Chapter 58

“I know you are tired of hearing this from me, but perhaps a trip to the country would be beneficial to you. Not necessarily your estate—the long journey would be too taxing—but Afton Manor is only forty miles away.”

“I’m not so ill I need to be bundled off to the country,” Leander retorted, the pounding in his head making him snappish.

It actually worked to his advantage, because Morleigh also dropped his condescending manner. “Many people visit the country simply to recuperate from Town life. It doesn’t have to mean anything more than that.”

“I just returned from a visit to the country.”

“Forgive me, but it doesn’t appear to have been very restful.”

Leander smiled in spite of himself. “Perhaps it wasn’t, but I enjoyed it greatly.”

“I see.” Morleigh frowned. “It was at Blackstone’s invitation that you went, was it not?”

“It was.” Leander braced himself for any cutting remarks, although he wasn’t sure what he would say in reply.