Page 71 of Engaging Sir Isaac

“It has come to my attention that a member of your household is abusing their power,” Silas said, all lordly and stiff. “I have come to ask, as a personal favor, that you put an end to it.”

Isaac’s attention focused again on the marquess.

The old man appeared to consider Silas’s words, raising his eyebrows. “Is that so? Abuse, hm? Have you evidence to support this claim?”

“Perhaps.” Silas cut a look to Isaac. “I have the word of my brother-in-law, and the testimony of a young woman. I thought it best I bring the matter to you, Alderton. I would certainly wish to know if a member of my family promised favors and retribution upon members of Society in order to settle petty differences.”

“Indeed.” The marquess turned his attention to Isaac, all of them still standing still. Silas and Isaac were nearly shoulder-to-shoulder and the marquess had not come far into the room. “Tell me, Sir Isaac. I should like to hear—”

The door burst open. Isaac turned, as did the others, to see Lady Olivia standing within the doorway. She scowled, but not at Isaac or Silas. At her brother. Strange. Did she know he had orchestrated this confrontation? She stormed into the room and slammed the door behind her.

She snarled like a wild animal. “I do not care what they have said, Papa, you mustn’t believe it.”

“Olivia.” Her father spoke her name sharply. “What is the meaning of this intrusion?”

“Neil is a traitor,” she bit out, hands curled into fists.

The marquess’s features hardened as he took in the state of his only daughter, and Isaac did not blame him for his shock. Lady Olivia’s cheeks were red, her eyes snapping dangerously, and she appeared wild.

“Miss Wedgewood came up with the whole plan herself. I had nothing to do with it. She betrayed me, and our family’s hospitality, using us for her own gain.”

Lord Neil chuckled from his place on the long sofa, which only appeared to infuriate his sister more.

“Would you make sense of this for me, Sir Isaac?” The marquess regarded his daughter coolly, not looking away from her as he asked his question. “My daughter protests her innocence for a wrongdoing I have not yet heard, accuses her brother, and one of our guests, of crimes against our family. I should like to hear a more level-headed explanation.”

Isaac exchanged a look with Silas. They had agreed to let the earl do the talking, but the balance had shifted. Silas gave a small nod, and Isaac took up the stance of a soldier.

“My lord, one of your guests has fled your house this morning, but not before she gave her reasons. Your daughter has threatened Miss Wedgewood with utter ruin if the other young lady did not do as Lady Olivia instructed. Lady Olivia meant to use Miss Wedgewood in an attempt to revenge herself upon me for a perceived slight. She has wielded Miss Wedgewood, an innocent young woman of gentle birth, as a weapon through her threats and promises—”

Isaac was cut off by a shriek. “Liar.” Lady Olivia stormed forward, stopping a pace closer than her father stood to Isaac. “Why would I ever bother with the likes of a baronet? You are beneath my notice, beneath even my contempt.”

He studied her, the cold fury in her eyes, the way her lip curled. And then, to his surprise and everyone else’s, Isaac laughed. Not long, or loud, but enough that Lady Olivia paled and stepped back, confusion upon her face.

When Isaac spoke, it was still with a touch of mirth. “Come now, Lady Olivia. We both know exactly what lengths you have gone to in order to capture my attention.” There was nothing suggestive, nor lurid in his tone. Yet she paled and darted a frightened look toward her father.

Apparently, the marquess needed nothing more said. “Go to my study, Olivia. Wait for me there.”

She squeaked. “Yes, Papa.” As she fled the room without a backward glance, Isaac almost felt sorry for her. The conniving woman had learned her viscous, hurtful behavior from someone. Most likely, given the sudden chill in his tone, it was from the marquess.

The marquess cast a suspicious glance toward his son, then turned his attention to Silas and Isaac. “It seems we are to trade favors today, Inglewood. If you will encourage your brother-in-law to forget whatever my daughter has done, I will ensure she does no harm to your Miss Wedgewood.”

Isaac looked to Silas, his heart racing. Had they won so easily? If the marquess was aware of his daughter’s intrigues, of her nature, he knew enough.

“We are willing to forget the whole of it, Alderton.” Silas tucked his hands behind his back and nodded to Isaac. “Sir Isaac?”

“If you give me your word, Lord Alderton.” Isaac kept his gaze steady on the older nobleman. “I want no repercussions, no harm to Miss Wedgewood or her family, and your guarantee that your daughter will leave my family alone.”

The marquess, a man of great power even though he had few morals, nodded once. “You have my word. Reputation is everything, Sir Isaac.” He looked to where Lord Neil quietly lounged upon the sofa. “I know all too well how damaging certain rumors can be. My daughter will not act in this manner again.” There were layers to his pronouncement, but at least one message was clear. If Isaac never again spoke of Lady Olivia’s attempted seduction, the marquess would see to it his daughter left Isaac and those he loved alone.

“Thank you.” Silas and Isaac bowed, taking their leave. Just before Isaac took the last step out the door, he glanced over his shoulder to Lord Neil. He caught the man’s eye, curious as to what part he had played in the confrontation.

Lord Neil had the audacity to smirk, but nodded once, as though in salute.

When they stepped into the open air again, Silas shuddered. “It’s rather like escaping a den of snakes.”

Isaac chuckled and put his hat upon his head, noticing for the first time what a glorious sky hung above them. The sky was blue, with dots of white clouds drifting by, and a sun so bright and glorious that it lifted his heart to stand beneath it.

“What will you do now?” Silas asked, still walking to the carriage.