Even Mr. North looked taken aback. As a man who owned a fortune thanks to his family’s trade but no title, for business alone he needed to be respectful towards a baron.
“Lord Wharton,” he said, slouching his posture. “I wasn’t aware of your acquaintance with Angeline.”
“Miss Haywood,” Mr. Alexander… no, Lord Wharton said, sounding as upset as she was.
“Miss Haywood.” Mr. North held up a hand. “I had no idea Miss Haywood knew you.”
“I’ve known His Lordship for quite a long time,” she said not without pride. Served Mr. North right.
The scoundrel’s eyebrows rose to his hairline as if he’d realised something obvious. “I see. You’re my competitor, my lord.”
Lord Wharton glanced at her. “Competitor?”
“How much did you offer?” Mr. North asked.
Lord Wharton’s frown deepened. “For what?”
“For—”
“Don’t.” She stepped between Lord Wharton and Mr. North. “It’s nothing, a misunderstanding. Mr. North will leave now.” She’d rather spend a day on the chair of a dentist than let Lord Wharton know her mother had put her virginity on sale. A fake sale but still a sale.
“What misunderstanding?” Mr. North kept talking unhelpfully. “I’m paying three thousand pounds. However, after tonight’s outrageous behaviour, I’ll reduce my offer. How much have you offered, my lord?”
Angeline hid her face behind her hands. How she wished to fly away on a carpet like in one of thoseArabian Nightsstories. She was going to die out of sheer embarrassment.
Of all the rooms in the home of Lord and Lady Redvers, she had to choose the one with a man she hadn’t seen in two years. The man who’d saved her life was now a baron.
“What are you talking about?” Lord Wharton shifted his gaze from Mr. North to her. Confusion was spelt on his scrunched-up face.
Mr. North nodded towards her. “Ask Miss Haywood.”
“Miss Haywood.” Lord Wharton stepped closer to her and dipped his head to catch her gaze.
The contact shocked him if the way his eyes became large was any sign. Also, touching his chest was like touching a slab of steel, only warmer.
“Please don’t mind Mr. North. Don’t listen to what he says.”
“I don’t understand what’s happening here.” Mr. North wasn’t a great observer since he didn’t realise Lord Wharton obviously had no intention of making an offer. “I demand Miss Haywood clarify the situation, especially after she behaved so horribly with me.”
Angeline lowered her hands, having no intention of clarifying anything. “Mr. North, please leave. I wish you to leave.”
Lord Wharton crossed the room with two long strides. “Miss Haywood was clear.” He held the door open and shot a cold, hard glance at Mr. North. “Out. Now.” It was an order given with the authority only a man of power possessed.
“The conversation isn’t over.” With all the outrage of someone who had been deeply wronged, Mr. North left the room.
She sagged in relief as Lord Wharton shut the door. What a mess. What an embarrassment. Perhaps she should take the risk of breaking her ankle and flee through the window.
Lord Wharton drew in a breath that strained the fabric of his waistcoat. “Miss Haywood.” It sounded sweet and low.
“Mr. Alexander… I mean, Lord Wharton.” She dropped a curtsy. “I didn’t know you had acquired a title.”
“Sod my title. What was that idiot talking about?” He stretched out an arm in the direction of the door.
“A long story. Rather boring, actually. You are a baron, my lord? Congratulations! How do you like being a lord? Exciting.” Her attempt at distracting him from what Mr. North had said was pathetic.
He worked his jaw. She could almost hear his thoughts. Likely, he debated whether to press the subject or let it go.
“You may call me Royston, Miss Haywood.”
