Heavy footsteps came down the staircase, and Lord Colbert came into view. The resemblance between him and his second son was clear. They might have been mirror images of oneanother if not for the father’s excess of padding, receding hairline, and deep grooves between his brows and around his eyes. He eyed Colin and Lucas.
“What do you want?” he demanded.
“Ta stop dancin’ a reel with yer hired hamfists, for one,” Colin offered.
The man’s brows creased even more, and he looked at Lucas. “What ditch did you pull him out of?”
Lucas’s ire rose. “Are you the head of the Heatherdown Canal Company?”
“I am no working man, if that’s what you imply.”
Lucas nearly rolled his eyes. Lords and their need to appear rich without ever lifting a finger. Someone ought to remind them that no one would ever accuse them of working as hard as a farmer or businessman. “Do you fund the company?”
“Who is asking?”
Colin crossed his arms as Lucas said, “Lord Berkeley. Heir to the Marquess of Cheltenham.” Lucas did not like to throw his titled weight around, but it seemed necessary with this man.
The man peered at him, eyes suddenly widening with pleasure. “You looking to invest?”
Colin and Lucas exchanged looks.
“No,” Lucas said. “I’m looking to discover just who is setting hired men on my family and friends.”
There was a moment of stunned silence, then Lord Colbert glanced at his butler and said, in a low, clipped tone, “Let us discuss this in my office.”
With continued glances over their shoulders, they followed Lord Colbert to the back of the house into a study that oozed wealth and prosperity. A maid hurried ahead of them, lighting candles, then slipped from the room. Lord Colbert pulled on the ties of his dressing gown as he sat. “That is quite an accusation, Lord Berkeley.” But he did not sound so confident as before.
“It is quite an offense,” Lucas returned. Then, crossing his arms, he speared the man with a look of utmost reprobation. “I’ve no desire to skirt around the matter, Lord Colbert. I have become aware that you are the head of the company, and if you do not call off your hounds, there will be consequences you will not enjoy.”
The man’s jaw jutted forward in defiance. “I am not saying I have any part in the matter, but perhaps you ought to stay out of another man’s business.”
“When you decided to attack my family members, you made it my business. Do you not understand your position here? In a moment, I could have each of your investors calling off. I could have your family’s name drug through the mud of the Strand. No home would welcome you—no one would do business with you. I hold power you do not seem to comprehend. Do not test me.”
More of Lord Colbert’s confidence slipped from his face, and he rubbed his hands together, swallowing hard. “Gentlemen, perhaps we can come to some sort of agreement.” He stood. “Why don’t I prepare some drinks for us?” He was already on his feet, crossing the room. “Something strong perhaps?”
“Sit down, Colbert,” Lucas said. Colin began getting to his own feet, likely imagining the man was about to make a break for it.
“I will only be—”
“He said, sit yer backside down. Or ye ken I’ll do it for ye.”
Colbert turned back to them, mouth pulled tight. His solemn expression gave Lucas a spurt of success. Finally, the man was taking things seriously.
***
Lydia kicked at Mr. Frank Colbert, but her foot met only air when he pulled his legs to the side as the carriage jumped into motion. Her heart was pounding in a combination of fear,anxiety, and anger. She was leaning into the anger to repress the other feelings.
He raised his hands, his face registering surprise. “Miss Faraday, I do apologize, but I could not stand by while you witnessed that disgraceful scene.”
“If you could not stand by, you ought to have helped!”
“I have!” he nearly yelled. “I am not being modest when I say I am no pugilist, Miss Faraday. The best I could do in this scenario was exactly what I have done. Your friends would not have wanted you to come to harm—therefore, I have removed you from harm.”
Lydia’s nostrils flared, and she nearly stomped her feet—every turn of the wheels took her farther from helping Charlie and Sir Henry. And Lucas. Where was he if not at the club? Or had the thugs finished him off before setting on Charlie and Sir Henry?
The thought made it suddenly difficult to breathe.
“Mr. Frank Colbert,” she said, straining for a modicum of calm, “I appreciate what you have done, or at least the sentiment behind it, but I cannot allow you to drag me away like this. It is... unwarranted, unseemly, and entirely unwanted.”
