A courageous maiden for the Earl (Regency Tales Book 18) by Darcy Regina

Author:Darcy, Regina [Darcy, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Clean and Wholesome Romance
Published: 2018-02-26T16:00:00+00:00

SEVEN

London

3 days later

“Don’t bother to announce me,” the Earl said to the butler who had opened the door to admit him. “I’ll announce myself.” He moved past the butler who was too startled to protest, and strode into the dining room. He had dressed for the occasion and wore his Hussar uniform, with his sword at his side and a pistol at his waist. His ire was not eased by the fact that, three days ago, his traveling companion, the engaging and spirited young woman whose life seemed to be wrapped in a series of unlikely explanations, had vanished before they reached the city. He had been tempted to pursue her, but he was on the King’s business and he could not delay.

“Ainsworth!” he called out as he opened the doors and admitted himself.

Baron Ainsworth revealed his dismay for an instant, but then the mask of geniality replaced his alarm.

“Ah, Fitzsimmons, how good of you to come by. Are you leaving for the Continent? I am sure that Wellington will be delighted to see you. No doubt he has been pining for you. How could he hope to fight Napoleon without you?’

The guests at Ainsworth’s table showed their bewilderment at the unannounced entry of the famous Earl of Hemsworth. The resultant conversation did not alleviate their confusion.

“It is the enemy on the home front that concerns me now, Ainsworth. You are a traitor!”

Several of the guests gasped at the incendiary words. Ainsworth’s features took on a visage of rage. His lean, almost ascetic features were knitted together in a mask of anger.

“How dare you, sir!” he demanded in a loud voice. “I do not care if you are tenth in line to the throne of England. You are not the King, nor are you Prince Regent. While there is justice in England, you shall pay for your audacity. You may not invade my home and speak to me thus.”

“Admit your perfidy and render the King your apologies. Perhaps, if you display genuine remorse, he will forgive you and spare you from the executioner.”

Ainsworth stood up.

“You dare to speak to me thus? Do you think that, because you are Wellington’s pet and a member of the royal family, you have leave to berate a man for imagined vices? You, who left the battlefield because of a supposed injury, dare to name me a traitor? I call you coward!”

“Call me whatever you like,” the Earl answered coolly. “You have betrayed your king and your country and you may not excuse yourself for your actions.”

“I demand satisfaction for your slander,” Ainsworth declared. “I shall send my second to you this very night, and we shall meet on the day after tomorrow.”

The Earl knew that he could not reveal what he had learned of the plot to overthrow the King.

Upon his return to London, he had reported to the Prime Minister, and the Crown was in the process of assembling the evidence against Ainsworth and his cronies, but they were, of necessity, working in

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