At Last the Rogue Returns (Avenging Lords 1)

“Then how fortunate I am able to shed some light on the experience.” Lydia recalled what she’d learnt from Lord Greystone. “No doubt you were dreaming about wolves or wild dogs. By all accounts, you were heard panting and growling and clawing at a tree.”

Arabella snorted and shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “Well, you more than anyone should know not to listen to spiteful gossip.”

Ada returned with the tea tray. The china cups clattered on the saucers as the maid’s hands shook. The tray careened left and right, and the dainty milk jug almost toppled over the edge.

“Just put it down.” Arabella’s curt tone frightened the maid further.

Lydia jumped to her feet and hurried to take the tray.

Ada relinquished her grip, but bent her head and whispered, “Leave here, miss. Leave now, before it’s too late.”

Too late?

Too late for what?

“That is all, Ada,” Arabella scolded. “Find Lord Randall and ask him to join us.”

After his failed seduction attempt, Lydia had no desire to see the foppish lord. “There’s no need. I came to see Cecil. I’m sure you’re aware of his ridiculous ultimatum. He challenged Lord Greystone to a duel on Blackmoor Common.”

“He did indeed.” A sly smirk passed briefly over Arabella’s face. “Leave us, Ada, and close the door on your way out.”

Ada swayed back and forth but remained rooted to the spot.

“Can you not see that your abrupt manner upsets her?” Lydia placed the black chinoiserie tray on the metal stand and turned to console the girl. “Come, Ada, I shall escort you back to the servants’ hall.” Lydia draped her arm around the maid’s shoulder.

“Just sit down and drink your damn tea.” The thin threads of control snapped, and Arabella thumped the arm of the sofa.

“Lord Lovell isn’t here,” Ada blurted. She turned to Lydia and clutched her arm. “He won’t be back until tomorrow. Oh, miss, they have a horrid plan for you, so they do.”

“Be quiet, you stupid girl!” Arabella was at Ada’s side in seconds. She wrestled the maid away and shoved the terrified girl towards the door. “Rudolph! Rudolph! Come quickly.”

Lydia had seen her sister-in-law lose her temper, but she had never seen her teetering on the brink of insanity. Blind fury choked Arabella and practically robbed her of breath. Her cheeks were as red as her flame-coloured hair, and she bared her teeth like a rabid dog.

“Take your hands off her,” Lydia cried in retaliation. “Arabella! For heaven’s sake, pull yourself together.” Lydia considered slapping her sister-in-law hard.

Lord Randall appeared at the drawing room door but stopped abruptly at the sight of such utter mayhem. “Hell and damnation, Arabella, all you had to do was sit down and take tea.”

“Fetch the Reverend Wyatt. Quick. Fetch him now. We cannot delay.”

Lord Randall shook his head. “Hell’s bells, calm yourself before you have a fit of apoplexy. The reverend is here with me now.”

At that, Lord Randall ushered the reverend into the room and closed the door behind them. The click of the key in the lock sent Lydia’s nerves scattering.

The Reverend Wyatt was a balding man with spectacles. His round cherubic cheeks failed to convey a childlike air of innocence, for he gazed upon the world with a look of mocking condescension. However, Lydia noted a flicker of uncertainty, dare she say a hint of fear in those hazel eyes.

Lydia tried to swallow past the lump in her throat.

At all costs, she had to remain calm.

“Ah, Miss Lovell. Lord Randall does you a great honour,” the reverend said in his usual lofty tone. He cast a look of reproach at her unconventional attire. “I doubt many peers would choose a wife in need of taming.”

The sight of the reverend sent Ada into a panic. “Oh, he’s no man of God, miss. I can tell you that, so I can.”

“Now do you see what I mean?” Randall whispered to the minister. “A swift resolution would prevent a social disaster.”

Lydia was well aware of the mischievous game afoot. Arabella hadn’t summoned the reverend to confess her sins.

“Come, Ada, sit down before you swoon.” Lydia guided Ada to the stool next to the pianoforte. Worrying about the maid would not help the situation. She needed a clear head if she hoped to extricate herself from this mess. “Rest here a moment while I speak to the reverend.”