Page 56 of Redemption of a Marquess

“Aye, sir, Harry MacLean, the footman who was with me.”

Valan nodded. “It seems I am in both your debts.”

“Think nothing of it, my lord.” The man bowed and left with Baldwin.

Valan turned to Miss Stone. “I owe you thanks as well, Miss Stone.”

“I cannot see how, sir, as it is my fault that Miss Matheson was kidnapped.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” he said. “I will ask, however, that the next time you two decide upon a scheme, that you speak with me first.”

“It isn’t her fault,” Jeanine said. “I told her not to tell you.”

Valan nodded. “The blame lays at your feet, never fear, my dear. But we will discuss that later. For now, I would like you and Miss Stone to go upstairs and rest. We shall have dinner, then go to the opera.”

“I don’t want to go to the opera,” she said.

“I understand you’ve had trying day,” he said. “But I ask that you do me this favor.” He looked at Miss Stone. “I would like you to accompany us—and Peigi, if Richard can spare you, I require your presence, as well.”

Miss Stone rose and walked to where Jeanine stood. “You are unharmed, Miss Matheson?”

“Aye, he didn’t hurt me at all.”

Valan’s attention caught on the envelopes she held. “What are those?”

She looked down at them as if having forgotten them. “You will no’ like it.”

“Does that mean they have something to do with Gordon’s plot to ostracize me from Society?”

Jeanine looked at Miss Stone, hurt in her eyes. “You told.”

“Don’t blame her,” Valan said. “She believed you had been kidnapped. May I have them, please?”

She hesitated. “On one condition.”

He waited.

“You will promise not to take action.”

“Only a moment ago you wanted me to commit murder.”

She looked at the floor. “Aye, but if you did that it would be calculated. After reading these letters, you will be so angry that you might make a mistake.” She lifted her eyes to his face. “You…cannot be killed and you cannot be involved in another scandal, if you are to marry Lady Claire.”

“Marry Lady Claire?” he blurted. “Where did you get that idea?”

Her eyes widened. “I heard it.”

“I have no intention of marrying Lady Claire,” he said.

“Her brother isn’t in negotiations with you for marriage with her?”

“Her brother has been trying to talk me into marrying her for two years,” Valan said.

“You see,” Miss Stone said, “I told you he didn’t want to marry her.”

“But I—”

“Up to your rooms,” he cut off Jeanine. She sighed, then started to turn toward the door. “Jeanine.” She stopped. “The letters, please.”