Christian Seaton: Duke of Danger by Carole Mortimer

Author:Carole Mortimer
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-10-10T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

What the devil—?

‘My fault, I am afraid,’ Marcus muttered after glancing at the older man coming down the steps towards them. ‘I sent word ahead of the delay because of your having been shot, and to expect our arrival today. I also informed Maystone that you had not returned from France alone,’ he added at Christian’s scowl. ‘I did not tell him that Lisette was Helene Rousseau’s daughter—’

‘I suppose I should be grateful for small mercies.’ Christian continued to scowl his displeasure.

‘I did so before I came to know Lisette for the charming girl she is,’ he said defensively as Christian gave him a censorious frown.

‘She is not a girl but a woman.’

‘So it would seem.’ Marcus gave a pointed glance towards the carriage. ‘You obviously found her to be so on the journey here.’

‘Marcus...’ he growled in warning.

The other man shrugged. ‘None of my business how and with whom you choose to pass the time of day, old chap.’

‘I am pleased to hear it.’ Christian turned to assist Lisette down from the carriage. ‘Do not be alarmed,’ he assured her gently as her panicked gaze moved past him to the rapidly approaching Aubrey Maystone. ‘All will be well, Lisette.’ He kept a firm hold of her arm, just in case she should be tempted to turn on her booted feet and run.

He would not put it past her to attempt such a move; Lisette had shown these past few days that she could be an enterprising young lady when the situation warranted it. And, damn it, her present apprehension in regard to Aubrey Maystone showed all the signs of becoming such a situation.

Maystone was usually the most charming of men, shrewd to a fault, admittedly, but invariably polite to the ladies. Unfortunately, this business with his grandson had turned even that amiable gentleman into a man intent on vengeance against the person or persons responsible for ordering the kidnapping. The three people now held in custody had only been instrumental in carrying out those orders; they had not instigated them.

Christian was certain that he now held the daughter of the person guilty of that crime close to his side. So close that he could feel the slight trembling of Lisette’s body as she pressed against him, as if for protection.

His mouth tightened determinedly as he turned to greet the older man. ‘Maystone.’

‘Sutherland.’ The other man nodded distractedly, his piercing gaze fixed on Lisette. ‘Perhaps you would care to explain...?’

‘I will make the introductions once we are inside.’ Christian spared no time in waiting to see if the other two gentlemen agreed or disagreed with his suggestion as he stepped towards the house and took Lisette with him.

Whilst he had every reason to trust the members of his own household, he had no intention of engaging in any sort of conversation in a public street.

‘He looks a very fierce gentleman,’ Lisette commented softly after giving an anxious glance back at the two men following close behind them.

‘He has.

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