Page 88 of A Perfect Gentleman

“She was. You may not care to acknowledge it, but Laura is a kind person. Fair and honest. She would never wish you ill.”

“Yes, yes, I am well aware what a paragon she is.”

“Stop being so bloody contemptuous. Laura was worried. She heard about your other accidents. She is afraid you are in danger.”

“In danger? Well, she should know.”

“I should have known—but you didn’t see fit to tell me that someone tried to push you down the stairs.”

“What could you have done about it? It had already happened.”

“What I can do is make sure it doesn’t happen again. You’re going to Lydcombe Hall.”

“I beg your pardon. You intend to pack me off to the estate, like some mad aunt? You think I’ll quietly do as you bid and—”

“I am sure you will not quietly do as you’re bid,” he thundered back. “Ever. But, by God, this once I intend to make sure you will be somewhere safe and secure.”

“As soon as I get away from here, I’ll be safe and secure!”

Graeme’s eyes widened. There was a moment of dreadful silence. “You think that I—that I am the one who is trying to kill you?” He felt as if she’d slapped him. “Abby . . .” Unconsciously he took a step back. “You believe I could want to harm you?”

Abby reached out, looking stricken. “No, Graeme . . . I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I’m sorry. I know—I told Molly you wouldn’t hurt me.”

“Molly? You’ve thought about it, you’ve been discussing it—discussing me—with your maid?” Now a saving anger was rising up in him.

“I didn’t think anything—apparently I am the only one foolish enough to think no one wanted to kill me. But Molly was worried. She thought—”

“That I would murder you. I see. I might have known you would value your maid over your husband.” He swung away, then turned back, saying acidly, “You needn’t worry. You won’t be bothered by my presence at the Hall. I will remain here. I intend to find out who is behind this. But you will go to Lydcombe Hall, where I can set men to guard you. And though you don’t trust me, you can rest easy, knowing that your maid is there to protect you.”

Graeme moved numbly through the next few hours, refusing to think about the fact that Abby believed him capable of killing her. Instead he went methodically through the necessary details, talking to his grandmother and to the footman who would accompany Abby’s party to Lydcombe Hall, a quick man both physically and mentally, and one on whom he was sure he could rely. He wrote a letter of instruction to the butler at the Hall, and, finally, he sent one of the maids to bring Molly to his study.

The middle-aged woman entered, jaw set, eyes bright, looking the very image of someone prepared to fight. She stopped in front of his desk and fixed him with a glare, saying, “If you’re thinking to let me go, don’t bother. Miss Abby’s my employer, and I’ll not leave her till she says so.”

“That is what I would expect, I assure you. I sent for you because I want to impress on you the need to protect my wife.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “You think you need to remind me of that! That’s what I’ve done for the last twenty-five years, and I’ll do it till my dying breath, and that’s a fact.”

“Good. I am relying on your loyalty to Lady Montclair. I am aware you think I am to blame. I won’t bother to argue the matter with you. But I’m afraid you will assume she’s safe because I’m not there and you will relax your guard. You must not.”

Molly frowned. “What are you saying?”

“I am saying that I’m not a danger to her. Someone else is trying to harm her.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know. If I did, I would already have taken care of him. I am staying in London to find out who tried to hurt her. I will alert the servants at the Hall to watch out for strangers, and I’m sending a footman with you, as well.” Graeme stood up, leaning forward and bracing his hands on the desk. “But you are the one who is most with her, the one most dedicated to her safety—not to mention one of the most suspicious human beings I have ever had the misfortune to meet. Don’t let your dislike of me blind you to other dangers.” He had to stop to clear his throat. “Watch over Abby.”

“I will.” She lifted her chin. “Just like always. Nobody’ll hurt her while I’m there.” She fixed him with a piercing look.

“I am counting on it.”

chapter 29

Graeme was at his cousin’s door and about to knock when he heard a single thunderous bark behind him. He turned to see James strolling toward him, his mastiff by his side. The dog apparently recognized Graeme, for his stiff, watchful posture was replaced by a wag, and the animal loped forward to greet him. Graeme braced for a two-hundred-pound welcome, but James’s mild “Dem—manners” brought the dog to a halt and he merely planted his massive head against Graeme’s hip.

“Walking Dem yourself?” Graeme asked.

James snorted. “All the servants are terrified of him except Hastings, and he wasn’t here.” He frowned as he drew closer. “What’s wrong?”