delighted to find that Harold is a like-minded fellow. The sparks that fly between them seem to go beyond mere passion to Martin, but Harold is disinclined to put his trust in emotion.

Can Martin convince his scientific lover that what lies between them is more than experimentation?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Aug 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781771305075

Lee Brazil

Somewhere in a small town in up-state New York are a librarian and a second grade teacher to whom I owe my life. That might be a touch dramatic, but it’s nevertheless one hundred percent true.Because they taught me the joy of reading, of escaping into worlds crafted of words.Have you ever been nine years old and sure of nothing so much as that you don’t belong? Looked at the world from behind glasses, and wondered why you don’t fit?Then turn the page and see... there you are, running from Injun Joe in a dark graveyard; there you are fencing with Athos; there you are...beneath the deep blue sea- marveling at exotic creatures with Captain Nemo.I found myself between the pages of books, and that is why I write now, it’s why I taught English and literature for so many years, and it’s why my house contains more pounds of books than furniture.If I’d had my way, I’d have been a fencer...or a starship captain, or a lawyer, or a detective solving crimes. But instead, I am a writer, and that’s the best thing in the world to be if you ask me, because as a writer, I can be all those things and more.If I hadn’t learned to value the stories between the pages, who knows what would have happened? Certainly not college...teaching...or writing.

Book preview

Published by Evernight Publishing at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2013 Lee Brazil

ISBN: 978-1-77130-507-5

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Editor: JS Cook

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the ever inspiring genius that is Raven McAllan. It's been a pleasure working on this project with you. May your muses continue to babble.

HAROLD’S HAVEN

Behind Closed Doors, 3

Lee Brazil

Copyright © 2013

Prologue

The rumblings and grumblings of his offspring were growing louder and Gerard knew he couldn't put this moment off any longer. Glancing over at his secretary, Martin Nelson, he asked, Are they all here?

The man tilted his head to the side as though assessing the sounds outside the locked study door. Cecily's pert voice was easily discernible as she bantered with her brothers. Miss Cecily is there, and if she's giggling it's a certainty that Mr. Randall is teasing her. I saw Mr. Harold with his nose buried in a book in the library, so he's present, Peregrine wouldn't miss a scheduled meeting if the Regent himself attempted to hold him up, and as for that youngest lad of yours, those are his dogs and where he goes, they go. I'd say they're all present.

Steepling his hands together, Gerard eyed the papers on his desk. Was he doing the right thing? You will stay on and assist Peregrine? Make certain the others have all they need?

I am in your employ My Lord, and until such time as you terminate my employment, I will do my utmost to follow your instructions.

Nodding, Gerard sighed. The time had come. I did my duty. I married, I had children.

Nelson's chuckle interrupted him. He quirked an inquiring brow in his secretary's direction. You find my plight amusing?

No, not at all. It's your children, you say it so prosaically, as though they were not... Well, you know your children as well as I do!

Gerard regarded the fond smile on his longtime friend and employee's face. Martin Nelson had been with him since before his marriage to Penelope, since his father's death when he'd realized just how disastrous the old man's spendthrift habits had been to the family fortunes. Side by side they had worked to rebuild the Brigstock family coffers, to repay debts and to rebuild the family position in society. We've worked hard, we deserve our reward. When I have found him, when you decide Perry can handle the situation on his own—

You mean when he's learned not to act like such a lordly prick toward his brothers and sister?

Gerard nodded again, hiding his smile at his oldest friend's assessment of his eldest son's character. "Even as you say. When it's all sorted out, you'll hire your successor and come join us?'

Nelson rose from behind his smaller desk. If things work out, I may join you. If...your friend's situation is as it was when last you met him.

Gerard understood Nelson's meaning clearly. The secretary had spent years putting his best effort into furthering Gerard's causes, but he had his own interests to pursue as well. At this point, neither of them could tell if their courses would continue in the same traces. Well, let them in then—we'll neither of us discover our futures until it's all set in play.

Nelson didn't hesitate. The children's voices rose as he pulled the heavy door open, then fell into silence. Nelson slipped out as the tide of Gretton children trooped into the room, five handsome children with dark hair and piercing blue eyes, aristocratic noses, and the characteristic Gretton ear lobes. Gerard sighed. He'd done his best to establish each of his progeny on a path that suited his temperament, but the thought of leaving them to their own devices for the indefinite future didn't quite rest easily.

Please, be seated. He held up a hand to forestall the explosion of sound. I have a matter of grave importance to discuss with you. I regret summoning you all in such a pompous manner, but it seemed prudent to speak to you all at once.

He paused to look around the circle of chairs. Perry sat stiffly, lips compressed in a thin line. Next to him sat Randall, perfectly at his ease in his scarlet uniform, knees crossed, tassled Hessians gleaming, eyes twinkling.  Harold sat next to his brother, and from the dreamy expression in his eyes, he was either contemplating some scholarly inanity, or dreaming up some bit of mischief. Cecily was perched on the very edge of her chair, toe tapping impatiently as she twisted a handkerchief to shreds in her lap.

Cecily. He had somehow failed in his duty with her. Girls her age should have been long since married and providing heirs for their husbands, but Cecily hadn't taken, as it were, and though she was quite popular, had inexplicably not received any acceptable proposals. You did your best, he reminded himself. Seven seasons, a tour of the continent, visits to Brighton and Bath and house parties innumerable. In another year the girl would be twenty-five and she could take up residence in the house her mother had left her in Tunbridge Wells. He'd provided the same allowance for Cecily as he had his sons in order to cover just such an eventuality.

His attention was drawn from his musings about Cecily's fate as a spinster when a minor scuffle ensued between his youngest son Nash and Cecily that apparently involved some kicking and flying elbows. Children! he scolded. Nash was such a scamp, always getting into mischief of one kind or another. This is serious business. Save your bickering for later.

Perhaps, Father, if you would... Perry paused meaningfully.

Yes. Of course. I'm leaving, he announced baldly and waited for responses.

They exchanged bewildered glances. Again, Peregrine broke the silence. Would you like us to accompany you to the country, father? Leaving town isn't exactly convenient right now.

Gerard waved him impatiently to silence. No. I'm leaving the country. I've some old friends I want to look up, and many places I've never been. I sent each of you on a Grand Tour, but when I was of the age for it, my family hadn't the funds to send me. Now, everything here is in order, and you all, well. You don't need me. Each of you is independent, and none of you wants me interfering in your lives. So, I'm going to travel, look for my particular friend, and enjoy myself.

He cast a glance over each stunned face in turn. Cat got your tongues, eh? I've done my duty by this family since I was nineteen. I'm turning fifty soon, and I think it's my turn to enjoy life. Perry, I'm leaving you power of attorney to run the estates.

He forestalled Perry's moment of triumph by continuing, Under the direction of Nelson. He has my authority to naysay anything too outrageous. The rest of you, I've set up your allowances to be paid quarterly. If there is a problem, you may direct correspondence to me through Nelson, but I advise you to do your best to live within your means, because neither he nor Perry will be able to bail you out if you take a swim in River Tick. That's all. You may go now.

He held his breath as they rose, pretended to study the papers on his desk. It was too much to hope that the lot of them would just troop on out and let him get on with finding Jonathon.

When?

Pardon? He glanced up at Nash, his youngest child, the jack-a-napes who courted scandal assiduously in the tradition of younger sons everywhere.  

When are you going? Was that regret or sorrow in the boy's eyes?

In the morning. Good boy, that Nash. High spirited as hell, but a heart of gold.

And when will you return? Harold piped in, focusing his gaze on his father for the first time since entering the room.

Gerard hadn't been at all certain that his dreamer son had even understood that he was leaving. I’m not certain. All depends on whether I find my friend, and once I find him, whether I can convince him to return with me. He caught Randall's startled look of cognition. Yes. He knew Randall understood the significance of his words. Yes, exactly, Randall. I had no choice you understand, as I had no brothers to take my place. You're fortunate in that Perry and Nash are so eager to propagate the family name.

I wish you every success on your journey then, father. Randall bowed deeply and followed his younger brother from the room.

Cecily crossed the room and pressed a kiss to his cheek. He patted her head briefly. Now then, my girl. No need for you to be concerned. I've set things up for you. You'll have your pin money as always, and the use of any of the houses. Perry will look after you. I don't suppose you've found a husband yet? he teased his only daughter.

I’m afraid I'm not actually looking. You know, I'm quite old enough to look after myself. The apple of his eye cast a disparaging glance at her elder sibling. Perry needn't trouble himself.

It's done. There's no need to argue the point, puss. Perry will look out for you until you turn twenty-five, and then you'll have all the joy of looking out for yourself you could wish. A year isn't so long to wait. And Perry, he frowned sternly at his eldest son, will not be a trial to you, will you my boy?

Perry grunted non-committally and Gerard sighed again. Go on. I've a lot of packing to do. And you...Yes, it is necessary to leave Nelson to help you. You've a damned supercilious attitude and frankly, I'm rather concerned that you'd run roughshod over your siblings if I left their care entirely up to you. Oh, I know you wouldn't abuse them, but they aren't a stack of blank canvasses to be repainted in your image, either.

But...

But nothing, Peregrine. They are high spirited and lively, and that's the way we love them. Help them, support them, and if they are in true danger, rescue them, but otherwise let them live their lives. I intend to at last live mine, and you, my serious son, I highly suggest you live yours.

Chapter One

It's not ready! I can't perfect the new firing mechanism if you keep dragging me over here! Harold shouted as he stumbled through the doorway of his brother's office. He was conscious of curious and reproving stares alike from the clerks in the outer room, but Peregrine's sardonically quirked brow across the broad expanse of his desktop made him painfully aware that he'd been dragged over here to the