Vexing the Viscount

“That would be true. Everyone assumes you are his mistress since many know you went home with him. It’s not good, Tia. You will never be accepted in polite company.”

“I know. He did that on purpose to get me to return to the estate and my position there. I have no choice now. I’m only surprised that he didn’t wake me at dawn for the drive back.”

“I heard another rumor that I thought you might be interested in hearing. There was some scrape at a gaming hell last night and they say Mr. Tavers was involved.”

“Jonathon? At a gaming hell?” Oh dear, if that were true, things might be worse for him than she imagined. “Which gaming hell, do you know?”

“The Red Door.”

Tia had never heard of such a place, but she knew nothing about the gaming hells. “Where is it located?”

“Why? You cannot go to a gaming hell.”

“Perhaps Middleton would like to know.”

Emily sipped her tea with a frown. “I see. I don’t know for certain, but I heard it was near St. George’s. I am certain Middleton is aware of the place.”

“I will make sure he knows.” She wasn’t certain about that. But if she could just manage to find out more about this place, it might help her find him.

“If you need to leave, you are welcome back at my home.”

“I doubt your husband will want me back at his house,” Tia reminded her.

“Leave that to me.” Emily gave her a secret smile.

Tia could tell something must have happened. “Are things better between you?”

“Yes. His mistress decided to move on to another man. And since I told him I’m with child, he is convinced I am having his heir.”

“Emily, is it true that the other man you believe might be the child’s father is Mr. Tavers?” Tia hated asking the question, but had to know.

“W—where did you hear such a thing?”

“From the earl. He told me he didn’t want you near Mr. Tavers.”

Emily blinked back tears and nodded. “It was late June. He was so sweet, Tia. I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. And he told me he loved me too.”

June. He came out to the Middleton Hall in late June. After he had gotten Emily with child. Tia blinked back her own tears as sadness and frustration overcame her. The man she thought she loved had already given his heart to Emily. Jonathon had only been giving her false praise to befriend her.

It should bother her more that the man she loved had gotten a woman with child. And yet, for some reason it didn’t. She had loved him, hadn’t she? Shouldn’t she feel more angst? Feel a torrent of anger toward him? Shouldn’t she be ready to throw herself off a bridge because she had lost the love of her life? Or perhaps she had read too many romance novels and only thought herself in love with him.

“I really must leave now. I will call on you when I can.” Emily rose and left Tia with her headache.

Braden stared at the papers in front of him, but he saw nothing. His mind constantly played back his interaction with Tia last evening. She was far too dangerous to his sanity. The only option was to get her back to the estate as soon as possible. If she hadn’t fallen asleep on him, he wasn’t certain what he might have done. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt such a strong desire for a woman. If ever.

But he couldn’t touch her. Not just because she was his wise woman. He had promised himself that he was done with his rakish ways. No matter how tempting he found her.

“My lord, Mr. Brady is here.”

“Thank you, Nelson. Show him in here.”

He wondered why the runner would call on him this morning. He’d already sent a note around, stating he’d found Tia. Perhaps he owed the man more than he thought.

“Good afternoon, my lord,” Mr. Brady said as he entered the room. “I have news for you.”

“Did you not get my note? I found Miss Featherstone.” Braden pointed to a chair. “Have a seat.”

“Thank you, my lord. You misunderstand, sir. I have news of your brother.”