“I would, thank you.”
Andrew crossed to the drinks set up a silver tray and measured three fingers of liquor into each snifter. He returned and handed one to Ivo, then sat on an armchair opposite him at one side of the fireplace.
Ivo studied Andrew over the glass. “You look like a man with something on his mind.”
“On the day I went up to London shots were fired in the wood. One came perilously close to my son. It was in an area where no one is permitted to discharge a firearm.”
Ivo raised his eyebrows. “And you believe it was me?”
“I don’t know who it was. But I intend to find out.”
Ivo swirled the Cognac in the snifter then tossed it back. “Well I’m afraid I can’t help you with that.”
“Were you out riding?”
He rubbed his chin. “With Greta in London? No. I was in bed, I imagine. Alone as it happens.”
Andrew frowned. “And since you mention it, I would prefer you to leave my female staff alone.”
A smile tugged at Ivo’s mouth. “You mean the governess? Tasty little piece, isn’t she?”
Andrew’s blood boiled, Greta’s brother or no, he wouldn’t get away with that. “Whether she is or not, Miss Harrismith must be left to do her work. She is not here for your amusement.”
“Very well, Your Grace.” Ivo cocked an eyebrow. “I shall avoid the governess.”
“And the rest of my female staff,” Andrew added. “None are here to entertain you. If you wish for feminine company, I advise you to return to Town.”
“Unfortunately, Greta might object to that.”
Andrew found he didn’t much care. “I’m sure your sister can be persuaded to part with you.”
“Perhaps. She has little need of my company.”
Andrew narrowed his eyes. “Which means?”
“Your cousin has been most attentive. But I shouldn’t worry, Your Grace. He could never be your rival.”
For a moment Andrew quietly studied him. The man was being deliberately provoking. Why, he had no idea. Andrew put down his glass and stood, gazing pointedly at the arrogant man, wanting him off his property and out of his sight. In another minute he might forget he was the host, and this man Greta’s brother. “If you’ll excuse me, I am rather busy.”
Ivo stood. “I’m considering going into Oxford for a few days.”
“My carriage is at your disposal.”
Ivo nodded. “Then I shall leave tomorrow. I’ll see you at dinner, Your Grace. We can make up a four for whist. Or might we play vingt-et-un for higher stakes?” At the shake of Andrew’s head, Ivo held his rather delicate long fingers over his mouth as if to stifle a yawn.
The door closed. Deuce take it! The fellow needs a lesson in manners, Andrew thought.
At four o’clock, he entered the yellow salon where Greta sat alone reading a magazine, dressed in a blue gown the color of her eyes. She put down the magazine. “I had hoped you’d ride with me this afternoon, Harrow.”
“Tomorrow, Greta. I promise.” He seated himself beside her on the sofa upholstered in gold damask. “I must apologize. I have been a neglectful host. It was not my intention, but matters have conspired to keep me busy.”
Greta frowned. “You have been preoccupied since we arrived. I find myself wondering what has caused such a change in you.”
“There was a fire in the nursery.”
“A fire? Dear me. Was it put out?”
“Yes, thankfully, by the governess.”
