“Indeed,” Kate added, lifting her chin in a pose Grayson well recognized.“He objected to the banns for Lucy’s nuptials and told me that I would be forced to end my marriage.”
Grayson stiffened, his attention swerving back to Brown.All of his anger over his obsession with his wife fled at the thought of losing her forever.It was one thing to live apart and quite another to give her up.He couldn’t.He wouldn’t.
Then Grayson’s heart skipped a beat as his gaze swung back to Kate.Surely, she did not condone such a suggestion?
Weakness.As soon as he recognized it, Grayson stamped on it savagely.Right now, he needed all of his wits to handle Uncle Jasper and his henchman.He would deal with Kate later.
As if her accusation had finally sunk in, Jasper gave a horrified gasp and whirled upon Brown.“What lies are you spouting now?”he asked the man, who gaped stupidly.“This fellow worked for me at one time, but I dismissed him after I caught him thieving from me.”
Brown sputtered a protest from his chair, but Jasper ignored it.“Indeed, that is one of the reasons I am here, for I discovered he was taking the money I entrusted to him to send to my precious girls to pay his gambling debts,” Jasper said, waving his hand with a flourish.
Turning to Brown, he said, “Now answer truthfully, and it will go easier on you.You are no longer in my employ, are you?”
The man stared at Jasper for a long moment before hanging his head.“No, sir,” he muttered.
“There, you see?There is no reason for alarm,” Jasper said.“The culprit has been apprehended, and now I would but make amends for his dastardly deeds.”
Grayson studied Jasper carefully.“I’m afraid you have a little bit more explaining to do concerning your management of the Courtland estate, Mr.Gilroy.”
Jasper looked nonplussed.“Why, whatever do you mean, my lord?”
“Perhaps we should adjourn to the study to discuss this in private.”
“By all means, but if you are going to talk of finances, I must plead ignorance,” Jasper said, shaking his head with a rueful smile.“I’m afraid all that business is handled by my solicitor.Why don’t we travel on to London, so that you can ask him directly?If there has been some misunderstanding, I would like it taken care of, so that I can come back and enjoy a nice, long visit with my nieces.”
Grayson hesitated.He had just arrived, as had Jasper.As much as he would like to see the situation resolved as soon as possible, he saw no reason to rush off at once, when they could stay here for the night…
The very thought fired Grayson’s blood, and eager for a reconciliation he looked to his wife,.When she refused to meet his gaze, turning toward Jasper instead, he felt as if she had dashed him with cold water.
“I think that would be a fine idea, Uncle.I’m certain that you two can come to some agreement.You see, I’m afraid we haven’t the staff here to entertain guests, so better that you find accommodations in London,” Kate said.
She glanced toward Grayson then, her gaze cool and remote, and he stiffened, while Jasper looked around the room with a puzzled expression.Although fewer than the usual complement, the number of servants who crowded the drawing room must have seemed sufficient.
“Very well,” Grayson said.Masking his anger with contempt, he dismissed Kate with a glance.“You may stay with me in London, Mr.Gilroy.”
“Oh, you are too gracious by half, my lord,” Jasper exclaimed with a delighted smile.“I appreciate your generous offer, but I believe the Chister town house is still available, is it not?”he asked Kate.
“I wouldn’t know,” she replied.
“Oh, dear.I should never have left the country.Obviously, my solicitor has not handled things properly in my absence.Let us go to his office at once to straighten things out.I swear I will not be able to sleep a wink until all is well again.”
“Very well,” Grayson said.“Shall I follow you?”He had no intention of letting the elusive Jasper disappear once more.Of course, it was possible that Kate’s uncle was speaking the truth, for even the smartest of men were duped by schemers and sharpers.If so, Grayson was willing to accept an arrangement for repayment to the estate.If not, then he looked forward to getting his hands on the duplicitous bastard.
Unaware of Grayson’s thoughts, Jasper smiled.“Why, yes.That would be delightful!And, girls, I do promise to come for a stay once everything is settled.”He winked at Lucy.“And I wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything, my dear.”
“Badcock, see that all is readied for our departure,” Grayson said.
“Yes, sir,” the valet said.“And what of this fellow?”he asked, pointing at Brown.
“Have one of the footmen take him to the magistrate, and then return here.”Although Grayson hated to make any of the servants stay when they were unprepared to do so, he was not willing to leave Hargate unattended again.
Tomorrow he would arrange for a proper staff.In the meantime, the footman, along with the two men Wells had sent after him, would have to suffice.At least the place wouldn’t be unprotected.
As for Kate…
Grayson’s jaw tightened.He would deal with her later.By supreme force of will, he bowed first to Lucy and then in the general direction of his wife.“Good day,” he said coolly.
Striding from the room, Grayson realized that on the surface, at least, it appeared as though he had the polite marriage that he had once desired.
