After his rueful smile made her laugh, Nicholas returned to the ballroom.
There was still no sign of Simon Leeming or his friend, the Frenchman, Bettencourt. As Nicholas went to search the other reception rooms, Simon appeared through a doorway. Spotting Nicholas, he approached him.
“Lord Pennington. I hoped to have a word.”
“Well, here I am,” Nicholas said, failing to shake the man’s proffered hand.
He looked nothing like Max. His hair was light ginger where Max and Carrie’s were a rich auburn and his eyes hazel. Not the deep brown of both father and daughter.
“I wished to thank you.”
Nicholas raised his eyebrows. “Thank me?”
“Yes, I was pleased to learn you stepped into my shoes in my absence to care for the poor orphaned children. But now, I am back in England and as I intend to remain….”
Nicholas eyed him coldly. “Do you seriously believe Max intended you to take them?”
His eyebrows slammed together, and a sour look pulled down his lips. “I had hoped you’d be more agreeable. It’s my plan to see to their welfare. I am extremely fond of them. And I am the children’s closest relative.”
“I’m not about to deny an obvious fact. Are you aware that only the children’s father can name a guardian for his children, and such a guardianship cannot be transferred to another except by action of the Court of Chancery?”
“Well, no, but I’m sure you would be glad to relinquish yourself of the responsibility.”
“But I don’t wish it. I am perfectly happy to follow Max’s instructions. To the letter,” he added.
“And they were?”
“To keep them away from you,” Nicholas said coldly.
Simon scowled. “I don’t believe it!”
“Whether you do or not, those were the terms of our agreement. You are a wanted felon. I’m surprised you have the temerity to turn up here.”
The man flushed an unattractive red. “I was unjustly targeted. They found the men behind the murder and hanged them.”
“If you were innocent, why did you run?”
“Should I have remained to be unfairly charged?”
Nicholas lowered his voice as two people walked by them. “You owed the owner of the club who was murdered a lot of money, did you not? And the men they convicted and hanged were friends of yours.”
“I don’t intend to stand here and explain myself to you. I shall see my niece and nephew, and I doubt you can prevent me.”
“Then I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed,” Nicholas said. “If you try, I’ll set Bow Street onto you. I’m sure it would please them to bring you in for a chat.”
Simon narrowed his eyes. “I wouldn’t if I were you.”
Nicholas’s spine stiffened. “Is that a threat? I don’t take kindly to threats. I’ve dealt with men far more dangerous than you.”
“Wartime is different. They would have fought with honor, Pennington. I am a dirty fighter, as you will no doubt find out.” He swiveled on his heel and strode away.
Nicholas uncoiled his fists as Simon left the ballroom. He’d longed to take a poke at the scoundrel. And he might have that pleasure before long. But the man’s declaration of future interference left him uneasy. He couldn’t afford to ignore a threat from such a man with his history of violence. The one truthful thing Simon said was that he wouldn’t play fair. Simon was as evil as the day was long. And that made him dangerous.
Nicholas went in search of his sister. He hailed her where she stood with a group of friends.
Gwen excused herself and came to him. “Carrie is in the supper room with Mr. Ludlow.”
“I know.” He explained his concerns to her.
