Lord Worthington’s eyes narrowed. “And why is that?”
“Because you have treated her most deplorably, and I have no intention of letting her go back into your care.”
“Miss Bentley is my responsibility,” Lord Worthington said. “Not yours.”
“I absolve you of that responsibility.”
Lord Worthington shook his head. “I am not sure what Miss Bentley told you, but we have an understanding between us.”
“We do not!” Ellie exclaimed with a wave of her hand. “I have no intention of marrying you, not now, not ever!”
“Your mother already granted her permission for us to wed,” Lord Worthington said.
Ellie gasped. “She would do no such thing.”
Lord Worthington nodded. “I assure you that it is true,” he responded. “I learned that you were in London when I read the society page and discovered that you have besmirched our good name.”
“I did no such thing.”
“If that is the case, then why has your reputation been tainted?”
Ellie pressed her lips together. “It matters not,” she replied.
“But it does,” Lord Worthington argued. “Your mother was as saddened as I was to see your name in the Society pages, and she sent me to come and retrieve you.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Lord Worthington took a step closer to her, and Lord Bideford visibly tensed in response. “Do be a good girl and go pack your things. We have quite the journey ahead of us.”
Lord Bideford put his hand out in front of Miss Bentley. “I’m afraid I won’t allow that.”
“You have no say,” Lord Worthington declared. “Miss Bentley has not reached her majority yet, and her mother is still her guardian.”
“Where is the proof that Lady Worthington wishes for you to return with her daughter?”
Lord Worthington huffed. “The only proof I need is my word.”
“That is not good enough.”
Taking a step closer to them, Lord Worthington said, “Then I shall go get the magistrate, and he shall sort out this mess.”
“By all means, you are more than welcome to,” Lord Bideford replied. “I have no doubt that Judge Bradford would be happy to speak to you.”
“There is no reason to protect Miss Bentley from me,” Lord Worthington insisted. “I only have her best interests at heart.”
“Is that so?” Lord Bideford asked.
“It is.”
“Then you will be happy to know that your predecessor left a copy of his will at the church probate court, and my solicitor is asking a judge for it to be enforced,” Lord Bideford said.
Lord Worthington’s mouth dropped open for a moment before he slammed it shut. “You have no right to pry into my business!”
“Was it your intention to deprive Miss Bentley and her mother of their inheritance?”
“You know not what you are speaking of,” Lord Worthington argued, “but you will see that Miss Bentley will have no choice but to return home.”
Lord Bideford slipped his arm around her waist. “My betrothed is not going anywhere.”
