“A very strong reaction for someone who professes no interest in the fair countess, Colt,” Stephen said.
“Why is Dutton intent on threatening the countess when he received a title upon her husband’s death, which comes with both wealth and influence?” Patrick wondered out loud,choosing to ignore Stephen’s comments. “It makes little sense. I came upon him talking to the countess one day on the street. He was yelling at her about his inheritance and how she had cheated him out of it.” Patrick picked up a piece of discarded paper and hurled it into the fire.
Stephen watched its progress before speaking.
“Obviously, her son is now the earl, which would annoy Dutton, as he believes it’s his birthright.”
“I believe we need to do some digging, my friend,” Patrick said.
“Why?” Stephen inquired, sitting back and sipping his drink. His face was the picture of innocence, but those blue eyes held a wicked twinkle that made Patrick want to punch him.
“Must you always challenge me?” He sighed. “I should have formed a friendship with someone who would constantly agree with my every word.”
“You would have been bored. Were it not for me, you would be surrounded by yes-men who would never question you,” Stephen said.
“I don’t know why,” Patrick said slowly. “I just have a feeling something is off with the Countess of Monmouth.”
“You thought she was the villain before. You don’t now?” Stephen asked.
Patrick ran a hand through his hair. “To be honest, I don’t know what to think, only that what you saw combined with what happened that day in the street when I came upon her and Dutton means I think he is a real threat to her.”
“And she only has Lady Carstairs watching over her?”
“Something like that,” Patrick said. “That day in the tea shop I thought she seemed scared. Her eyes went to the window constantly. I saw two men there, and I’m sure they were looking at her.”
Stephen whistled. “There is the son that needs protecting also.”
Patrick nodded.
“Well now, I thought this season would be as boring as the last one. It seems I was wrong, especially as the countess has you tied in knots.”
“She does not have me tied in knots,” Patrick gritted out. Stephen’s laugh had him stalking to the door.
“Fletcher!” he bellowed after wrenching it open.
“My lord?” The butler appeared seconds later.
“We are to be plagued by Viscount Sumner and his pesky pet until he grows a backbone and returns to his town house. Please arrange a room for him.”
“Sad but true,” Stephen said in a mournful voice from behind Patrick.
CHAPTER 12
“Are you in there, dear?”
Sophie opened the door to her bedroom at Letty’s knock and saw the small parcel in her sister-in-law’s hand. “Is that for me?”
“Yes, it was delivered sometime this morning while we were both out, dear.”
“It’s likely from Amelia, as I know no one else in London,” Sophie said.
“Ah, you’re possibly correct,” Letty said. “Is Timmy still sleeping?”
“Yes, and Doddy is lying beside his bed.”
“I’m so pleased he came to live with us. Not only do we love him, but the staff do too. Everyone seems a great deal happier lately,” Letty said.
“He is a lovely boy,” Sophie agreed.
