Vexing the Viscount

“What time is it?”

“Half past eleven. Miss Featherstone should return at any moment.”

Braden breathed in deeply to calm his anger. Somehow, he doubted Miss Featherstone would return in a few minutes. “Pull out my clothes, Nelson.”

“Yes, my lord.” Nelson started to the linen press and stopped. “Did you still want your tea and toast?”

“No, I am going to find Miss Featherstone.” And she would rue the mad idea she had to leave his house without his permission.

“What am I to tell her when she returns?”

“To wait for me in my study. And not to leave this house again.”

Nelson nodded and quickly assisted him in dressing.

To Braden, the few minutes it took to dress felt like hours passing by. The possibility that she was still in the park was miniscule. The little hoyden was long gone. But perhaps someone had noticed her, if she’d even gone into the park. If he’d seen her walking, he would have noticed her.

What was it about Miss Featherstone that heated his blood and passion? He wanted to put her over his knee for all the bother she’d caused him. And the idea of her over his knee with her bare buttocks in front of him made him think of all the lovely things he could do to her in that position. None of which involved scolding.

Banishing those sordid thoughts, he adjusted his jacket and waited for Nelson to find a hat. Nelson r

eturned quickly with a black hat. He handed it to Braden with a nod.

“I spoke with Michael to get your horse saddled, my lord. I assumed you would prefer that over the carriage.”

“Thank you. If Miss Featherstone does return, send Michael to the park to let me know,” Braden said curtly.

“Yes, my lord.”

“I will also speak with Mrs. Abbott when I get back.”

“I will let her know.”

Braden nodded and then left the house, ignoring the ache in his arm. Riding might not have been the best idea after all. Entering the park, he scanned the area in front of him. Several people greeted him and a few tried to start a conversation, but Braden wanted no part of that. He’d thought about asking if anyone had seen her, but then realized how odd it would seem to his acquaintances. He made his excuses and returned to searching.

After two hours, he realized his first assumption was correct, Miss Featherstone was not at the park. And he doubted she even visited it today.

He returned to his town home in Berkley Square, all the while wondering where she could have gone. Based on where she’d been staying, she couldn’t have much money left. Her friends had deserted her. She had no one here. Guilt assuaged him. Perhaps if he hadn’t treated her so poorly last night she might have stayed willingly, but he’d been a complete ass with her.

Still, she should have told him where she was going!

The door opened as he approached. The black mood that had surrounded him earlier returned.

“Did you find her, my lord?” Nelson asked in a cautious tone.

“Do you see her with me?” he replied acerbically.

“No, sir.”

“Send Mrs. Abbott to me immediately.” He walked the long corridor to his study. “And bring some tea and food.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Braden wanted to pour a large glass of brandy but knew doing so on an empty stomach would not help him find Miss Featherstone. Instead, he sat down behind his large walnut desk and tapped his fingers on the wood. He was perplexed by her actions. Staying here ensured her safety. After his meal, he would return to the Goat’s Horn Inn and if she wasn’t there, he’d do as he had before and systematically call on every inn until he found her.

“My lord, you wished to see me?” Mrs. Abbott stood at the threshold, nervously playing with her apron.

“Yes, Mrs. Abbott, please come in and close the door.”