“No.” Stafford shuffled some paper on his desk before looking back up. “However, I have already assigned someone to that duty.”
What? How? He had only received a note of his disappearance last night. “Who?”
Stafford frowned, not used to his decisions being questioned. “That is classified, and you know it.”
“With all due respect, my lord, I know how he thinks, what actions he would take. Surely, I am better suited.”
“That is precisely why you have not been assigned. You are too close to him. Your friendship with him would only put you in danger. I cannot allow it.”
“I assure you—”
“Lord Ashton, my answer is no.”
Tony sighed, but bitter disappointment filled his gut, and he kept his fisted hands in his lap. He knew Stafford always told the truth and was a man of his word, and he had to trust in his decision. Oh, but it cut him to the quick.
“Besides, you have other duties to perform. I trust Miss Sterling has arrived safely.”
“She has. But I…”
“Good. I did regret sending Beckett. Not because he could not do the job, just that he can be… a little rough around the edges.”
“That is one way of putting it.” Beckett was all sharp edges and hardened leather. He doubted the man knew how tonotplay rough.
“I hope she was not too traumatized by her ordeal?”
Traumatized? Shame made him fidget in his seat. He had not been very considerate last night of what she had been through. “She seemed to take it very well considering Beckett had pretty much kidnapped her, thrown her into a dark carriage with no explanation and very few of her own belongings. Foisted her over his shoulder to dump her unceremoniously on a sofa in the parlor all while only maiming a few footmen.” It certainly explained her shyness this morning. They had not talked about last night, or how she may have felt this morning. He had not handled it well.
“Oh dear.” Stafford looked down at the papers on his desk. Tony knew the man was hiding a smile. It sounded ludicrous even to him, and he had been there.
“Warrington was not at all pleased but managed to be civil about the whole thing. There is, however, a problem.”
“And what problem is that?”
Tony threw his hands up in the air in frustration. “What the hell am I supposed to do with her? I mean, she is no longer a child but a young woman. There is only Warrington and myselfin residence until my mother and sister arrive. I cannot ignore her until then.”
Stafford’s face contorted as if trying desperately to stop a grin from emerging. “Shopping,” he said. “I recommend shopping.”
He had said the same thing to himself last night, but now it was no longer the joke Stafford was intending. Tony let out a sigh. It looked like he really was going to have to take her shopping. “And then what?”
“My wife quite likes going to art galleries, museums, and adores a good book shop.”
“So, I am simply to play her London guide? What happens if Markham really is dead? Does she have no family?”
“In all honesty we had no knowledge of her until I broke open Markham’s file and found the letter. She was his father’s ward before him and from what I could gather Miss Sterling’s father and Markham senior were friends. I will have to investigate further into her family to see if she has any suitable relatives but, legally, you are to oversee her welfare until she marries or reaches her majority whichever comes first.”
“I still do not understand why he chose me as he knows I am unwed.”
“He must have had his reasons. Perhaps you were the only one he truly trusted to look after her. You are young, well connected, and have a congenial family.”
Tony hmphed. “You have obviously never seen us all together.”
Stafford steepled his fingers again. “And yet, I am completely at ease knowing you are her guardian. Be nice to her, Ashton. None of this is her fault; remember that.”
Well, now, he felt like an arse. He had not really considered her feelings at all. So concerned over his friend that he had ignored the fact she had been frightened. He had wanted to find Markham and then give him a facer for putting him in such aposition, but really, how bad could it be? His mother and sister should arrive any day now and he would let them take over and he could get on with doing what he did best, which was not taking women shopping.
Yes, once his mother was here, everything would be well.
Chapter Three
