The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

“You can’t just not do things acause of the consequences.''Consequences are literally the reason not to do things. That’s what they’re for.”

“You don’t get what you want by not asking for it.”

“Gareth stopped dead. Catherine walked up, went on tiptoes, and kissed his cheek. “You’re a good man, Gareth Inglis, and I’m so glad you came to us. You deserve to be happy. And I’ll make up a bed if you’d like me to, but I’d rather say I did and spare myself the work.” “I—uh—I—” “I won’t trouble, then. Good night.” She gave him a quick flashing smile and took her candle up to bed.”

“He considered himself an honest trader, apart from the criminal parts.”

“Sorry to say it, but from what I hear, your father was a middling arsehole. No offense.""You can't just say something offensive and add 'no offense'."Joss cocked an eye at him. "Are you offended?""No," Gareth admitted.”

“What’s it to me which rich man runs the country?”

“I said I wouldn’t leave you,” Joss said. “I won’t. Not till you make me, and you’ll have to try middling hard on that.”

“If you want something, you ask for it. You told me so, before. Is that always how you get what you want?” Joss shrugged. “You don’t get what you want by not asking for it.” Gareth contemplated the obvious truth of that statement. “I may have to change my approach to life.”

“I like that you’re concerned for me but, not to get all puffed up about it—” “If you say, ‘I’m Joss Doomsday’, I will push you off this log.” “I am, though,” Joss said, grinning.”

“Another-when and otherwhere. That just meant another time and somewhere else—he’d asked Catherine—but the words felt like poetry, especially in Joss’s voice. Especially with the meaning they carried.”

“It didn’t have quite the melancholy feel of lost hopes and the futility of human endeavour that would have suited his mood, but it was still moderately picturesque.”

“If you have no compassion, have you not even manners?”

“Gareth leaned forward and Joss met his mouth. Kissing gently, for the first time today because it had all been too raw, kissing away too many hurts that had lasted too long. Kissing to seal a promise, and then just kissing because it was Gareth, and there was nowhere else Joss wanted to be and nothing else he wanted to do.”

“They hadn’t needed to try, because Catherine Inglis had taken one look at him and announced that he absolutely had to keep guard in Gareth’s room, in case of more trouble. Joss made a mental note to send the fine brocaded silk shawl he’d ordered her way; Miss Topgood could make do with calico print.”

“What you doing here?” “Ma sent me. She’s in a pretty dobbin over this, I can tell you.” “That’s you fucked,” Joss told Bill.”

“Nate let out a breath that rattled. “You rammed stupid chuckleheaded bastard.”

“You said—” Lionel began. “Our money—!” Henry protested. “Shove your guineas up your arse,” Joss told them both.”

“Henry’s throat worked. “I have no idea what you mean.” “That would sound better if you didn’t look like you were about to shit through your teeth,” Sophy remarked.”

“Two things I don’t like, outmarsh. One, people who think they’re clever when they’re not, and two, you. If you say one more thing that isn’t the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, I’m going to tell the Preventives you used the money you stole to run guineas to France.”

“Look, I’m busy, so I’ll get to the point,” Joss said. “Tell me everything I want to know, or I’ll ruin your life.”

“Joss strolled over. “Mr. Henry Inglis? I’m Joss Doomsday. Shut up.” That was to Lionel’s address, as he’d kept blustering.”

“It was Pagan d’Aumesty, the Earl’s brother. He was another one always maundering around the Marsh to no purpose. Joss was beginning to harbour views on rich old men who took pointless walks.”

“He grabbed Gareth’s hair and arse, pulling him close. Pulling them together because you had to pull that much harder when the world wanted you apart.”

“Gareth purred like a cat and shifted so he was wrapped around Joss, long arms and legs embracing him, lips against his neck. Joss stared at the ceiling and wondered how he’d deserved heaven.”

“Joss cupped his head. “Going to fuck me, London?” “I’d love to.”

“I thought people always did what you asked.” Gareth sounded breathless. “Not like that. Never like that. I looked at you proper then, and I don’t think I’ve stopped seeing you since.”

“And then Gareth stood and stepped back, naked to his gaze and fiercely erect, and Joss could have wept.”

“Yes,” Gareth said, with intense relish. “Good Lord, I wish I’d been there.”

“Right. That.” Joss sat back, which more or less put him sitting on Gareth’s lap, arms round Gareth’s neck for balance. Gareth briefly considered throwing out all his chairs.”

“My granda sees a lot for a man who hardly leaves his chair.”