“If you stay here any longer, I cannot guarantee I will remain a gentleman.” He gave a gruff laugh and squeezed her leg. “Well, somewhat of a gentleman.”
She sighed and blew out a breath. “I almost would rather you did not.”
“We must speak with Henry first.” He tapped her nose with a finger. “You know we must, Gus.”
Biting down on her lip, she nodded. “I know.”
Doubt flickered in his eyes. “You drive me to the edge of insanity, do you know that?”
“I think you are trying to do the same to me.”
“I only hope I am doing the right thing by Henry. I owe my brother a lot.”
“So you would consign me to a loveless marriage out of duty?”
He shook his head with a half-smile. “I am too selfish for that.”
“I do not believe that.”
“Ah, Gus, must you always believe the best of people.” He ran his hands down her arms and took a step back.
“Only of you.”
“I shall endeavor to spend the rest of my days trying to live up to your expectations. Exacting though they are.”
She gave him a light tap on the arm. “Even now, you cannot help but tease me.”
He lifted his shoulders. “Call it a habit.” He aided her down from the desk but drew her straight into his arms once more, holding her close and running his gaze over her face. “I look forward to having the freedom to hold you like this whenever I wish.”
“Me too.”
“But for now, you had better return home.”
“And we shall tell Henry tomorrow?”
Miles shook his head. “Wednesday. I do not expect him to return from wherever he is until then.”
Two days. She could survive that she supposed. At least it would give her time to summon the words to explain to Henry what she felt. It was not going to be an easy road—breaking an engagement with one brother only to become engaged to another. No doubt it would invite some awful salacious gossip. She peered into Miles's intense gaze and smiled. It would be worth it, of that she was certain.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Lord Ashwick, there is a...man here to see you.”
Miles peered over his paper and scowled. “A man?” Why had his butler not taken his name? Or perhaps Greggs had and Miles simply had not noticed. He could not help but feel distracted considering his brother was due to return tomorrow and Augusta planned to visit so they could tell him the truth.
“Show him into the drawing room,” Miles said, folding the paper.
Greggs shook his head, tightening his lips. “I have him in the kitchen. It seems the best place for him.”
Miles's frown deepened but he shrugged. “Very well.” If it was one of the tenant farmers, they'd not be happy simply being left in the kitchen thanks to muddy boots but hopefully Miles could smooth over any issues.
Rising from the breakfast table, he made his way quickly downstairs and through the dim corridors to the kitchen. Lit by thin windows high up by the ceiling and not receiving the sun on this side yet, the room was gloomy—and empty. Apparently, his guest had scared all the maids away. He slowed his pace once his eyes had adjusted to the dim light and the silhouette of the man became apparent. His back was to him but Miles would recognize those shoulders and posture anywhere.
Nester turned with a grin. “Lord Ashwick.” He removed his hat and performed a ridiculous bow.
“What the bloody hell are you doing here?” Miles curled a fist at his side.
“I told you I'd not forgotten about you.”
“I don't give a fig. What makes you think you can step inside my house?”
“Well, I was invited in.” He grinned. “Though, I had rather hoped I might get an invite into the posh rooms. I even wore my best hat.” He shook the article of clothing in question at him.
Jaw tight, Miles forced a breath through his teeth. The old man was as manipulative as any man could get but Miles was no longer an impressionable young man, looking for a use for his fists. “I suggest you leave, Nester, before I set my gamekeeper on you. He's an excellent shot.” Miles paused. “As am I. And you are trespassing.”
Nester’s grin expanded. “See? You're still the same old Stanton. No title can change that. Always ready with a threat.”
“So you should know well enough that I always follow through on my threats.”
The old man took a few steps toward him, skirting around the long table that ran down the center of the kitchen. The stench of stale alcohol and smoke grew stronger. “Come on, Miles, we both know you must be bored out of your wits. This isn't you.” He gestured around the room. “You might have been born to money but we both know the blood of a scoundrel runs through your veins.”
“Not anymore,” Miles said tightly.
“Think of what we could achieve with your new powers and my wiles. You'd never have a dull day.”
“You really believe you are offering me something, do you not?” Miles shook his head. “You always were addled but age has done you no good.”
“I'm offering you safety.”
Miles chuckled. “You think you scare me, old man.”
“No, but I might scare that pretty lady of yours just like I did your brother.”
Heat roared through his veins. He stepped forward and grabbed Nester by the scruff of his shirt, slamming him down onto the kitchen table. The old man struggled for a moment then relaxed, laughing.
“See? You haven't changed a bit.”
“What do you know of her?”
“I know you like to spend time with her alone.” He tugged at Miles's hand as Miles pressed harder, making the man's face redden. “Time kissing. On tables, for example.” He laughed, the sound gruff and cracked. “You should have just taken her then and there. Now you'll never get the chance.”
The heat inside him chilled to sudden ice. His heart dropped down to his toes. “What do you mean?” Miles asked hoarsely.
“Come join me. Then you can be sure nothing will happen to those you care about again.”
Miles eased his grip on him and allowed him to stand. “Where. Is. She?” he demanded.
Nester shrugged, straightening his shirt. “Could be anywhere.” His grin turned wicked. “If you would just help me with one thing, I'm certain I can find out for you.”
Miles stared at him. There was no way he could go back. Whatever Nester was involved in, it would hurt people. It may have already hurt Augusta. “Go to hell,” he muttered.
“Stanton...”
His fist struck flesh before he'd even registered it. Blood exploded from Nester’s face. Miles cradled his sore knuckles while the man cursed and cupped his nose. “It's Lord Ashwick to you,” he bit out. “And I'm excellent friends with the local magistrate. I can be sure to have you put away for threatening a member of the aristocracy and trespassing.” He closed the gap between them once more, forcing the man against the wall. “Unless you tell me where the woman is.”
“I told you, I don't know.”
Miles grabbed him by his shirt neck again and hauled him into the silverware room. Shoving him in, Miles slammed the door against his protests and locked it from the outside. Pocketing the key, he marched upstairs. “Have word sent to the local jail. A thief and trespasser is locked in the silverware room,” he told Greggs.
“My-my lord?”
“I need to leave. Now. Just get someone here.”
Miles didn't wait for a response and snatched one of the horses that had been saddled for exercise. He had to find Augusta before anything happened to her. Damn him and damn his past. If it weren't for his idiotic behavior as a young man, she would never be threatened. He rode hard toward the Snows’ house, cutting across fields while his mind raced.
Hell's teeth, he'd never forgive himself if she was harmed. He should have known seeing Nester again would bring trouble. The man likely could not resist Miles's new wealth and connections. What a fool he was to think he could put his past behind him an
d pretend to be an upstanding viscount worthy of a woman like Augusta.
He rode out to Augusta's house, his shaking fingers pulling the doorbell. Neither Augusta or her parents were home and the housekeeper could not say where Augusta had gone, only that she was with Mrs. Lockhart and Miss Larkin. He cursed softly under his breath and forced himself to offer a polite farewell before riding his horse into town.
If she was with the two women, she was vulnerable. As much as her friends seemed loyal, there was little they could do against the sort of men Nester had under his command. He frantically hunted through every shop and tea shop but there was no sign of any of them.
Where the devil were they? Walking? Visiting with each other? God damn it, if Nester had hurt Augusta, he'd tear the man to shreds rather than waiting for the law to deal with him.
He stomped out of the tea shop and tugged his pocket watch out. Two hours had passed since Nester had come to his house. He could be too late. She could already be—
No, he couldn't think of such a thing happening to her. The chances are they would hold her for ransom—it was not unknown for them to do so. But what would she suffer in the meantime? He mounted his horse and led her out toward Mrs. Lockhart's house. Hopefully someone would know what had happened to them.
As he rode a frantic pace down the lane, an open carriage, driven by a woman by the looks of it, trundled down the road. Both occupants of the vehicles wore bonnets. His heart thudded so hard against his ribs that it made his gut roll. It had to be her, surely?
Picking up the pace, he caught up with the vehicle, calling Augusta's name. The carriage drew to a halt and he stopped by the side of it, catching a glimpse of dark hair under the bonnet of the passenger. Mrs. Lockhart scowled. “Lord Ashwick, whatever is the matter?”
He ignored her, looking to Augusta. “You are well? Unharmed?”
Augusta's brow puckered. “Yes, but—”
“No one threatened you?”
She shook her head. “Miles, is all well? You look terribly—”
“Are you certain?” he demanded. “There was no one following you? No one you did not recognize?”
“We had a lovely tea at Miss Larkins while we discussed wedding plans, then we strolled around her fiancés grounds,” Mrs. Lockhart said. “We have not been threatened or followed, I can assure you of that.”
Augusta put a hand to Mrs. Lockhart's arm and climbed from the carriage. Miles dismounted deftly off his horse and strode around the vehicle to meet her, taking hold of her arms and looking her over. “You are certain you are well?”
“Yes, perfectly fine. What is the matter, Miles? You look frightful.”
“Because I thought—” Miles shook his head. Of course Nester wouldn't be foolish enough to take Augusta. He was a terrible person but he was no fool. Abducting a local woman would draw far too much attention. He must have hoped the mere threat would be enough to get Miles to act.
And it almost had been.
“Miles, what has happened?” she asked softly.
He cast his gaze over her, drinking in her wide eyes and soft lips, remembering how they felt against his own. “Nothing has happened.”
“This does not look like nothing.” She gestured to his bedraggled appearance.
“Nothing that concerns you, Gus, I promise you. I thought it did but I was wrong.”
“If you are upset, then I think it—”
“No,” he barked. “It does not concern you. It never should have.” He cursed under his breath. “I was a fool to think I could have you.”
“What on earth do you mean?”
He grimaced and rubbed a hand over his face, feeling the stubble that he'd yet to remove that day. “You’d be better off with Henry,” he muttered.
“Miles?” Hurt flickered in her eyes. “You cannot be serious...”
“I am.” He gave a wry laugh. “I really am.”
“No.” She shook her head and crossed her arms.
“He’s the better brother, Gus.”
“No,” she repeated firmly.
“Gus, damn it.”
“Whatever the problem is, we can deal with it together.”
“That is trouble,” he said, “you cannot deal with it. You should not have to. It's my rotten past and it should never be inflicted upon you.”
She tilted your head. “This is about your past?”
He nodded stiffly, wishing to God she did not look so damned beautiful and sweet. Her friend kept her gaze pointedly forward but no doubt Mrs. Lockhart could hear every word. He took Augusta's arm and led her a little further away. “I thought it was behind me but it is not. It never will be.”
“All men are a little wild in their youth. All that matters is the man you are now.”
He snorted. “I am no different. I wish I was for you, but I'm not. I cannot have you being placed in danger.”
“Why would I be in danger, Miles? You are not making any sense!”
“Look, I was a bad person in my youth. It was not some mere rakish behavior. I did bad things, hurt good people.”
She bit down on her bottom lip. “I thought it was just some drinking, maybe some gambling.”
He shook his head. “I spent time with people who would think nothing of slicing your throat for some jewels. And I stood by and let it all happen.”
“But—”
“Listen to me, Gus.” He gripped both arms tightly, forcing her to look at him. “Henry is the brother you want, not me.”
She lifted her chin. “You cannot tell me what I want.”
“I can, and it's not me.” Miles released her arms and turned away, swiftly mounting his horse without looking at her. “It's not me,” he told her once more. “I wish to hell it was and I'm more sorry than you can imagine, but it's not me.”
She opened her mouth but no response came. Miles didn't wait for her to summon any words but he could feel her gaze upon his back as he rode away. Clenching the reins tightly, he willed himself to keep his gaze ahead. He wasn't wrong, but first he had to do one more thing for her. If he was going to make sure she was truly safe, he needed to pay Jenkins a visit. If he was going to use his past for anything good, he'd remind the man exactly who he really was.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“Are you quite well?” Joanna asked, taking Augusta's hands in hers as Augusta greeted her and Chloe on the doorstep of the family home.
Augusta managed a tiny nod. She glanced at Chloe, who gave her a sympathetic smile. It seemed Joanna had apprised her of the situation with Miles. After he approached them two days ago, shaken and upset, Augusta had no choice but to confess all to Joanna. She could not claim to feel much better but she had at least come to a firm decision...
Regardless of what had happened between her and Miles, she could not marry Henry. It was not fair to him and it was not fair to her. For the first time in her life, she was going to make a decision for herself, regardless of what their families might think, regardless of what the future may hold for her.
“Thank you for coming,” she said, her voice hoarse.
She had cried herself ragged yesterday but had awoken with a strange sense of strength today. She supposed she had been feeling it grow since the moment she'd decided to cease awaiting Henry's return but it had blossomed overnight, somehow born of her frustration and heartbreak at Miles's confusing behavior. Why did he think she cared for his past? Why did he let it haunt him so?
Well, if she could do nothing about him, she could at least do something about her fiancé.
“I was hoping you might take me to Charlecote House.” Augusta gave a hopeful smile.
“Oh?” Joanna's brows lifted. “To see Miles? Or Henry?”
“Henry,” she replied.
“We will do whatever you need us to do, is that not right, Chloe?” Joanna looked to Chloe.
She nodded firmly. “Including giving that Lord Ashwick a piece of my mind if I need to.”
Augusta's smile widened. “That will not be nec
essary, I promise.”
“Well, let us get on our way.” Joanna gestured to the carriage, awaiting them on the road.
Ignoring her shaking hands and the nerves swirling in her belly, Augusta settled on the seat next to Chloe, aware that both of her friends were watching her as they went on their way. She wished she could tell them more but, if she was honest, she had hardly considered quite what was going to happen when she'd penned a quick note to her friends, asking for their help. If she went with her mother, there was no chance she could speak with Henry honestly.
And today was a day for complete honesty, for the first time in a long time.
“What if Lord Ashwick is at home?” Chloe asked. “Surely you have no desire to see him?”
Augusta shook her head. “He will not be. He, um, is usually at the estate offices at this time.”
Heat rose in her cheeks when she recalled her last visit there. It would be something she'd never forget. She bit back a sigh. If only she could fathom what had been running through Miles's head...if only she could come up with some way of fixing the situation. But she was at a loss. He had seemed so determined, so anguished. It had taken a good deal of strength to even drag herself out of bed today let alone contemplate whether there was some way of reassuring him that she did not care for his past. Even if it did seem it was far more awful than she had realized...
“Chloe and I may take a walk around the ground before joining you, if you do not mind,” Joanna suggested when they drew up outside of the house.
“Or we can stay with you, if you prefer,” Chloe offered quickly.
Augusta felt herself blanch as the reality of what she was to do struck hard. Regardless, she shook her head. “No. I should do this alone.”
Joanna gave her hand a little squeeze before they disembarked and went their separate directions. Augusta straightened her spine and climbed the steps to the front door on shaky legs. She was led to the drawing room and only had to wait a few moments until Henry joined her. He smiled, flashing white teeth at her. She could not help but smile back. Once upon a time, that smile would have sent her belly tumbling over itself, but that easily swayed young girl was long gone.
Married to the Lord (The Wallflower Brides Book 2) Page 15