Page 67 of Maid for the Marquess

I turned to Maddie. “I shall return shortly, and our pleasant day will continue.”

More tears fell down her cheeks. She had become white and fearful-looking again. I was furious and ready to draw arms against the man at the gate. Strike him down where he stood for causing her anguish once again. I strove to calm myself, knowing I needed to keep a cool head and banish him.

I bent and kissed Maddie. “I will be back.”

“Promise me.” She gripped my waistcoat. “Do not let him near you either. He is like a snake and will strike when you least expect it. I could not bear it,” she sobbed.

That was when I understood her greatest worry. Not her father taking her away, but me being hurt or killed.

I cupped her face. “Ah, Maddie mine. My love. No one on this estate shall be hurt. He is the one who should be fearful of my wrath for being here. Causing you pain. Trust me and know all will be well.”

I waited until she nodded hesitantly.

I passed Mrs. Dougall in the hall. “Watch over her.”

“Mr. Dougall is downstairs too, sir. None will get past him.”

“Very good.”

Downstairs, Edward was waiting, silently handing me my pistol. I tested the weight in my hand, pleased with the balance of the grip.

Edward’s gun was already in his hand. I saw him touch his side, and I knew a knife was at the ready. We were prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. Not that I expected anything good to come from this encounter.

We mounted our horses and trotted to the gate. I refused to hurry and composed my features into what I hoped to be a look of annoyance and boredom. I allowed no concern or worry to leach into my countenance.

As we drew close, I narrowed my eyes, seeing Barnett pacing. He was even thinner than the last time I saw him, his clothing showing wear and neglect. He required a good meal, a proper haircut and shave, and no doubt a valet. As well as the funds to pay for it all.

None of which I would offer to him.

With him were three men. One I recognized as a gentleman who had been at the card game, Baron Fine. One was his old butler. The third was familiar, but I could not place him. Something about his hawklike nose and cold gaze struck me as memorable, but how, I wasn’t certain.

We dismounted, strolling toward the small group. Two of my grooms stood in front of the gates refusing them entry. I called out, telling them to open the gates, and Barnett stormed through, bellowing, red-faced, and furious. Edward held up his hand, stopping his progress, and I stood my ground, placing my hands behind my back and glaring at him.

“What is the meaning of this unwelcome interruption? Tell me. Now,” I demanded.

“You leave me at the gate? Like a beggar coming to ask for a crust of bread?” Barnett shouted. “Nowhere in polite society would this be acceptable!”

He froze as Edward cocked his gun, his arm straight, his grip firm. “Nothing about this damned situation is polite. Answer his lordship’s question.”

“I came to rescue Madeleine. You absconded with her in the dark of night. Taking her away like a thief. You, sir, are no better than the lowest of criminals. You have ruined her and smeared my good name.”

It was all I could do not to laugh at the absurdity of his words.

I crossed my arms over my chest, drawing a deep breath. “Absconded with her?” I repeated. “You put her up as a bargaining chip in a card game. Demanded I take her. Your words, I believe, were that I was to do with her whatever I wanted, then discard her.”

I glared at him. “Instead, I chose to marry her and give her back her rightful place in society. Is that what you are so angry about?” I paused. “That her rank is now higher than yours?” I asked snidely.

He ignored my question. “I have a witness who will swear otherwise.”

I looked at Baron Fine and laughed. “As I recall, the good baron lost early that evening and was in his cups an hour later. He wasn’t in the room when you led your daughter out as a sacrificial lamb to slaughter. And his reputation is highly questionable. A scenario with several married women and a sudden flurry of familiar-looking babes, I think?”

Baron Fine flushed, his face an angry shade of red. “I am done,” he muttered, climbing into the carriage and slamming the door.

“Next witness,” I stated, my sarcasm evident. Beside me, Edward chuckled low in his throat at my tone.

Barnett indicated the old butler. “He has signed a document with my solicitor, indicating his truth. That you left in the night, taking my daughter and her elderly companion against their will.”

Now I recognized the solicitor. Known for his underhanded ways and rewriting laws to suit his own purpose, he was the lowest of the low.