Chapter 10When he and Simeon climbed to the upstairs room of the tavern, the first person Percy came across was Edward Stephens, Ben’s doctor companion. In his fragile state, Percy was dismayed to discover that Edward was outstandingly appealing, almost eclipsing Percy’s fair loveliness.
Bristling, Percy noted those wide-open green eyes and creamy skin scattered with freckles, topped with a wayward reddish mane. But then he observed the carelessly tied cravat (no better than a Belcher kerchief) and that the doctor’s mud-colored coat had no discernible cut whatsoever. As Percy took his place around the table, he thankfully surmised that Stephens had no interest in flaunting his startling good looks and could not be considered a budding rival.
When general conversation commenced, among the
