Saving Lord Berkshire - Laura Beers Page 0,47

Lord Berkshire. She wasn’t all right. She was chiding herself for even entertaining the thought of having feelings for him.

No.

She was a strong woman who had no place in her heart for someone like Lord Berkshire.

12

With an empty glass in his hand, Edward sat in his study as he waited for Miss Blackmore’s arrival. They had parted ways at her townhouse, and she had assured him that she would come as soon as she was able, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was trying to avoid him after they’d left the gardens.

Something had shifted between them there, but he didn’t know exactly what that was. Whenever he was around Miss Blackmore, he felt happy. He couldn’t explain exactly why that was. But it was true. Miss Blackmore made him happy, and for the briefest of moments, he seemed to forget the burdens he’d been carrying.

What did that mean?

Perhaps he was developing feelings for the beautiful Miss Blackmore. No, that couldn’t be it. Could it? Regardless, they would never suit. They were two complete opposites. Yet, why did the mere thought of her make him smile?

A knock at the window broke through his musings. He shifted in his seat and saw Mr. Follett standing on the other side.

He put his glass down on the desk, rose, and went to open the window. “Did my butler deny you entry?”

“I didn’t try,” the Bow Street Runner revealed, “but I wanted to warn you that Mr. Kendall is going to request an audience with you soon.”

“He wouldn’t dare…”

The words had barely left his mouth when Garvey walked into the room and announced, “Mr. Kendall is requesting to speak to you, milord.”

Edward turned back towards the window and saw that Mr. Follett had managed to make himself scarce. He shifted his gaze towards the butler and replied, “Send him in.”

“As you wish.”

After Garvey left, Mr. Follett appeared back at the window. “I wanted to make you aware that I saw Mr. Kendall delivering a note to the servants’ entrance this morning.”

“Blazes,” he muttered. “Do you suppose that’s how he is getting notes to my sister?”

“That would be my guess,” the Bow Street Runner replied. “Lady Kitty most likely has servants who are loyal to her.”

Edward’s jaw tightened. “I shall deal with her shortly.”

Mr. Follett tipped his brown hat. “I will be out here if you require my assistance.”

“I can deal with Mr. Kendall,” he growled.

“If you say so,” Mr. Follett said before he disappeared from view again.

A moment later, Mr. Kendall walked into the room, and his eyes darted nervously about. He stopped in front of the desk and bowed.

“Thank you for agreeing to see me, Lord Berkshire.”

Foregoing the usual pleasantries, Edward asked in a dry tone, “What is it that you want, Mr. Kendall?”

Mr. Kendall cleared his throat and removed his black top hat off his head. “I was hoping to speak to you about Lady Kitty…”

He spoke over him. “No.”

“But…”

“Absolutely not!” he exclaimed. “I will not discuss my sister with you now or ever.”

“May I ask why?”

He scoffed. “Because you are a solicitor and my sister is the daughter of a marquess.”

“I am well aware of that.”

With a stern glare, Edward asked, “Do you not care about her reputation at all?”

“I do, but—”

“Clearly, you do not,” he declared, cutting him off. “If word ever got out that my sister was having a dalliance with a solicitor, her reputation would be ruined. Forever.”

Mr. Kendall stood his ground, but his eyes showed his fear. “We are not having a dalliance, my lord.”

“No?” he questioned. “I have since discovered that you are delivering notes to my sister through the servants’ entrance.” He lifted his brow. “What would you consider that?”

Surprise flickered in Mr. Kendall’s eyes. “You know about that?”

“Do not underestimate me, Mr. Kendall,” he threatened.

A frown came to Mr. Kendall’s lips. “Respectfully, my lord, I love your sister, and I have for some time now.”

“You love Kitty?!” he shouted. “Are you mad?”

“I assure you that I am not.”

Edward clasped his hands behind his back as he attempted to reign in his anger. “My sister will not now, not ever, marry someone so beneath her station. You are not a suitable match for her.”

“I told her that, as well,” Mr. Kendall stated, “but Kitty says that she doesn’t care.”

His eyes narrowed. “Kitty?” he asked. “Did you just refer to my sister by her given name?”

“She gave me leave to,” Mr. Kendall replied.

“I do not care if she gave you leave!” he exclaimed. “It is