His steely blue gaze shifted to her. Their eyes locked, and he gave her a thin smile. “I can and do attest to the veracity of our betrothal.”
Her breath caught. She lowered her eyes, ashamed at the earlier direction of her thoughts. Zeke had taken up the earl’s lie. Might the ruse work?
This was Garrick. A little thing like a betrothal wouldn’t stop him. As her guardian he could deny the supposed match. Likely would.
Still, this so-called engagement would afford her time. Time she could use to plan another escape.
“I see.” Garrick pursed his lips. “You can, of course, produce documents attesting to this betrothal?”
A muscle ticked in Zeke’s jaw. He took one step toward Garrick.
The earl stayed him with a touch to his forearm. “Of course. We’ll need to contact our solicitor for a copy of the agreement, however.”
Garrick made a show of examining his nails. “As a fellow peer, I find it unspeakably gauche you entered into such a liaison without negotiating a settlement with me, her legal guardian.”
“With you? No,” the earl replied. “We do, however, have a document signed by the late Baron, attesting to his approval of the marriage.”
Garrick’s eyes flashed with uncertainty. She could almost read his thoughts. Was there any such signed document? If so, could he contest it?
Kitty almost smiled.
“I see,” Garrick murmured. “Speaking as herlivingguardian, I must insist on an amendment to the contract, to allow for certain…” He paused, and one corner of his mouth crooked upward.
“You refer to a monetary settlement, I assume, Lord James?” Lord Claybourne asked.
“Indeed.”
Zeke glowered at no one in particular.
“That will be no problem—one our solicitors can see to. As for the previously signed documents, we shall provide those at the earliest possible opportunity.”
“Tomorrow will work nicely,” Garrick bit out.
His hand snaked out to grasp her wrist, and she chirped in alarm.
“What is it, cousin? You’re as nervous as a church mouse.”
She tried to pull free, but he held tight.
“I can’t possibly allow you to remain under the same roof as your betrothed, unchaperoned. You will come with me.”
“What's this?” The earl demanded. “You can’t take her.”
Garrick’s grip tightened until her bones screamed at the pressure, yet, when he spoke, his tone was cool. “I can and I will. I’m staying at a reputable boarding house in Albemarle, where I’m certain I’ll have no trouble securing another chamber.”
He curled his nose at Kitty as if suddenly smelling a rat. “Have you a gown, or must I parade you around town dressed in your boy garb?”
She nodded, unable to speak.
“See you do something with your hair, as well. Quickly. We leave immediately.” He finally released her.
She rubbed her aggrieved skin and cast a miserable glance at the earl before starting from the room.
“Oh no you don’t, James. You’ll produce documents attesting to your guardianship before you to leave the premises with Lady Kitty.”
Garrick’s eyes bulged in outrage. “I beg your pardon?”
“I can’t possibly sanction her leaving with you, with no chaperone to speak of, and no proof to the validity of your claim.”
