Mistaken for a Rake - Rose Pearson Page 0,60

you have been chased away, Lord Richmond!”

Bristling, Jeffery tried to keep his irritation hidden, shrugging instead. “I am tired of London,” he said calmly. “That is all.”

Lady Kensington said nothing, but, as Jeffery allowed his gaze to pass over the group, he saw the paleness in her face and the way her lips had flattened from her confident smile. Evidently, he had worried her.

“When do you depart?” asked another gentleman, and Jeffery gave him a small smile.

“Tomorrow,” he said as a few murmurs of surprise came up from those listening. “As soon as I am ready, I shall be gone from London, and I confess that nothing can convince me otherwise.” Clearing his throat again, he looked past Lady Kensington, pretending to see someone else. “Oh, if you will excuse me.” Taking his leave, he walked away from the group, a broad smile on his face, knowing that he would soon have Lady Kensington seeking him out to discuss all she could with him.

“I have no reason to speak with you!”

Jeffery glared at Lady Kensington as she drew near to him, beckoning him towards her.

“You will, Lord Richmond,” she said sharply. “My husband has allowed me a few moments of freedom—although quite where he has gone, I do not know—and I will speak with you.”

Jeffery snorted and shook his head. “I have no reason to do so, as I have said,” he stated, turning on his heel. “You said that this was all at an end, that you would demand nothing more of me. You cannot expect me to remain in your company, particularly when you have already driven me out of London!”

Lady Kensington laughed harshly, the sound grating on Jeffery’s nerves.

“You will do what I ask for as long as you remain in London, Lord Richmond,” she told him sharply. “Lady Rebecca is still within your affections, I am sure of it, and you know full well what I can do if you do not comply.”

Making a show of being more than frustrated at Lady Kensington’s demands, Jeffery eventually allowed himself to concede, stating that they would have to find a private room to discuss anything she wished, for fear of being overheard or seen. A few quick arrangements and Jeffery stalked through the ballroom and towards the parlor where he hoped Lord Kensington and Lord Swinton were already waiting. Lady Kensington, he knew, would follow after him soon.

His breathing quickening, Jeffery pushed open the door of the parlor, murmuring to the footman to allow one Lady Kensington entry, should she come in search of him. Stepping inside, he let his breath rattle out of him, seeing Lord Kensington and Lord Swinton sitting by the fireplace, although Lord Kensington’s face darkened instantly.

“Lord Kensington,” Jeffery said quickly. “Please, I know that you think very poorly of me, but I have arranged for you to be here to protect your very life.”

Lord Kensington said nothing, although his frown lifted just a little. Glancing at Lord Swinton and seeing him nod, he turned back to Jeffery.

“I have no particular interest in whatever you are speaking of,” Lord Kensington said suddenly, rising to his feet. “I do not trust you, Lord Richmond and I—”

The door behind Jeffery swung open and, much to his relief, in stepped Lady Hayward and Lady Rebecca.

“Oh, you are here!” Lady Hayward said as Lady Rebecca came to stand directly beside him. “I am glad. I have given Lady Anna and Lady Selina into the care of my dear friend Lady Cartwright, but I cannot be absent for long.”

“I was just taking my leave,” Lord Kensington said stiffly, giving Lady Hayward a short bow. “If you will excuse me.”

Lady Rebecca stepped forward before anyone else could speak.

“Pray, do not,” she said softly, her eyes searching Lord Kensington’s. “It is of the utmost importance that you remain. Truly, Lord Kensington. Your life is in danger.”

The gentleman laughed harshly at this, scoffing the remark, but the rest of the group remained entirely silent. The sound died away, and Jeffery could see the way Lord Kensington’s certainty began to fade. His eyes darted from one person to the next, looking hard at Jeffery for some moments.

“It will be quite painful,” Jeffery said quietly. “It will cause you trouble to hear what I have to say, Lord Kensington, but it is for the best.” Knowing that Lady Kensington was soon to join them, he spread his hands. “Your wife, Lady Kensington, has been doing all she can to manipulate me. She has threatened