Griffin Stone:Duke Of Decadence

He could read nothing from her expression. Nor, as he glanced at Christian, did his friend give him any more than a shrug. One that seemed to imply frustration, rather than an indication that Christian had come any closer to learning the truth of this situation.

And the reason for that frustration soon became obvious as Sir Walter apologised because his wife, Lady Francesca, was presently not at home.

Lady Francesca’s many absences from home might be perfectly innocent, but Griffin sensed, more than ever, that the woman had information that would give them the answers to the reason for Bea’s abduction.

And might also lead to the whereabouts of Maystone’s young grandson.

‘More cups, if you please, Shaw,’ Sir Walter instructed the butler once he had made Aubrey Maystone’s acquaintance. ‘I am sure you gentlemen must both already be acquainted with my guest, the Duke of Sutherland,’ he continued jovially. ‘And please allow me to introduce my ward, Lady Beatrix Stanton.’

Griffin nodded abruptly to Christian before he quickly crossed the room to where Bea now stood. As if he had been drawn there by a magnet.

As indeed he had been; just this short time of Bea being out of his sight, out of his protection, had been a sore trial to his already frayed temper.

‘A pleasure to meet you at last, Lady Beatrix.’ He took the gloved hand she held out to him, holding her gaze with his as he brushed his lips across her knuckles while maintaining that hold upon her hand. ‘Sir Walter omitted to mention your beauty when he spoke of you.’

To say that Bea felt reassured upon seeing Griffin again, even though it had only been half an hour or so since the two of them had parted, would be putting it too mildly. His mere presence had the effect of making her feel safe.

Even if that feeling of safety was a false one.

Inside Latham Manor was, to all intents and purposes, almost as comfortably appointed as Stonehurst Park. Not quite so grandiose perhaps, but the furnishings were lavish, the paintings and statuary were also beautiful.

Even so there was a chill to the atmosphere in this house that had not been present in Griffin’s home, despite his not having visited there for some time.

That chill seemed to emanate from the fabric of the house itself, as if placed there by its owners.

‘I agree, dear Beatrix is everything that is charming and lovely, Your Grace,’ Sir Walter acknowledged Griffin’s compliment warmly.

Sir Walter appeared to be everything that was jovial and friendly, leading Bea to conclude that the chill of the house must have come from Lady Francesca.

During their months spent in London together Bea could not say that she had found the other woman to be of a type she might make into a bosom friend, but she had not found her to be unfriendly either. They were merely of a different age group, Lady Francesca nearing forty years of age, and Bea not yet twenty. Nor did Lady Francesca appear to possess the maternal instinct that might have drawn the two women closer together. That the Lathams’ marriage was childless perhaps accounted for the latter.

Bea had no idea if she was merely being fanciful about her aunt-by-marriage, or allowing some of Griffin’s obvious aversion to Lady Francesca to influence her own feelings towards the wife of her guardian.

No doubt they would all learn more upon that lady’s return.

Bea felt a blush warm her cheeks as she became aware that the other three gentlemen in the room were now eyeing her and Griffin curiously. No doubt that was because Griffin still had a hold of her hand.

‘May I pour you two gentlemen some tea?’ She deftly slid her fingers from between Griffin’s, before once again making herself comfortable on the sofa, waiting until Shaw had entered the room and placed the extra cups on the tea tray in front of her before pouring more of the brew.

She was barely aware of Lord Maystone’s acceptance as Griffin chose that moment to make himself comfortable on the sofa beside her.

The hard length of his thigh pressed warmly against her own.

‘Tea would be perfect, thank you, Lady Beatrix,’ he accepted huskily.

Bea turned slightly to give him a sideways frown from beneath her lashes. The two of them were supposed to have only now been introduced to each other, and from what she had gathered of Griffin’s relationship with his neighbours, and his indifference towards remarrying, she did not believe he usually singled out any of his neighbours’ nieces—for his particular attentions. Much more of this and Sir Walter would be demanding that the Banns be read on the morrow!

Aware of the reason for Bea’s censure, Griffin moved his thigh slightly away from her own. But he could not bring himself to move away from her completely, finding some comfort in at least being close to her.