AllFreeNovel
Share Us
This man had cast Ford’s mother out of his life like soiled laundry and run her, and Ford’s father, out of London.
Foxton thought he could buy or control everyone and everything. He didn’t control Ford, and he had no business attempting to control Lady Beatrice.
Ford would do everything in his power to help her win this battle.
Although he was probably going to regret it.
He felt the warning in his bones, like the ache in his old elbow injury when there was a storm brewing on the horizon. He didn’t stop to consider impossibilities or timelines. “As it happens, Mr. Foxton, the lady has already hired a carpenter.”
“I have?” asked Lady Beatrice.
“She has?” Foxton echoed.
“Yes.” Ford moved to stand next to Lady Beatrice. “Me.”
Beatrice gaped at Mr. Wright. What on earth was he saying? He couldn’t be her carpenter. He was leaving England. Hemustleave England so that she would cease having these maddening urges to kiss him.
He truly was a breathtaking sight standing with his muscular arms crossed and boots planted firmlyon the floor, skewering Foxton with a thunderous glower.
Standing up for her—for her dreams.
He may as well have come galloping into the room on a spirited stallion and swept her up onto the saddle in front of him.
Beatrice, you ninny. You don’t require rescuing.
But there was no point in contradicting him in front of Foxton. “Indeed. I’ve hired Mr. Wright. All of the arrangements have been made.”
Foxton glared at Wright. “You obviously have no idea who I am, or the influence I possess in this city, Mr. Wright.”
“I know exactly who you are.”
Foxton looked him up and down. “I don’t know you. Never seen you before.”
“You’ll just have to build your factory elsewhere, Mr. Foxton.” Beatrice struggled to keep her voice calm and even. She drew courage from Wright’s imposing presence at her side. “The lady knitters are moving in and there’s nothing you can do to change my mind or wrest this property away from me.”
“We’ll see about that, Lady Beatrice.” Foxton headed for the door. “Come along, Brown. Your services won’t be required until later.”
Mr. Brown trailed after him, looking confused, hat in hand.
At the door, Foxton turned back. “I trust you’ll reconsider this rash decision upon submission of further evidence and discussion between our solicitors. I would hate to have to take this matter to the courts. Good day, Lady Beatrice.” He bowed and left.
Wright closed the door behind him and locked it.
“Cozening fox,” Beatrice muttered. “Jeering goosecap.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” said Wright.
“He can’t take my bookshop!”
“We won’t let him.”
Mrs. Kettle popped her head around the doorframe. “Well done, Lady Beatrice and Mr. Wright. Well done, indeed! You were both magnificent.”
Wright had been rather magnificent, thought Beatrice.
“Wait until Mr. Coggins hears about this. He’ll be so pleased that you’re keeping the bookshop. He’s a little gloomy, Mr. Coggins, but he has a most noble heart.”
“I’m not certain that I can keep it yet, Mrs. Kettle.”
