The Mysterious Miss Flint (Lost Ladies of London 1)

Well, Nicole could not argue with the earl’s logic.

“And in return for your assistance, I shall help you deal with Mr Jameson,” the earl continued. He turned and looked out over the bleak fields shrouded in an eerie morning mist. “There is land to farm here. With the right guidance, the manor might prove profitable.”

Nicole gave a wry chuckle. “And how am I to pay for labourers and livestock? How am I to pay for repairs when the roof leaks?”

“Perhaps I might be persuaded to make an investment.”

So the lord had turned to bribery in his desperation. “But only if I help you find Rose. Only if I persuade her that you knew nothing of your father’s wicked plans.”

“What is it you want me to say, Miss Flint?” The earl stared at her. “Rose’s welfare is my only concern. I’ll not rest until she is safely back at Stanton House.”

Genuine remorse swam in his eyes. While Nicole wanted to trust the sentiment expressed, it was his rich voice that held the power to persuade.

But she could not go back.

Nicole shook her head. “You ask the impossible, my lord.” She flinched, waiting for an angry roar of disapproval, for a demand to obey.

“I can’t leave you here alone.” He closed the gap between them and her heart pounded against her ribcage. “You have a hunger for revenge, Miss Flint. I see it in your eyes. You seek to punish those who’ve tormented you.” His smooth, calm voice conveyed nothing of the inner torment she’d witnessed moments earlier. “Let me help you.”

The aromatic scent of bergamot and cedar flooded her nostrils. Yet there was another fragrance too, something earthy and utterly masculine. Lord, if he continued to stare at her so intently she was liable to swoon.

“Vengeance is a dream of the weak,” she said, fighting the urge to surrender but knowing it was a hopeless cause. “I am not so foolish as to believe I have the power to bring a man to his knees.”

She imagined Jeremy’s forlorn expression as he begged for forgiveness. But her brother’s sad eyes masked a devil with no concept of remorse.

“Help me find Rose. Persuade her of my good intentions, and I shall help you seek satisfaction against those who have harmed you.” He looked past her shoulder to the manor and gritted his teeth. “Starting with those damn rogues posing as servants.”

Nothing would give her more pleasure than to watch the earl grab Stokes by the collar and drag him down the drive. But she found she could not entirely trust his motives. Was he just another scoundrel out to take advantage of a woman on her own?

“Though you may think me naive, I am not a fool, my lord.”

A frown marred his smooth brow. “Why do say that?”

“There is only one reason a man would offer an unmarried lady his protection.”

“Is there?” A mischievous grin played at the corners of his mouth. “Please feel free to enlighten me.”

Oh, this man liked to tease.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Her cheeks grew warm, and she waved her hand back and forth between them by way of an explanation. “If seen together, everyone will assume I’m … I’m your mistress.”

“And that offends you?” He chuckled. “Without meaning to sound conceited, Miss Flint, you are a paid companion. The role of mistress to an earl is considered a superior position.”

“A superior position?” Nicole snorted. Perhaps if this were Hell, and the Devil was the only one to pass judgement, she might agree. “Do I strike you as a woman who would sell her soul for money?”

“No.” The earl’s amused gaze drifted over her hair. “You strike me as a woman who cares nothing for other people’s opinion.” There was a hint of admiration in his voice. “You strike me as a woman who would do whatever it takes to see justice served. Even if that means posing as mistress to an earl.”

“Posing? So you do not expect me to wear my bodice low and pander to your every need?”

A sinful smile lit up his face. “Not unless you want to.”

Nicole gasped.

“I am teasing you, Miss Flint. You would be my mistress in name only. Once Rose is back at Stanton House, and you’re the

legal owner of Morton Manor, we will go our separate ways.”

A faint sliver of disappointment surfaced. How odd. She was not a woman who welcomed the lewd attentions of men.