“I care about everything that makes you happy.”
He must have said something shocking because her eyes widened and her lips parted. But he had something even more shocking set aside for her.
He was about to tell her that he wanted to court her properly when his very agitated butler opened the door.
“My lord, Lord Neville is here and wishes to see you.” Mason patted his forehead with a handkerchief. “I’m afraid your uncle seems quite insistent, my lord.”
“Show him in, Mason, thank you.”
Mason had barely time to bow before Uncle Neville strode inside. His gaze flickered over Edith for a glacial moment. She stiffened.
Uncle Neville straightened his fine jacket. “Perry, Edith.”
“Miss Winkworth.” Perry stood up. “You will address Miss Winkworth appropriately when in my presence, or you may leave now.”
Edith trapped her bottom lip between her teeth.
A muscle in Uncle Neville’s face twitched. “I’m very well acquainted withEdith.”
More than Perry would like.
He clasped his hands behind his back. “If you refuse to be civil with my guest, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave without allowing you to tell me why you came here in the first place.”
“Very well. I won’t address her at all.” Uncle Neville produced a folded letter from the inner pocket of his jacket. “I’d like to discuss your late letter with you.”
Edith rose. “I’ll leave you.”
He was about to tell her to stay, but perhaps she was uncomfortable in Uncle Neville’s presence. “Thank you, Miss Winkworth.”
She gave him a little smile before walking out.
Uncle Neville turned his head to stare at her in a fashion not at all gentlemanly.
“Uncle,” he said, frustration burning the back of his mouth.
“What is she doing here?” Uncle Neville jabbed a finger in the direction of the door.
“Reach your point. I don’t have much time.” Perry sat on his chair, but his uncle remained standing.
“We agreed about you renouncing the title. And then you send me this?” He waved the letter.
“I’ve had a change of heart and realised how cowardly it was of me not to face my duty. That’s all. Albert and my solicitor support my choice. It’s nothing personal.” Actually, it was.
Uncle Neville placed his hands on the desk. “I beg to differ. You shouldn’t be the earl. Your health is too delicate.”
“Thank you for your concern, but I’m well. I’ve fully recovered from the incident.”
Uncle Neville arched a sceptical brow. “I heard rumours about you.”
“Oh, I heard rumours about you, too. I can tell you exactly what I heard.” Perry held his uncle’s stare.
“I’m incredibly curious.” His uncle put aside a pile of documents to lean closer. “What did you hear?”
“Leave Miss Winkworth alone.”
He tapped the letter. “Renounce your title, and I’ll oblige.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
Uncle Neville pocketed the letter again. “Then I’ll do what I want with Miss Winkworth, and the outcome will be your doing.” He stressed the last two words.
Over his dead body. “You don’t deserve the title. You put the Ravenscroft name to shame.”
“We’ll see who is the one shaming the Ravenscroft name, Nephew. You and Miss Winkworth will hear from my solicitor.”
Perry clenched his jaw when his uncle left. His uncle’s threats didn’t worry him; the law was on his side regarding the title, but Edith was another matter.
