At Last the Rogue Returns (Avenging Lords 1)

“Trust me. I will not be satisfied until you’ve spilt your guts.”

Miss Lovell gasped. “Clearly you are misinformed. Mr Gilligan has worked tirelessly in your absence. The good people of Cuckfield hold him in the highest regard.”

“Yes, indeed.” The gentleman with insipid features nodded.

“Then the good people of Cuckfield have been duped,” Miles countered. He was tired of being branded the villain. “But have no fear, the truth will prevail. Good night, Miss Lovell.”

“My lord—?

?

“Please return to the assembly, Miss Lovell,” Gilligan interjected, all meek and humble. “I do not wish your delicate sensibilities to suffer an injury on my account.”

Miles cursed inwardly.

Gilligan would distort the story. He was a master manipulator and would blame Miles for his failures.

No.

Miss Lovell would hear the truth. And for some unfathomable reason, Miles wanted to witness the look on her face when she learnt of her error, wanted to hear a whispered apology fall from those luscious lips.

“If I am to conduct my business in the street, at least let us find a more secluded place in which to do so.” Miles stormed down the steps, gesturing to the path that ran along the side of the old building. It would not do to have passers-by observing him strangling his steward.

Tugging Mr Gilligan by the sleeve, Miss Lovell followed.

“Just deposit Gilligan and let us get back inside,” said the vapid gentleman tottering behind. “This is not our affair.”

“I am not leaving until I’ve spoken to Lord Greystone.” Miss Lovell spoke loudly enough for Miles to hear. “I shall know why he means to treat Mr Gilligan so abominably.”

So abominably? The lady had seen nothing yet.

“Return to the assembly,” Gilligan repeated in a hushed tone. “If he means to kill me, then so be it. But this is not your fight, Miss Lovell.”

“Not my fight? Am I not the one who has assisted you these last two years?” Miss Lovell looked most offended. “I’m not going anywhere until this matter is addressed. Think of the poor tenants. The ones you’ve tended without complaint.”

Miles came to an abrupt halt at the side of the building, a place hidden in the shadows. He swung around. “Yes, I should like to hear more about the way I have neglected my responsibilities, Mr Gilligan.”

Gilligan whimpered again. He tugged his arm free and then suddenly whirled around and took flight.

“God damn,” Miles muttered and followed with numerous curses under his breath.

“Clearly he is terrified of you.” Miss Lovell slapped her hand to her chest in shock as Miles darted past. He grabbed the steward by the collar and dragged him back under cover of darkness.

“Trust me, Miss Lovell,” Miles growled. “He has every right to be terrified. Your presence is the only thing preventing me from forcing my fist down his throat.”

The fellow with the shiny head stepped forward. “Perhaps we should all sit down with a pot of tea and discuss what seems to be a terrible mistake.”

“And who the hell are you?” Miles asked bluntly. This man would feel the full force of his wrath if he didn’t stop interfering. He turned to Miss Lovell. “When I granted you licence to help me deal with this matter, I made no mention of recruiting others to assist you.”

The gentleman bowed. “I am Lord Lovell. We are neighbours it seems.”

“He’s my brother,” Miss Lovell added apologetically.

Miles noted the man’s weak chin and nervous eyes. Evidently, Miss Lovell had inherited her brother’s share of courage. No wonder she was free to roam the woods after dark. Lord Lovell shook at the sight of his own shadow. He hadn’t a hope in hell of managing this lady.

But Miles could.

And he would have a damnably good time in the process.