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Full download Until Midnight: HeartStrings Dating Agency Chashiree M. & M.K. Moore file pdf all chapter on 2024
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until midnight
heartstrings dating agency
book one
ChaShiree M.
M.K. Moore
Breeding Nation Publishing
Copyright © 2024 by ChaShiree M. & M.K. Moore
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written
permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Created with Vellum
contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Epilogue
Meeting Gladis Horner has been… interesting to say the least. We met over a year ago at a charity function for the Savannah
Group Home and we’ve had coffee at least once a week since then. I’ve even had dinner with her and her family several times.
I love how her husband, Henry, loves her so freaking much. He hides nothing. He’s always finding ways to touch her or kiss her
no matter who is in the room. She’s one of my best friends even though she’s thirty years older than me.
“Come on dear. You have to let me fix you up,” she says, just like she always does. Gladis owns the HeartStrings Dating
Service. She claims to have a nearly perfect record. When it comes to matchmaking, Gladis is the best of the best. I have no
reason to doubt her skills, but I’m focused on my career right now. My family owns Huxley Studios, headquartered in Atlanta,
but I don’t spend a lot of time there. I’m in the Children and Family programming in Savannah, but I’m beyond ready to move
on to more adult content. I love rom-coms and love stories in general, but my father, the current CEO, still treats me like a little
girl. Despite being twenty-three, he doesn’t even want me to go to premieres of those kinds of movies.
“Oh, Gladis, you know I’m not ready to date,” I tell her. I’ve never been on a date. I’ve never even been kissed, so
obviously I’m still a virgin. Currently, my parents are pushing for me to marry Connor Forsythe which I would never do.
Before meeting Gladis, I would have done whatever they told me to do. As a people pleaser, it’s hard to say no to people but
now I have the courage to do some things. If only I could assert myself in the boardroom, I’d be okay.
“I’ll keep trying, girl. You don’t need a man to succeed in life, but trust me, they make things better.”
I laugh because what else can I do?
After another thirty minutes in the coffee shop, I head to my parent’s house, for our obligatory Saturday lunch, because they
are just too social to schedule family dinners. The vibe in the house is weird as soon as Molly, the housekeeper, lets me in.
Molly, the jolliest person, I know, loses her smile the instant she sees me.
“Oh, Millie.”
“Oh, no. What is it Molly?” Molly and I used to hang out every day after school from kindergarten until I graduated from
high school while my parents worked, and my brothers were in college or already working.
“He’s here.”
“He, who?”
“That Forsythe cad.” Molly is from London, and I think she thinks it's 1813. I groan and roll my eyes.
“Why are they pushing this hard?”
“I don’t know Millie, but you can’t marry than man,” she whispers as she takes my purse. I kiss her cheek and thank her
before taking a deep breath, trying to clear my head. I can already tell this is going to suck. The thing about my family is that we
all appear cold and distant. The press paints us this way. While it’s true in business, our family life is much different. My
parents Virgil and Margene, are completely in love. They’ve been married for twenty-five years but together for thirty-one. My
oldest brother Michael is thirty. He’s followed by Stephen who is twenty-eight. I’m the youngest at twenty-two. Both of my
brothers are happily married with three kids each. My parents arranged their marriages with other production studio families,
and they are trying to do the same for me. I know they think I’d be happy with Connor like my brothers are happy with their
wives, but I know I won’t be. Connor gives me the freaking creeps.
Michael, and his wife Sasha, are expecting their fourth child. She’s barely showing. I can hear them whispering in the front
closet. It’s a huge room where we store coats during parties. It’s dark, but I’m about to greet them when I realize my brother is
fucking her against the furthest wall. I shake my head in disgust and back away. I continue further into the house. Stephen and
Becky have all six kids in the family room. They are playing charades. I wave and sit down on the couch. Immediately, six
kids, aged 10 to 3, pile drive me into the couch.
“Aunt Millie!” They squeal and giggle in unison. I hug and kiss them all before they go back to their game. Becky is sitting
on Stephen’s lap, off in their own little world. Sure, I want that one day, but I want to be in love when I get married, not pray
that I fall after the fact.
They ignore me, but I don’t expect anything less when they are like this.
Molly calls everyone to the table and sure enough Connor is there.
I greet my parents, getting big hugs from them before turning back to the table. While I was getting my hugs, the table filled
up.
Adjusting my glasses, I sit down in the only free chair. Of course, it’s right by Connor. Thanks, Mama. To say that I hate this
man would be an understatement.
“How are you doing, Hilly Milly?” he asks, calling me by the nickname the football team gave me in high school. See, I’ve
always been a bigger girl. I, personally, love the way I look, but pretty much everyone in school tried to make me feel like shit
about it. The more I ignored them the more they did it, but I wasn’t about to appear weak just because my thighs touch and tits
are huge.
“Don’t fucking call me that, Connor,” I seethe. I hate, hate, hate this man.
“Don’t be like that, Mills. When you’re my wife you’ll learn to speak with better manners,” he says squeezing my knee
painfully under the table. I grab his wrist, bending it backward just like my brothers taught me to do.
“Don’t touch me, asshat.”
“I can’t wait to break you in, Mills. Just you wait.”
For the rest of the meal, I say nothing to him. After lunch, my dad calls me into his study. He likes to intimidate people, so
there are no chairs across from his desk for people to sit in. Every time I come in here, I feel like a little girl about to be
grounded because I didn’t finish my green beans. I stand there for a long time. He’s shuffling through papers, basically ignoring
me. I know whatever he’s about to say, I’m going to hate it.
“You wanted to see me, Dad?” I finally ask after five minutes of shuffling my feet.
“Your mother and I are announcing your engagement on January 10th at the stockholder’s meeting.”
“To Connor?” I sputter, indignantly. My mind is racing. I have to get out of here. Where can I run to so that I don’t have to
marry this man?
“Of course. Who else are we merging with, if not the Forsythe’s.”
“But I don’t want to marry him,” I say.
“You’ll do this for your family, Millicent May Huxley. We need this merger.”
“So you’re pimping me out to that walking STD?”
“Don’t be so dramatic and crass, Millie. You’ll learn to love him.”
“I don’t want to learn to love someone. I want to fall in love, and I want to be the only woman in my husband’s bed. I won’t
get that with him,” I spit.
“Grow up, Millie. Men stray.”
“Bullshit,” I say, cursing in front of him for the first time. “You don’t. Mikey and Steve don’t. Do you hate me or
something?”
“Of course not, princess. I love you, of course I do. Your mother does too.” I didn’t want to cry, but I can’t seem to help the
tears that are coursing down my cheeks.
“They why are you punishing me? Connor will stray before the ink dries on our marriage license.”
“He’s assured me that he won’t.”
“You’re more gullible than I am if you believe that, dad.”
With that, I turn and leave the room. Molly is waiting by the front door with my purse and a handful of tissues.
Silently, I kiss her cheek again, take my stuff, and walk out to my car. As soon as I’m inside, I pull my phone out and call
Gladis before I change my mind. If I have to marry that asshole, there is no way in hell I’m going into that a virgin, not that I’d
ever sleep with him, but I’m not stupid. I wouldn’t stray from my marriage, even if I didn’t want it. Why can’t I tell my parents
to fuck off like I know I need to?
“Hey, girlie. What’s up?”
“Go ahead and set me up,” I say, sniffling.
“What’s wrong? Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.”
“It’s done. Give me a couple of hours.”
We hang up and I pray that I didn’t just make a huge mistake.
chapter
two
Malcolm Porter
Dear God help me. “Are you listening to me, Malcolm?” My mom’s screeching voice makes me sit up like she is in the room
with me. No matter how much money I amass and how successful I am, my mom can make me feel like a little kid.
“Yes, Mother. I hear you.”
“Well good, because your father and I are not getting any younger and we would like grandchildren. Preferably ones with
good breeding on both sides.” Rolling my eyes, I look up and grab the bridge of my nose, annoyed and unable to do anything.
“Now, there is a nice young lady…” And this is where I stop her.
“Stop. Do not say another word, Mother.” She gasps audibly at my tone, and I immediately feel regret, but I cannot let this
become another bridal parade. “I love you and you know it. But, I am a grown man and I do not and will not abide by you
sending throes of women, ones that have nothing to offer me, I might add in front of my face. I will find a wife. If I want one
and when I want one. Do we have an understanding Mother?” silence greets me before she clears her throat.
“I should say we do. Good day, Malcolm.” She hangs up swiftly and my gut begins to ache. I hate disappointing her, but
enough is enough.
“Mr. Porter, John is on line 1.”
“Thank you, Gwynn.”
“John. What a surprise. To what do I owe this pleasure?” I mean that lightly. Nothing is ever pleasurable about talking to
him. John is a member of our board of directors. He came up in this company with my father. He and two others are the sole
remaining original members and because their share is so vast, every decision I make is run through them. My father started this
company and he set it up that way. Checks and balances and all of that. When my father semi-retired, he left me in charge as his
only male heir. He made me into the CEO and bequeathed me most of his remaining shares which is equal to fifty percent with
him holding one percent as a tie-breaker should I need it.
John is the one who always holds out, trying to coax more from me or make me follow his lead. It will never happen, but he
tries, and I can’t stand him. “Malcolm, my boy, I understand there is a party at your folks place in a couple of days.”
“There is indeed. An announcement of sorts.” My father has decided to invest in a production company. He is going to be
the new majority shareholder and he wants to make a formal announcement along with a party. My parents will do anything for
a party.
“I see. Can’t wait. The reason for my call dear boy is because my granddaughter will be here that weekend and I would
love for her to attend. Perhaps you can escort her…” Are you fucking serious?
“I have a date already, John. Sorry. Now if you will excuse me.” Unbelievable. I am getting it from everywhere. Knock.
Knock. “Enter.” When my dad walks in, I curse under my breath. I can't get a damn break.
“Son.”
“Father.”
“First of all, I don’t care much for anyone making my wife cry.” His face is stern as he scolds me, but I can't stop myself
from rolling my eyes. Like hell she was crying. That woman is made of steel.
“I will apologize dad. Now how can I help you?” For fucks sake can I get some peace?
“I came here to give you this.” He drops a business card on my desk.
“Gladis Horner. Relationship matchmaker to the elite and the every day.” I repeat the slogan on the card. “A matchmaker?”
He smirks and nods his head.
“You bet your ass. She’s the best. Look her up.” He smiles and walks out the door. I sit back in my chair and take a second.
Seriously? But, I find myself looking the business up and wow, talk about impressive. The list of names of Hollywood couples
she has paired up is nothing short of downright, amazing.
Before I can stop myself I am shooting an email. What the hell can it hurt? At this rate, I need to find someone so everyone
will get off my back. Knock Knock. It is fucking grand central station in here. “Come in.”
“Sir, I just wanted to see if you needed anything before I took my lunch?” Gwynn's question is normal. A question she asks
me every day, but today, there is something else hidden in it.
“No. I am fine. Enjoy.” She hesitates at the door and looks at me. “Is there something else, Gwynn?”
“No, sir,” she whispers the last part before walking out, looking over her shoulder and closing the door. What the hell?
Maybe I do need a wife. It seems to be open season around here.
chapter
three
Millicent
“I’m so glad you let me do this. Trust me when I say I found the perfect man for you. He’s uniquely able to understand the
pressures you are under,” Gladis says, and I feel guilty. Swallowing thickly, I shake those thoughts from my head.
“Thank you, Gladis. I really appreciate this, more than you know.” I can’t tell her why I want this, but hopefully, she won’t
be pissed when she finds out I’m using her and this great guy she found for me. Maybe I shouldn’t do this, I hesitate, but forget
about that when she speaks again.
“No problem darling. Malcolm will meet you at Mannheim’s at twelve-forty-five,” she says. “No, Henry, not that one.” I
hear Henry grunt something in response. I laugh as they have a little more back and forth. I’m used to it though. “The
reservation is under his name,” she says, letting me know she’s back to me now.
“Perfect,” I say checking my watch. I have a little over an hour before I have to drive downtown, not that there’s much of a
downtown, but that’s where the restaurant is.
We hang up and I spring into action. I’ve dated some, all blind dates set up by my mother. Those setups came complete with
coordinated outfits to wear. This is the first date I have ever been on that was all up to me. Inside my closet, I slide my dresses
down the rod and pull out a white blouse. Grabbing a pair of jeans, a black body suit, and a pair of heeled black boots, I get
dressed quickly but pay special attention to my makeup and hair. The drive over to the restaurant was uneventful and I used the
time to calm down and gather my thoughts.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I get to the restaurant, but Malcolm Porter wasn’t it. Ridiculously hot Malcolm
Porter. The Malcolm Porter who dates supermodels and other beautiful women. I realize my mouth is hanging open, so I snap it
shut.
“Millicent?” he asks, extending his hand to me. I wish I could tell what he’s thinking. He’s looking at me intently, but I can’t
get a read on his thoughts.
“Millie, but yes, that’s me. It’s nice to meet you, Malcolm,” I say, taking his hand. The second that I do, I resist the urge to
snatch my hand back. After what seems like forever, he releases me and pulls my chair out for me. He joins me across the
table.
After barely ten minutes of easy conversation, I realize that I could like this man, but I can’t. This is just to have a memory I
can live off for the rest of my life. It alarms me how many times I have to remind myself of that. Malcolm’s not at all like the
media portrays him and I know something about that. They call me cold and calculating, but I’m anything but. He’s so genuine.
He doesn’t try to control the conversation and really listens to what I have to say. He orders a large meal, despite this being a
lunch date so I don’t feel weird ordering what I want too.
“I have to attend a party in two days' time. It’s black tie. Would you accompany me?” he asks as we linger over coffee. It’s
like neither one of us wants this date to end. I know that I don’t. I’ve never felt like this before. I’m both hot and cold. Achy.
“Your parent’s annual New Year’s Eve Party?”
“Yes. I’d rather not go at all, but my mother insists, besides it’s for a good cause” he says, rolling his sleeves up. I feel my
eyes widen when I see his sexy tattoos. They cover both arms and I find myself wanting to trace them with my tongue. Is he
covered in them? God, I want to find out. I’ve always wanted a tasteful tattoo, but I’ve always been too scared to get one
because what would society say about me? My mother’s voice rings in my head every time I even think about getting one.
“Like what you see?” he asks, making me snap my eyes up to his. I feel my blush rising at being caught staring… again.
“Yes,” I whisper after clearing my throat. He just grins at me and I forget how to breathe.
“I’m already going, but I’d love to go with you,” I tell him, giggling a little. Since when am I a giggler? He smiles at me
again and I swear my panties catch on fire. He pays the check, and we wait outside of the restaurant while our cars are brought
up by the valet. Again, the conversation is easy. I’ve talked more to this man than I’ve ever spoken to a man who wasn’t in my
employ. Gah, I like him. Not only is he hot, but he’s nicer than I thought he would be.
After the valet hands me my keys and I tip him, I am surprised by the soft kiss Malcolm places on my lips. I shouldn’t have
been. We’d been building up to it all afternoon. It’s the best, sweetest kiss of my life. I don’t have many to compare it to, but
it’s amazing.
“I’ll pick you up at seven at your place.” We exchange numbers and I text him my address. I still live with my parents. I
will until I get married. I hardly ever see them. They spend a lot of their time in Atlanta.
“Sounds good,” I say, more dazed than I would have liked.
I get into my car and drive away. The further I get from him, the more it feels like I can’t breathe.
For something that’s not supposed to mean anything, it really freaking does. Maybe I should cancel? No, I’m doing this. I
want him and I’m going to get that one delicious memory that will carry me through the rest of my life.
For the first time though, I wonder if one taste will ever be enough…
chapter
four
Malcolm
Two Days Later
Fuck. I can’t stop shaking. My blood is pumping through me like a damn oil well that sprung a leak. I have been practically
jacked up on something since the moment I laid eyes on my Millie. Calling her mine is a stretch since she only agreed to
accompany me to my parent's party, but I can’t help it. Everything inside of me is telling me she is mine. Hell, I have fucking
jacked off to a memory of her plump lips for days and the idea that I get to feel them for real has got me on a high. Thank fuck I
am not driving and was smart enough to hire a car for the night. “I have the door.” I tell the driver, getting out.
Standing outside, I check the buttons of my tux, lord forbid my parents do anything that is not formal. Rubbing my hands
down my pants, I wipe the sweat from them and swallow. Crap. She has me all tied up like I am in high school. Before I can
touch the doorbell, the door opens. “You must be Malcolm,” says an older distinguished gentleman. I can see where she gets
her eyes from.
“I am, sir. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Holding out my hand, I am silently praying he can’t tell by how clammy my hands
are, what I plan to do with his daughter tonight.
“Porter. You wouldn’t by any chance be Virgil Porter’s boy?” Shit.
“Yes, I am.” His eyes glint a bit.
“I see. So I suppose you and my daughter are going to the party your parents are throwing to announce the investment in my
production company?” Damn. I think of it from this angle once I figured out who she was. I don’t know much about my father’s
involvement in this. Was it wanted/ Did he strong-arm his way inside the company?
“Yes, Sir.” Then it occurs to me he isn’t dressed. “Are you not attending as well?” Surely my father sent an invite.
“My wife is under the weather, and I don’t attend events like this without my wife. Millicent will be a suitable
representative of our family.” My teeth grind together at the word ‘suitable. Like she is a fucking stand-in for a more prominent
star. Utter bullshit. She is the goddamn star. Hell, she is the damn moon and sun. I can feel my shoulders tensing up and I have
to mentally calm myself. “So how did you meet Millicent?” His questions sound curious but there is something in the tone I
can’t pinpoint. Not to mention from the moment he opened the door he has been staring at me like I am in his way.
He clears his throat waiting for an answer, but then I hear wind chimes in my ears. “Malcolm.” I hear from behind the door.
Squaring with her father, I push the door back and standing in an emerald green dress, with see-through sleeves and what I can
gather is a thigh-high slit, is my angel.
“You look ravishing, Millie,” I tell her, whispering because my throat is clogged with any number of emotions I don’t want
to convey in front of her father. The blush that coats her face, runs down her neck and to my supreme disappointment cannot be
followed to her chest, since she is completely covered.
“Why thank you, Malcolm. You look very dashing.” My chest puffs out with her compliment. She grabs her coat from the
hanger. Reaching past her father who is still lingering and doing something akin to pissing on his stoop, I grab her coat from her
and walk closer to her, pushing her father out of the way. Well… making him move himself.
“Turn around,” I tell her, motioning for her to let me help her into it. The moment it is on her, I turn her back facing me and
begin buttoning her coat. She gasps at first, shocked by my actions. Shit. So am I. I have never felt this level of ownership or
possessiveness before.
“I can button my own coat, Malcolm.” I look up and see she is hiding a smile. Cheeky little angel.
“I know, angel. But what kind of man would I be if I didn't make sure you were warm?” I can see the glow in her eyes, my
words making her feel something. Good. There is more where that comes from. Making sure she is set; she grabs her purse and
I give her my arm. “Let’s go.” She nods before turning to her father.
“Goodnight, Daddy.” He simply looks at her.
“Millicent.” How did someone so cold, produce this warm, beautiful angel? Questions unanswered but not critical, we
make it to the car. The driver gets out to open it for her, but my inner beast wants no one doing anything for his angel.
“I will open it,” I tell him. His hands go up and he backs away. She covers her mouth, but it doesn’t hide the giggle. “Find
that funny do you, angel?” I whisper in her ear while helping her get inside. Shit. I shouldn’t have done that. Her scent, warm
honey, and strawberry flows through my nose and now my cock is fucking panting.
The drive over is quiet, but not in an awkward way. It is comfortable. The moment I got in and the door was closed I
grabbed her hand and haven’t let it go. The car pulls onto the estate, and I groan inwardly looking at all the cars. “Oh wow.
Your parents sure know how to party, huh,” she says, as we pull into the curve.
“Yep.” Once again I get out of the car and open the door for her. Her hand sits in mine. I can't help feeling how perfect we
fit. Of course, there are photographers. “Miss Huxley. Miss Huxley.” I hear them shouting her name and she stops. Hand on my
waist, she turns us and poses for the camera before we continue walking in. “Have to deal with this a lot?” She shrugs.
“Part of the family business.” As soon as we are inside, we coat check and then make our way into the party. “Wow.” I nod
my head, seriously annoyed at the amount of lavishness and shameless flaunting going on in here. I recognize the governor, and
a few CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Some starlets, actors, models, you name them they are here.
“Millicent, darling. I didn’t know you would be here.” Hollywood madam Forlani Clitx walks around, and air kisses her.
My eyebrow goes up, realizing for the first time, she might actually be more recognized than me and I don’t fucking like it. Not
because I am an egomaniac, but because I want her attention on me. Period.
“Lani, hi. It has been so long.” Her friend looks at me and smiles.
“Who’s your friend?” she asks, licking her lips. Millie smiles and introduces us. “Wow. What a hunk.” Her hand slides
down my chest. I look at Millie panicked and in need of assistance, but she is getting a kick out of this and giggling.
“Lani, leave him alone. I don’t think he is ready for you.” Jesus.
“Pity. I could make some serious money off him. Call me.” She slips her card into my suit pocket, and I damn near choke on
air.
“What the hell?” I say to her, guiding her to the other side of the room.
“There you are.” I hear my mother's exasperated voice and turn, pulling Millie further into my side.
“Mother.” She looks at my arms, giving me a questioning gaze before turning her attention to my angel.
“Apparently I raised an unpolished menace. Excuse my son. You are?” For fucks sake.
“Forgive me, mother. This is Millicent. Millicent, this my mother Hana Porter.” Millicent holds her hand out.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Porter.” They shake hands.
“Anyone who has my son clinging to them like his favorite playground snack is definitely my pleasure to meet.” Dear lord,
I never know what the hell is going to leave her mouth. Millie giggles and that fucking sound is going to put me to bed every
night. “Well, you two mingle and we will catch up. I have to continue to host.” She kisses my cheek and then walks away.
“I am so sorry about her,” I say escorting her through the room.
“She is no different than my mom. I am used to it.” Thank God.
For what seems like forever we mingle, dance, and talk to everyone, most of whom want to talk to my angel. I know she has
a job as a producer and she is well-known by the networks, but I am not fucking dumb. These men see her, her purity and
sunshine and they want it for themselves. “Millicent.” See what the fuck I mean. We both turn to see Connor Forsythe walking
toward us. My arm has not left her back since we have been here, so I feel her body become rigid and it sets me on alert.
“Connor,” I say, stopping him from moving any closer.
“Porter.” His voice is stern, but he is all piss and no vinegar.
“How can we help you?” I ask him, making sure to say ‘we’. His eyes haven’t left my angel though and it is pissing me off.
“I would like to know why my Millie is here on your arm like she belongs to you.” What the hell did he just say to me? I
step toward him, ready to show him something, but a small hand on my chest stops me.
“Calm down big boy. I got this.” Her sultry voice, giving me a fucking nickname, cools some of the ire but not enough.
Turning to Connor, she says in a low voice. “I belong to myself, Connor. Nothing has been decided, despite what the hell our
parents say. We will discuss this later.” His nostrils begin to flare. I know he wants to say something else, but he thinks better
of it and walks away.
Not sure I can control myself; I pull her into a dark corner. “Tell me what the fuck is going on, angel. Why does that
womanizing piece of shit think you belong to him?” I growl into her ear, before kissing her shoulder and neck. She moans,
moving her head giving me more access. “Answer me, baby.” My tongue trails up her neck, toward her ear.
“Our-our parents are trying to arrange a business merger that starts with us getting married.” A roar I didn’t know I had in
me emerges. I am damn glad the band is playing. I swear to fuck I hear glasses shatter at the vibration moving through me.
“It’s not happening. Do you hear me, angel? You will never be his wife. Tell me you know that.” She mewls a little and that
is when I realize I have her leg hiked up around my waist, rubbing my full-mast cock against her middle. “I can’t hear you,
angel. Say it.”
“It-it won’t happen. Please Malcolm.” That’s right, Connor. She’s begging for me, and I am going to give her all of it.
chapter
five
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romanticists as Gifford looked upon the Della Cruscans, and which
induced him to carry his defence of custom and tradition almost to
the verge of bigotry.
Something must be allowed, too, for the operation of
contemporary ideas upon Byron. The leaders of the so-called
Romantic Movement, partly because many of them had associated
themselves with the Jacobin party in England, partly because their
poetry seemed strange, were met from the first with opposition in
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many quarters. Language of a tenor hostile to their work may be
met with in Mathias, the Anti-Jacobin, Epics of the Ton, the
Simpliciad, and Hodgson’s Gentle Alterative. The suggestions for
many of the anti-romantic views since attributed to Byron alone
came doubtless from other satirists, whose accusations Byron fitted
into telling phrases.
An excellent illustration of this is to be found in Byron’s
unprovoked attack upon Scott, in which the younger poet, seizing
upon the well-known fact that Scott had received money for his
verses, terms him “hireling bard” and “Apollo’s venal son.” Perhaps
Byron may have shared with Young the snobbish notions about
money expressed in the latter’s couplet:
“I cannot ...
Quit the dull Cam, and ponder in the Park
90
A six-weeks Epick, or a Joan of Arc.”