Free What a Wicked Earl Wants by Vicky Dreiling Page B

is any of your concern.”
    “Really? What is he reading?”
    “ Pilgrim’s Progress . It was his punishment for being disobedient.”
    He shook his head. “He may have been at home early in the evening, but I left White’s after midnight and saw your son a block away. He and his friends were drinking from a flask again.”
    Denial rose up inside her. Justin had promised to stop rebelling. “Are you certain it was my son? You saw him only the one time.”
    “I’m certain. I recognized his friends and the curricle.”
    She covered her mouth. Justin had lied. He’d broken his promises again.
    Bellingham frowned. “I regret having to inform you, but given Montclief’s threats, I felt it was the right thing to do.”
    She lowered her hand slowly and laced her nerveless fingers. “It is not news that I welcome, but thank you for telling me.”
    “What will you do?” he asked.
    “Take him home to Hampshire immediately. He’s left me no choice.”
    Bellingham leaned forward with his elbows on his thighs. His silence made her uncomfortable, but she suspected he was the type to think things through before speaking.
    At last he sat back. “It isn’t wise to leave town suddenly. Montclief’s friends are acting as his spies. They’re certain to mark your son’s absence, and then your brother-in-law will know you encountered trouble again.”
    “If I stay and Justin continues to rebel, Montclief is sure to hear about it,” she said. “I have two choices, and neither is appealing.”
    “There are always more alternatives.”
    “By all means tell me, because my vexation is growing by the moment.”
    He stood and walked over to the window. She turned sideways to watch him. He was tall and lean. Remembering the hard contours of his body, she assumed he was fitter than most men. His angular jaw and cheekbones seemed sharper in the patch of sunlight bathing him. When he faced her, his blue eyes held a fierce expression. “I never intended to become involved beyond returning that flask.”
    She frowned. “You are under no obligation.”
    He paced back and forth in front of the window. His restlessness puzzled her. It was as if he were waging some inner battle with himself. “Yes, I am.”
    She shook her head. “How so?”
    He halted. “You told Montclief that I would oversee your son’s activities, and I did not refute you.”
    “I would have promised anything to keep my son, as you are well aware. Believe me, I appreciate what you did the day Montclief called, but you are not obliged.”
    “After I left that day, I’d intended to walk away and never return here. Then I saw your son last night.” He clenched his jaw.
    “You did it for my benefit, and I thank you for it, but I will not hold you to a promise that was born of coercion on my part.”
    “I was not coerced. My agreement was implied.”
    “Then I release you from any obligation, implicit or otherwise.”
    He fisted his hands on his hips. “If something happens to the boy, I’ll feel that I failed him.”
    “But—”
    “It’s a matter of honor,” he said. “To be honest, I have a low opinion of Montclief. He would make a terrible guardian for your son.”
    “I agree. He’s done nothing to help Justin, but given his nasty temperament, I’ve always figured it was for the best.”
    “If you take your son home, will your family defend you if Montclief comes for him?”
    She hesitated. “I…I don’t think Montclief really wants him.”
    “You didn’t answer my question.”
    He’d spoken in a severe manner. “My father is a vicar. He would not prevent his legal guardian from taking Justin. Papa would consider that breaking the law and therefore a sin.”
    “Then don’t take your son home.”
    “We must return eventually,” she said.
    “If you leave now, Montclief will know something is wrong. Wait a few more weeks.”
    She pressed her nails into her palms. “I fear that would give Justin more opportunity to find