“How fascinating that you’re monitoring my reading habits,” Norwich replied coolly.
“Reading is one thing. Calling on its proprietor for private tea suggests you’re hoping to influence the paper’s coverage.”
“My interest in Miss Thornton is perfectly legitimate.” Norwich’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “She’s quite remarkable—intelligent, passionate, and surprisingly beautiful despite her… imperfection. Her newspaper provides a useful platform.”
Hereford’s jaw tightened at Norwich’s casual reference to Amelia’s limp. “If you’re considering adding her to your collection of conquests, I advise against it.”
“My collection?” Norwich’s eyebrows rose. “That’s rich coming from you.”
“Miss Thornton is not some opera dancer or bored Society wife.She’s a serious woman of substance.”
“Precisely what makes her so intriguing,” Norwich leaned forward slightly. “Imagine having such a voice of moral authority eating from one’s hand. Or should I say, warming one’s bed?”
Hereford’s hand clenched at his side. “I’m warning you, Norwich. She’s not a woman to be trifled with.”
“I find myself more intrigued by your reaction,” Norwich studied him. “Could it be the lord who tups every lightskirt harbors a tender spot for our Miss Thornton? Or is it merely that you’ve come to appreciate certain of her… attributes?”
“I respect her work,” Hereford hissed. “And I know your methods. You’ll use her, damage her reputation, then discard her once you’ve extracted whatever value she offers.”
“How chivalrous,” Norwich’s tone dripped with amusement. “I wouldn’t have expected you to appoint yourself guardian of a commoner’s virtue.”
“Look elsewhere for dalliance.”
“We shall see,” Norwich’s smile turned calculating. “Miss Thornton has proven quite receptive to my attentions so far. Her newspaper’s influence would be most valuable to my interests, not to mention the more personal benefits.”
“If you harm her in any way—”
“You’ll what?”
Hereford’s smile was dangerous. “Let’s just say I know things about your business practices that would make fascinating reading in theMetropolitan Review.”
Norwich’s eyes turned icy despite his smirk. “You will not, Hereford. I recognize a kindred spirit when I see one. You wouldn’t ruin my reputation when it’s tied to our joint venture because you’re as insatiable as the rest of us.”
Hereford watched the older man embark onto the carriage and pull away, wondering where his protectiveness of a woman whoclearly despised him had come from. When he spotted Norwich’s crest on the carriage parked in front of theReview, he had reacted instinctively. He had been fueled by rage at the thought of Norwich exploiting Amelia Thornton’s principles and worse.
“Utterly ridiculous,” he muttered, turning away. Feeling protective toward a woman didn’t mean he had tender feelings for her. The idea was absurd. She hated him. She was a commoner. And again, she hated him.
