“Because I have plans for her, so keep your distance,” Cavendish persisted.
“I’m not sure what gave you the idea I care about your interests, Cavendish, but let me dissuade you of that notion. You have never, and will never, feature in my thoughts. You are of no consequence to me.”
Fiery red filled Cavendish’s cheeks at the insult.
“And I’m sure Miss Spencer will do as she wishes,” Anthony added.
Renee, who hadn’t left as he’d said he was, made a noise low in his throat that sounded like a growl. Anthony shot him a look, but with that beard and the thick glasses, he couldn’t tell what the man was thinking.
“She will do exactly as I wish. One of my strengths is discipline after all,” Cavendish added, recovering from the insult Anthony had given him.
He and Cavendish had never outright discussed what had taken place in Blackwood Hall, but the man across from him had alluded to it a few times. Anthony had not engaged until now.
“I’m sure I’ll break her spirit as I have done others,” Cavendish continued. Anthony knew all too well,like you, was what he wanted to add. “She is a woman, after all.”
“Il est indigne de votre colère, mon seigneur, car c’est un lâche,” Renee said softly.
He is unworthy of your anger, my lord, as he is a coward.
“What I’ve always found,” Anthony said, in total agreement with Renee, “is that bullies pick on those they see as weaker than them because stronger opponents would turn them into sniveling cowards, which invariably they are.”
Cavendish rose from his chair, bracing his hands on the table and leaning in to glare at Anthony.
“I am no coward!”
“I don’t believe I mentioned your name,” Anthony said, rising and doing the same. Beside him Renee rose too. “But of course if my description fits you, then—”
“I will break you as I have done so before, Hamilton. Never forget that!” Cavendish roared, eyes blazing with rage now.
Anthony smiled but knew it would not reach his eyes. “I would be very careful who you threaten, Cavendish. It will not go well for you.” He leaned in closer until their eyes met. “This time you are the weak one, and I can destroy you with ease. Watch your back, my lord, and your purse, because both are in danger. Especially if you ever speak to me again as you just have.”
Cavendish spluttered, and Anthony smiled at the flash of fear he saw in his eyes.
“How dare a man like you threaten me!”
“Oh, I dare, and I can and will harm you if need be,” Anthony said softly. “Remember my words.”
He left before Cavendish spoke again. Renee was walking through the last door as Anthony reached it. He followed him to where they left their outer clothing.
Any encounter with Cavendish left a sour taste in Anthony’s throat, and tonight he’d showed his hand. Before now, he’d just tolerated the man, but no longer. He also now knew Cavendish had plans for Miss Spencer, and while she vexed him excessively, he would not wish a life with that monster upon anyone.
“Be careful of him, Renee,” Anthony said, because the man needed the warning. It did not take much to make an enemy of Cavendish, and he thought tonight that may have happened. “He will not forget your insults, even if he did not understand them all.”
The man shrugged as he slid his arms into his overcoat, and Anthony thought he had done what he could. It was not usually his way to intervene, but he’d felt the need. If the Frenchman had no wish to heed his warnings, then so be it.
He watched Renee raise the back of his wig to straighten the collar of his overcoat. Even in the dim light, he clearly saw the two small dark marks, before he lowered it again.
Had he seen those marks before?
Chapter Eight
“An ice? Weare to go to Gunter’s, Evie? Really?” Prue followed these words with a little bounce on the balls of her feet.
“Well, there is the small matter of a walk through the park first we are about to undertake. It is everything to be seen as you know, sister dear,” Evie said, smiling at her excitement.
“But an ice.” Prue sighed. “I’ve so longed for one.” She lifted her face to the sun. “It’s a beautiful day to savor a Gunter’s ice,” she sang.
“You sound like a child.”
