“I do now.”
A tense silence ensued. As the higher-ranking gentleman, it was up to Ross to make an introduction.
“We are on our way to collect provisions for Mr Erstwhile.” Estelle forced a smile.
Ross’ belligerent gaze journeyed over Mr Hungerford. “We?”
Estelle gestured to the gentleman at her side. “Lord Trevane, allow me to present Mr Hungerford.”
Mr Hungerford inclined his head, but before he could open his mouth to speak, Ross said, “Goodbye, Hungerford. I shall escort Miss Brown to wherever it is she needs to go.”
Mr Hungerford blinked rapidly. His mouth opened and closed but he could not quite form a reply.
While Estelle wanted to place some distance between herself and Mr Hungerford, what gave Ross the right to think he could storm into her life and assume control?
“I’m afraid I have already accepted Mr Hungerford’s offer of assistance, my lord.”
Mr Hungerford cast her an affectionate smile. Heavens. Now the man would think she held him in high regard.
“Leave, Hungerford.” Ross ignored her comment and squared his shoulders. “Leave now else I shall make it my business to remove you, physically if necessary.”
Since when had Ross Sandford turned into an obstinate fool? “Arrogance is a rather unbecoming trait,” she blurted.
“As is dishonesty,” Ross countered.
“I have never lied to you.”
Ross rubbed his chin. “Do you want to discuss the nature of your deception here, Miss Brown?” He turned a contemptuous eye to the stunned gentleman at her side whose mouth hung agape. “Are you still here, Hungerford?”
“People are beginning to stare.” Estelle glanced at Mr Hungerford, waiting for him to say something, but the fellow simply stood there stupefied.
“Perhaps I should leave you to deal with this matter.” Mr Hungerford stepped away, the tremble in his voice a sign of his unease. While some might think him craven, Ross looked ready to pounce, ready to rip Hungerford’s throat out with his bare teeth. “Clearly, you are acquainted and have something of great importance to discuss. Unless, of course, you insist I stay.”
Estelle considered the gentleman’s offer.
She knew why Ross had come. He wanted answers, explanations. He wanted to know why she’d left him, how she’d survived.
Did she have strength enough to relive eight years’ worth of nightmares?
Spending time in Ross’ company was sure to open old wounds. Even now, while annoyed at his brash manner, the urge to feel those large arms surround her, to hear his whispered words of comfort proved unnerving.
But she could not run forever. She cared for the Erstwhiles and did not have the heart to disappoint them. Even so, how could she stay?
Oh, what was she to do?
Estelle turned to Mr Hungerford. “Thank you for your kindness, sir. And you’re right as always. My brother and Lord Trevane were childhood friends, and so I must address his lordship’s complaint.”
Already she had revealed too much, but this shameful situation did nothing to quell Mr Hungerford’s heated gaze as he studied her face. Indeed, he looked pleased at the prospect of having to compete.
“May I call on you this evening? I believe we, too, have much to discuss.”
Ross muttered something unintelligible. She noted his hands clenched into fists at his sides.
“Of course,” Estelle quickly agreed, eager to be rid of him before Ross unleashed the anger brimming beneath the surface.
Ross did not wait for her to say anymore, nor did he pay Mr Hungerford the courtesy of acknowledging him. No, he simply took hold of her wrist, turned on his heels and forced her to march along Whitecombe Street.
“Stop this,” she whispered through gritted teeth as he barged past several people going about their business. He had not bothered to ask where she was going, but from the determined set of his jaw, he had another place in mind. “You’re hurting me.”