Page 85 of Maid for the Marquess

“Words I have heard.”

I snorted in derision, but he ignored me.

“I wish to find out as much information as possible about her real father,” I informed him in a low voice. “I think it would bring her comfort.”

He nodded in agreement. “I have already started inquiries about the possible cousin.”

“Thank you.”

“I will be ready in the morning to escort you to the village,” he said, standing. “If, of course, her ladyship permits it.”

“Let us not allow her to think she has that power,” I murmured.

He smiled as he clapped a hand on my good shoulder. “She already knows, Alexander. She already knows.”

CHAPTER 23

ALEXANDER

The sky was overcast and dark the next morning as we rode into the village. Under the guise of collecting some supplies, we took the cart. The truth was, my arm ached constantly, and the thought of swinging up into the saddle was unpleasant. Especially knowing I would be watched.

At the inn, we entered, surprised to see Dr. Atwood there talking to the innkeeper.

“What is the news?” I asked.

“He is awake, complaining, and cranky.”

“Is he well enough to travel?”

My physician sighed. “He is breathing and the wound is clean, so in my estimation, yes.” He lowered his voice. “He was not of good health before this incident, my lord. How he will fare, I do not know. It is up to his physician when he arrives to his own estate.”

“Good enough.” I looked toward Edward. “Settle the account, and I will go speak with him.”

I headed upstairs, knocking on the door of the room I was told Barnett was in. I didn’t wait for his summons before entering and shutting the door behind me. The room smelled of piss and unwashed flesh, and I grimaced, crossing to the window and yanking it open. “Good God, man, have some pride.”

Barnett glared at me, his hatred on full display.

“Your account is settled as of today. Take your unctuous little crew and leave. Do not return.”

“I will sell you Milton Manor now.”

“No. You had your chance. Many of them. I no longer want it,” I lied.

He cursed me, calling me several names. I remained silent until he was done.

I raised my voice so he could hear me clearly, having no wish to get closer to his person.

“I have no idea why you hate me. Or why you treated Maddie as you did. You could have chosen to see all of her mother in her. To celebrate that she lived on in a clever, loving woman, instead of punishing her for something she had no control over.” I shook my head in anger. “Did you think that made you a bigger man? Hurting a child? Beating her into submission?”

“How I raised her is none⁠—”

I cut him off. “Everything about her is my concern. She is my wife. My marchioness. I hold due any past transgressions to this day. Any slurs you say against her, you say against me. I will drag you through the mud so deeply, you will never recover. Not one word, Barnett. You will leave, you will never return, you will never so much as speak her name, or I will ruin you so thoroughly that not even the lowest of moneylenders will allow you in their door. Even those who wish to profit from you will stay clear.”

He remained silent.

“And you will cease in this tirade of proclaiming I stole her. You gave her away, and I will not hesitate to prove it. I have the funds and the witnesses.” I crossed my arms. “You seem to think you hold something over me, and you do not. I am not a child you can beat into silence. I will use my position and whatever other means to destroy what is left of your life.”

I eyed him with dislike.