“Good evening, Miss Middleton.” When his gaze skimmed over her dirty hair, gown, and hands, he stopped short, his eyes widening. “What in the blazes happened to you?”
“You found Pegasus.” She ignored his question and hurried to her horse, taking the reins from Edgar’s hand. She stroked the animal’s neck and hugged him. “Oh, my baby. Where did you go?”
Edgar cleared his throat. “I found him near the Hamptons’ estate.”
She gasped and glanced at Edgar. “That far?”
“Yes. When I noticed him, I knew right away he was yours.”
Warily, she cocked her head and narrowed her eyes on him. His red freckles weren’t as prominent in the dark, but his red, bushy hair still glowed like a lantern in a fog. “Pray, how did you know Pegasus was mine? I don’t believe you have ever seen me ride her.”
His face brightened with a blush. “But Miss Middleton, Ihaveseen you riding—when I visit my aunt.”
Either the man was lying, or he had spied on her while staying inherhome. Her stomach twisted again. Just the thought of him watching her ride made her nauseated. “Well, then, I’m happy you found my horse and brought him back.”
He stepped closer and grasped her hand. “Miss Middleton? Won’t you give me another chance? As you can see, I care very deeply for you.”
Ellie gritted her teeth. She wanted to tell him how much she loathed men who treated women like last week’s sewer. She rummaged through her mind for something nice to say, but she couldn’t think of anything. “My lord, I cannot give you a second chance. I do not like you, and I never will. Please, don’t press the issue any further. Bothering me about this matter will only cause me to hate you more.”
He sucked in a breath and shook his head. “No, that’s not possible.”
Ellie shrugged. “Actually, it isverypossible. I have seen the way you treat other women, and I would rather not be one of them.” She turned Pegasus toward the stable. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take my horse and get him ready for the night.”
“Here, Miss Middleton.” Vincent’s footman jumped to her side, taking the reins. “Allow me to do that. You’ve been through so much tonight. I fear your father will want you to go to bed straightway.”
She smiled. “Yes, you’re correct. And I thank you for all the help you’ve given this evening.”
She glanced at Edgar, who stood staring at her with a flabbergasted expression on his face. The conversation she’d overheard between him and Augusta returned to her thoughts. No wonder Edgar was so stunned.AuntieAugusta had promised him she’d take care of things. Ellie was relieved to know that her stepmother hadn’t made good on her promise.
She climbed the porch stairs and, as she glanced back over her shoulder, noticed that Edgar was still standing in the same spot, staring at her. Instead of the puppy-dog look he’d been giving her lately, he glared at her with evil eyes.
Chills ran up her arms and down her back. Never had she felt more fearful. Quickening her step, she hurried inside the house and closed the door behind her. No doubt he was still staying in her home, even though she’d instructed her stepmother to send him packing. How could she get any rest now? And what, pray tell, would the vile man do next?
*
Vincent hid ayawn behind his hand, trying not to let anyone at the duke’s party see how exhausted he was. Bright and early this morning, he had contacted the constable, who had some police inspectors drop by the burned stable and ask Vincent questions. They questioned the few servants he had, but nobody saw anyone sneaking around in the dark that could have started the fire.
This was definitely not an accident. Someone vicious, with a cold, calculating heart, had done this.
Once the police inspectors left, Vincent rode to Ellie’s house to speak to the duke. Sadly enough, Ellie was still in bed, and so Vincent wasn’t able to see her.
The duke’s concern heightened Vincent’s worry. They couldn’t let another so-called accident happen. How could they stop it? The duke promised that he would announce Vincent and Ellie’s engagement at tonight’s dinner party. He prayed they would be able to find some clue as to who the person who wanted to wreck their lives might be.
As Vincent greeted people at the party, his gaze was mostly on Ellie. Tonight she looked stunning. Of course, she could wear boys’ breeches and he’d think she was beautiful. But this evening, she wore a powder-blue gown, similar to the one she wore last night. The square neckline didn’t seem as bold as the other one, but it still emphasized a generous bosom. The sleeves were shorter on this gown, and small beads of fringe hung off the edges. She wore her hair the way he liked it—loose, with tendrils around her ears.
He didn’t dare take up too much of Ellie’s attention, but it seemed the guests at tonight’s party swarmed around her constantly. Vincent couldn’t find a moment to speak with her privately. They still needed to go over their plans for this evening’s main event once they left the party.
“My good man. Aren’t you the lucky chap?”
Vincent’s attention was pulled away from Ellie when her brother approached him. Vincent gave his friend a quizzical stare with an arched eyebrow.
“Lucky? Pray, how do you figure that, when only last evening my stable was burned to the ground?”
Dominic slapped Vincent’s shoulder and shook his head. “There are two reasons that make you the most fortunate man at tonight’s social.” He swept a gaze around the room. “Look at how many people have offered to assist you in rebuilding your stable.”
Vincent nodded. His friend was correct. It surprised him how many people had given him money or offered up their servants to help rebuild the stable. This was certainly a kind township. “Yes, I suppose I should be grateful that most people have such giving hearts.”
“You should.” Dominic folded his arms across his chest. “And the second reason you are the luckiest man in this room is because you are about to become very rich.”
