Page 10

He strode out of the study, wincing at the bright streams of sunlight spilling in through the glass that lined the corridor. Crests and family mottos were set in colored glass into the windows at the top, shimmering their varying hues onto the wooden floor. Dust danced in the light, reminding him of how Lady Angel had looked with the sunlight behind her yesterday.

He shook his head to himself and strode along the corridor to the stairs leading down to the main living areas. No doubt she had been fully aware of how she appeared. In fact, she’d likely expected him to be thoroughly charmed by her appearance, but he’d seen straight through her the moment he set eyes on her. Lady Angel Templeton wanted nothing more than fun, and no matter how charming she seemed with her perfect smile and those little splotches of paint smeared across her cheeks, she was not suited to looking after his aunt.

“Good afternoon, Sir.” One of the maids scurried past when he stepped into the drawing room, a bundle of laundry in hand. Several sheets spilled from the pile and dropped to his feet. “Oh dear…”

Reuben held up a hand. “I’ll get it, Ruth.” He crouched and picked up the creased sheets, taking the time to fold each neatly and set it back on top of the pile.

She gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you, Sir, you know how my back plagues me.”

“I hope you will take my advice and see Dr. Donaldson soon. You can send the bill to me.”

“I will, Sir, I promise.” Ruth hastened off. Reuben sighed. He doubted she would. No doubt she was too proud to take his charity. Perhaps he would see if he could arrange a subtle pay rise with the housekeeper to cover the cost.

Retrieving his coat and hat, he headed to the stables, crossing the narrow bridge across the moat that surrounded the house. Built by his ancestors in the Tudor era, the building still bore the marks of the era with its small windows and dark wood beams set into the walls. It even boasted a priest hole where the family would have once hidden clergymen from those seeking to punish Catholics. He could appreciate the history now, but as a child, he’d simply enjoyed that he could sneak away and while away hours reading or playing. Growing up with five sisters had been no peaceful childhood, no matter how much he loved them.

He sighed and marched over to the stable and waited for his horse to be saddled. Now all five were married, life was quieter than ever. He did not much mind the peace. His duties in London and the modest estate kept him busy enough—not to mention looking after Aunt Jean. He did, however, resent Lady Angel interrupting it.

Rubbing a hand across his jaw, he sighed again. What would he do with her? She was not easily frightened away by all appearances. The woman had the brashness of someone raised with money and few consequences.

But, according to the letter he’d just received, money might very well play a role in why the lady was here in Berkshire. It was no secret his uncle had left Aunt Jean with a sizeable inheritance nor was the knowledge that his aunt had been taken advantageof by unscrupulous characters who wanted nothing more than access to her coffers.

If his information was correct, the Templetons were in financial crisis after the marquis’ late-wife accrued significant debt. Reuben was not unaware of the financial burden siblings could be but now his were all married, he did not have to worry so much. The marquis’ brothers and sisters were unmarried, however, and no doubt cost him a pretty penny.

Reuben mounted the horse and directed her out of the estate. What this meant was he had to put a stop to Lady Angel’s ways and ensure she was out of his aunt’s life with haste. Poor Aunt Jean was far too trusting.

By the time he reached the house, a light drizzle dusted him and the horse with a sheen of damp. Droplets began to gather on the brim of his hat, and he swiped them away as they trickled down his face. He hoped Lady Angel was at least clever enough to ensure his aunt was not outside for once, or she’d catch her death.

When he reached the stables, he slowed the pace to eye the carriage currently being wiped down. Bunching the reins in his hand, he clenched his jaw. That damned Christopher Cartwright was back and no doubt clutching at Aunt Jean’s skirt hem hoping to charm her into another of hisinvestments.Reuben blew out a breath. He doubted any of the money went anywhere other than Cartwright’s own pocketbook.

Drawing off his hat as he entered via the rear door, he pushed a hand through his damp curls and worked his way through the house toward the main drawing room. Servants greeted him with a curtsey. He forced a tense smile, but his knuckles hurt from grasping his hat too tightly. He’d be damned if that bastard would take advantage of his aunt again. If he had any proof of what the man had done, he’d have handed him overto the local magistrate. Unfortunately, it was only hearsay at present.

Not that he needed evidence to know Cartwright was up to no good. The man was a notorious gambler and a blaggard to boot.

Reuben slowed his pace when Lady Angel’s light laughter trilled through the house. The sound made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end—and not for the right reasons. He ground his teeth together and tried to force his mind away from the sordid place it kept seeming to end up when in her presence. What a fool he was to be so distracted by a pretty smile and a laugh that seemed to tangle his insides. No doubt she had distracted many a man with her wiles, and he’d be damned if he’d be added to that list.

With cautious steps, he moved into the hallway, aware of the leather of his boots creaking with his every movement. It might not be becoming to sneak into a house, but when he heard Cartwright’s low tones, he knew he needed to hear whatever they were conversing about. For all he knew, they were looking to swindle his aunt together.

Another laugh. He bit down harder. Curse the woman for having such an attractive laugh—and for using it so frequently. He remembered it from the one ball he’d attended in which she had also been in attendance. It was no trifling, girlish giggle, but a full one that drew attention and made people want to smile. He’d witnessed that very thing himself in Town, and apparently it was not put on for the people of theton.

“I hope we shall see much more of each other, Angel.”

Reuben fought a snarl and slid behind the staircase to peer around. Cartwright had his back to Reuben while Lady Angel stood to the man’s side, her profile illuminated by a candelabra nearby.

“I am here for another two months, so I am sure we shall,” replied Lady Angel.

Cartwright moved marginally closer. Reuben didn’t think she had even noticed him encroaching on her space, buthedamn well did. First, he didn’t address by her title and then he stood far too close to her. If he did not already know her, then he was being entirely inappropriate.

Reuben rubbed his jaw to ease the ache from clamping it tightly shut.

“I look forward to it.” Cartwright moved closer still. “We can get to know each other much better.”

“Well, you must be warned that Mrs. Stone intends to keep me quite busy.”

Scowling, Reuben observed her take a slight step back from Cartwright. Her tone held a slightly hesitant note that belied her easy smile and the laughter he’d heard. It seemed she did not know him after all.

“I did not take you for the sort of woman who was all work and no play.” Cartwright closed the gap again, and it was hard to miss the lascivious quality of the statement.

“You hardly know me, Mr. Cartwright. I do not think you should jump to conclusions so quickly.” She straightened her shoulders and looked him square on.