Free Amy Lake by The Earls Wife Page A

months among the tabbies of London society without learning to control her temper, and she was loath to show rudeness to a person who– however odd–was apparently a member of Lord Tremayne’s family. Nevertheless, it was time to remove both her brother and herself from the field of battle.
    She stood. “Your pardon, ma’am. I shall hope to make your acquaintance when Lord Tremayne returns, but in the meantime, my brother and I are needed elsewhere.” 
    “Oh, don’t cut up snappish with me, gel,” said the aunt, pounding her cane on the floor for emphasis. “I’m Lady Gastonby.”  Thump . “You are a little nobody–”  Thump . “–and this is the Earl of Ketrick you’re marrying, not some viscount’s third son.”
    “Good afternoon to you, ma’am,” said Claire, dropping a quick curtsey.  She and Jody managed to leave the room without breaking into a run.
    * * * *
    The earl was ushered into the library at Cheltdown Manor to wait for Sandrick Rutherford. The room looked comfortable and well-tended, with thick carpets on the gleaming wood floor, and a fire crackling in the hearth. From this and from what he had seen as he and Achilles made their way through the grounds of the estate, Edward had deduced that Lord Rutherford’s finances were in good order. He wondered if this would prove to be a problem or an advantage in the discussion to come.
    As expected, within moments he heard the sound of quick steps approaching the library door. Sandrick Rutherford had never met Lord Tremayne, but he was the Earl of Ketrick, after all. The man would hardly have the nerve to keep him waiting long.
    “My lord,” said Rutherford, entering the room and extending his hand to Edward.
    “Lord Rutherford,” said the earl.
    “Please, please, be seated. I have sent for brandy, and I am, of course, at your service.”  Sandrick Rutherford was a thin, almost emaciated man with lank blond hair and poor color. He’s had the pox for years, decided Edward, thinking he would be glad to leave Cheltdown Manor as quickly as possible. The thought of Claire living with this dissipated wreck made his skin crawl. And as for Jody–
    The man’s smile was a bit forced, and Edward knew he was nervously wondering what business Lord Tremayne might have with a minor lord of rather doubtful reputation. The earl smiled at him blandly and sat down. He leaned back in the chair and stretched out his legs as if he had all the time in the world to come to the purpose of his visit. He saw his host flinch.
    “Forgive me, Lord Tremayne,” began Rutherford, “but I am, regretfully, unaware of how I might be of assistance to you.”
    A weak-minded toady. It was just as well, thought the earl. He didn’t have time for arguments today.
    “You are, I believe, the uncle and guardian of Claire and Jodrel de Lancie?” he said, deciding to come straight to the point. He was rewarded by a look of consternation on Rutherford’s face.
    “Ah. Ah, yes. My niece and nephew are not currently making their home with me, but–”
    The earl continued as if Rutherford hadn’t even spoken. “Miss de Lancie and I are to be married tomorrow.”
    The look on the man’s face told Edward everything he needed to know. Rutherford  was horrified, furious–and scared out of his wits. He’s been using Claire’s money, thought the earl. Probably Jody’s, too. Good.
    “You can’t!  I mean, my lord, this is an honor, of course, but my niece is underage–she cannot marry without my permission. Claire is young, not in the least mature, you know. It will be years, years before she–”
    The earl interrupted him again, his voice cold and harsh. “Your permission?  You haven’t seen your niece or nephew in months and, in fact, you have no idea where they are. They could be rotting in the gutters of London for all you’ve searched for them.”  This last was conjecture on Edward’s part, but it obviously hit home. Rutherford stared at him, unable to reply.