Enticing the Earl
She noticed the way he held his jaw so tight and wondered why he appeared upset. Was it just her beating?
That afternoon Simon spent in Cheadle again speaking with the villagers he had missed his first trip. With only the vague description Mia had given him, no one seemed to recognize Allan Davies. His only identifying mark was a small scar on his chin. None of the townspeople knew his name and didn’t think he sounded familiar. So again, he was left wondering how a man could get close to Mia without anyone else knowing him.
It was as if the man had deliberately courted her for some odd reason.
But why?
She really was no one. She had no connections. Her father had been a blacksmith on Simon’s estate before his death two years ago. Her mother was the wise woman and healer on the estate. There was no money to speak of between them.
Unless someone had learned how he felt about her and thought to coerce him into something or maybe asking Simon for money to keep the affair quiet. That made no sense either. Even if someone
had discovered Simon had feelings for her, most people would realize he shouldn’t act upon those feelings.
“There you are.”
Simon looked over to see North walking out of a jeweler’s store. “Spoiling your bride again?”
North smiled fully. “Absolutely. She doesn’t feel the need to spend my money on clothing or shoes, but I have discovered she has an obsession with earbobs.”
Simon laughed, glad his friend had finally found the happiness he deserved. “And I would bet she loves to thank you properly after receiving a gift from you.”
“Of course.” North tucked the small box into his jacket pocket. “Have you had any luck finding this Allan Davies?”
“None at all. It’s as if the man never existed. If I hadn’t seen him from a distance, I might wonder if he wasn’t a figment of her imagination.”
“Yes, but figments don’t give bruises and crack ribs.”
“I know that. But who the bloody hell is he?”
North shrugged. “Perhaps the runner will be able to help. You did send for one, didn’t you?”
“Of course. He should be here by tomorrow.”
“Good. Anything else I can do to help?”
Simon nodded. “Would you care to join me in a ride to the cottage where they met? I’m not sure I want to do this alone.” Not that he feared finding the man there. Simon assumed the man had left the area. It was the idea of visiting the house where they had made love. It seemed like a violation. Not to mention how much it pained him personally.
“I would be happy to join you.”
They rode off in the direction that Mia had given him. Simon turned off the main road down a small trail until he found the dilapidated house where they’d had their liaison. Simon forced his horse forward when all he wanted to do was run from the place. As he climbed down from his horse, his hands fisted and a bead of sweat rolled down his back.
“Come on,” North said as he trudged into the house.
Simon entered the small cottage and looked around. There was a small table with a few dishes on it. Next to the fireplace were two worn chairs that looked as if they had been in that spot for a hundred years. A layer of dust covered the chairs like a blanket.
“I don’t see anything personal here,” North commented as he rummaged through a drawer.
Simon walked into the bedroom and stared at the bed. He closed his eyes and images of her making love with that monster flooded his mind. Waves of jealousy overcame him until he had to turn away from the room.
“Did you find anything in the bedroom?” North asked.
“No.”
North nodded. “I will investigate the bedroom. Why don’t you wait outside?”
“Very well.”
Simon strode out of the house and then inhaled deeply. This shouldn’t distress him as it did. Mia obviously did not know how he felt about her. He walked around the structure and found nothing that indicated anyone lived here. Hearing footsteps, he turned around and headed toward the front of the house. “Did you find anything?”