“Lord Manning is a gentleman!”
“And Mr. Grey is not?!” Goodness, when had their voices raised to near shouting?
Miranda rose, her hands fisted at her sides. “I caution you, Anne. Do not play games with Mr. Grey.” She stomped away, slamming the terrace door behind her.
Anne had never seen Miranda in such a huff. Was there some information about Mr. Grey Miranda was privy to? Something nefarious?
He was a gaming hell owner after all. Anne was not a completeninny. Although Andrew said the establishment was respectable, she was well aware that gambling did have a seedier side. Was Mr. Grey known to be a rake? Seduce women?
A naughty shiver of excitement tripped up Anne’s spine. However, the image of Mr. Grey didn’t form in her mind when she thought about stolen kisses and inappropriate touches.
No, the demon who coalesced in her mind had lovely, sea-foam-green eyes and a thick head of auburn hair.
Who detested her.
Colin searchedthe second-floor parlors for Lady Miranda to no avail. When he peeked outside to the terrace, the only person remaining was Miss Weatherby, who appeared rather agitated about something.
Best not to go out there and enquire about Lady Miranda.
Next, he checked the morning room, which was also empty. As he turned, the book he’d laid on the table the day before snagged his attention. Picking it up, he decided he would return it to the library.
Located down the long hallway, Burwood’s library was an extensive room, with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books of every variety. Colin smiled as he pictured Honoria and Burwood curled up in the wingback chairs, enjoying a quiet evening. The two had bonded over their mutual love of books during their youth. Who would have thought things would work out the way they did?
But not everyone had such a happy outcome. At most, Colin hoped for companionship and some affection, and he had every belief Lady Miranda would supply that. If he could only find her.
As he neared the library, raised voices rang out through the slightly ajar door.
“Miranda, don’t do this.” The deep baritone of the man’s pleading voice sounded familiar.
Grey?And what was he doing with Lady Miranda?
“Ishould slap you!”
Colin quickened his pace. If Lady Miranda was in trouble, he would be her knight in shining armor.
“Be reasonable.” Grey’s voice escalated.
“Reasonable! Who am I supposed to believe? You or Anne?”
“I promise you, there is no reason to be concerned.”
Colin’s steps halted, and he waited outside the door. What was going on?
“Why should I believe you?”
Something slammed, and Colin drew to attention, ready to spring forth and intervene. “Because I’m not the one who is dragging their feet,” Grey shouted.
What the deuce?
Pain flared in Colin’s cheek as his jaw tensed.
“Miles, you know very well why I’m hesitant.” Lady Miranda’s voice softened considerably, and the muscles in Colin’s shoulders eased. “I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions. Will you forgive me?”
“Perhaps. On one condition.”
Did Grey chuckle?
As Colin stepped around the door, he froze at the sight of Grey and Lady Miranda in a passionate embrace. He should have turned away and respected their privacy. And had they been any other couple, he would have. But if Grey was taking advantage of the woman Colin had decided to court, well, that was another matter entirely.
