“The widow is not cheating. You shall have to pay what you owe.”
“What?” the man blustered, his jowls growing ruddy as anger washed over his face.
“I paid you to find evidence of her treachery, I expect you to deliver!”
Starling cocked his head. “You expect me to fabricate a reason for you to weasel your way out of your debts?”
“Now listen here, you bloody bastard-”
Starling winced and raised his brow in warning.That was a blow a bit too close to home, even for his taste.
“You were recommended as someone who made problems disappear. Now makethis onego away.”
“No.” Starling’s voice was hard, cold. He was dangerously close to losing his temper.
“No!No?”
Holsen stared at him in disbelief, meaty fists bunching at his sides. “You will regret this, I promise you that. Don’t think for a moment that someone like you has any recourse but to obey your betters.”
Starling whistled through his teeth, noting with satisfaction the way his lack of reaction did nothing but anger the man in front of him even more.
“Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you look at the widow,” added Holsen with a note of scorn in his voice.
Starling narrowed his eyes at the implication. “I would be careful what kind of threats you throw around,my lord. One never knows when the proverbial birds might come home to roost.”
Holsen’s jaw worked, and the man drew himself up to his full height, staring haughtily down that unfortunate nose of his.
It was magnificently proportioned for the affectation though, mused Starling, as he waited for the words he knew would come next.
“I will ruin you,” hissed Holsen, storming past Starling towards the hallway.
Starling stared up at the ceiling, rocking on his heels as he waited for his blood to cool.
“You won’t be the first, or the last, to try,” he muttered to himself, his habitual grin reappearing on his lips as he smoothed a hand down over his cerulean blue flocked waistcoat.
Slipping his hands behind his back, he strolled back into the hallway. Already his thoughts were turning once more to the widow.
Perhaps he could persuade her to leave with him, today if possible. It might be best if Starling departed before things got ugly.
Besides, Holsen needed to be taught a lesson in manners, and Starling intended to be the one to do it.
Seton would help him, Starling had no doubt in the integrity of his friend. It was only a matter of time before some unfortunate consequences caught up with Lord Holsen.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Helen was takingan early morning turn around the lavish and fragrant gardens when she spotted Lord Holsen appear at the foot of the path.
She had craved a moment alone to gather her thoughts in the aftermath of her shocking indiscretion.
Shockingly wonderful.
She sighed, straightening her shoulders as she pretended to study the small folly that crumbled elegantly in the centre of the rose gardens.
“Mrs Montrose, I am so glad I caught you,” huffed the man as he drew alongside her.
His colour was high, and Helen wondered what had put the man in such a state, after all, it was hardly past noon. Not time enough yet to be in one’s cups.
She carefully clasped her hands at her waist, waiting calmly for the man to continue. She did not usually find herself in conversation with Lord Holsen away from the tables as they had little else in common, and she could not imagine what he might have to say to her.
