The bastard gawked at him, eyes bugging out of his head, thin lips trembling.
“It means anything I say will be believed. It means I can kill you and walk away freely.” Michael adjusted his grip menacingly. “It means I can buy off every damn one of your servants so no word is ever mentioned regarding my presence here this morning.”
The earl’s complexion had changed from pasty white to a reddish-purple color.
“I-I-I’m s-s-sorry, Your Grace,” he sputtered tightly.
Michael twisted the cravat and lifted the man even higher.
As the spineless earl struggled to breathe, Michael’s fury diminished slightly. He could not, in fact, kill the man, as much as he was wont to do so. Some awareness returned, and the red haze that clouded his vision dimmed slightly. He released his grip suddenly, and Hawthorne collapsed back onto the chaise.
Michaelwould notput up with this man’s antics any longer. And with his decision came an icy calmness.He had had enough.“You will leave England today, Hawthorne—that is, if you wish to live.”
“You cannot make me do that!”
“Stealing horses is a hanging offence, you bastard. There arewitnesses who will testify on my behalf. The treachery you have attempted will be exposed. Did you realize I assist the Regent with his investments, and he has experienced a great deal of success? I am quite within his favor these days. Did you realize it would take but a word from my dear friend to have your title, your lands, everything stripped from you?” Michael’s voice was that of a duke—arrogant and confident. This troublemaker who’d plagued him all year would cease to be a problem today.
One way or another.
Hawthorne rubbed his neck fearfully.
“You will leave for the continent today. If you fail to do so, do not be mistaken. My threats aren’t nearly as hellish as my actions will be.”
Hawthorne’s shoulders slumped, and his gaze dropped. He seemed to realize he’d lost. “I will have my carriage prepared immediately, Your Grace.”
Michael nodded but then reached forward with one hand and pulled Hawthorne to his feet. With deadly intent, he pulled back his right arm, fisted his hand slowly…
And broke the man’s nose. Blood streamed onto the ornate carpet covering the floor.
Locating his handkerchief, Michael wiped his hands on it and then tossed it at the earl. “Good day.”
This hadn’t solved the problems caused by the article, but Michael felt better, nonetheless. And he would no longer have to worry Hawthorne might harm Lilly.
Out on the earl’s front step, he studied his fist and then rubbed his knuckles. He should’ve punched the man when he hurt Lilly on the dance floor. It was about time he protected her.
Left alone,the Earl of Hawthorne reached for another handkerchief and shouted for his butler to attend him immediately. Cortland had been a thorn in his side for too long. Given half a chance, the young fool would be the downfall of the aristocracy.
Cortland, a duke no less, obviously didn’t understand the working class were no better than animals. If allowed to prosper, they would turn against their betters and, as had happened in France, ignite an uprising.
“God damn it, that bloody hurts!” Hawthorne flinched as his valet dabbed at him with a wet cloth. He pushed the servant’s hand away. “Pack my belongings. We’re leaving for the country as soon as possible.”I’ll be damned if I’m leaving England!He snatched the cloth away from the servant and then tenderly dabbed at his nostril himself.
Damned idiot domestics, incapable of anything but the simplest of tasks.
He winced, and at the same time realized his nose now leaned slightly to the left. Damn Duke of Cortland had broken it! Hawthorne didn’t know how, or when, but he vowed Cortland would pay for this!
FINALLY, A BIT OF TRUTH
By the time the viscount arrived at Lady Sheffield’s town house, Lady Ravensdale had been joined by her youngest son, her daughter, and her husband. Lord Ravensdale and Lady Natalie sat on the sofa with the countess, Mr. Joseph Spencer, on a loveseat beside his betrothed. He held her hand affectionately in his.
In a large cushioned chair, Lady Eleanor presided over them all.
Jarvis announced the new arrival and backed slowly into the foyer, closing the double doors as he did so.
In what appeared to be a gallant effort at cheerfulness, Lord Danbury stepped inside and greeted them all with his usual charm.
And then, never a man to beat around the bushes, he proudly announced, “I have come to offer for Lady Beauchamp.” He glanced around the room, a perplexed frown marring his forehead. “Is the lady at home?”
Lady Eleanor pinched her lips before answering. “My niece, overset by the article, has gone out for a walk. We are awaitingher return.” She glanced at a small timepiece and then added, “She has been gone a worrisome amount of time already.”
