Page 13 of A Raven Returns

Benson’s laugh was filled with amusement as he wiped his tears. “You weren’t going to take no for an answer when you came here, were you?”

Ash leaned in and spoke conspiratorially, “I think you’ll find I rarely do.”

ChapterFive

Not surprisingly, Warwick was waiting for Ash upon his return. He’d known his manager would appear eventually.

“Ah, my lord, so good to see you! You should have sent word you were coming, so I could have had the house made ready for your arrival.”

The man had been hired by his father, and Ash had hardly met him before he’d left all those years ago. With his greasy hair parted unflatteringly in the center, his thin eyebrows, and too-long mustache that nearly touched his bottom lip, he could never have been anything but a traitorous snake. But Ash tamped down his fury at the man and kept his face neutral.

“It was a spur of the moment decision.”

He turned to Gwen. “Darling, why don’t you go up to your rooms and rest? You must be exhausted after all that shopping. I’ll be up shortly.”

“Yes, my lord.” She played her part to perfection, batting her eyelashes and giggling when he patted her bottom as she walked away. Oh, that bottom of hers. He didn’t have to pretend his attraction as he watched it sway all the way up the stairs.

This was a dangerous game he was playing with her.

Ash looked at Warwick, whose eyes were still focused on the top of the stairs where she’d disappeared. It took all his control not to throttle the man. How dare he look at Gwen that way? Ash cleared his throat and Warwick finally tore his gaze away. The lecher didn’t even have the decency to look guilty.

“Did you come for any specific reason, my lord?” he asked.

Ash gestured toward the stairs with his chin. “Mrs. Lawrence wanted to get away from London. I thought perhaps the scenery here at Woodburn might make her happy.” He flashed a grin the lascivious Mr. Warwick would understand. The knowing gleam in his eyes filled Ash with loathing. He did not like playing nice with this knave.

“Do you have any questions about the estate, my lord? Or perhaps you'd like to see some of the recent improvements?”

“Isn't that what I pay you for? So I don't have to worry about those things?”

“Yes, my lord. Of course.”

“You've been overseeing this estate for a long time, Warwick. I'm sure you have it all in hand.”

Warwick let out a telltale sigh as Ash watched relief wash over him. He wanted to demand an explanation, confront him with his suspicions, but he had to wait. Fogg would return, and hopefully he'd soon have answers. For now, Ash would have to bite his tongue and bide his time.

“Would you like to dine with us, Warwick?”

“I’d be delighted to, my lord.”

“Good. By the time I freshen up a bit, it should be about time. Help yourself to a drink while you wait.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

A short time later, Ash escorted Gwen into the dining room.

“Warwick, allow me to introduce Mrs. Lawrence. Darling, this is Mr. Warwick, my estate manager.”

“A pleasure, Mrs. Lawrence.” The man pressed his lips to Gwen’s knuckles and Ash’s hackles rose when he lingered far too long.

“You must be very good, Mr. Warwick, to manage an estate as impressive as Woodburn Hall.”

The man sputtered a bit, feigning humility. “I do my best for his lordship.” Did he just wink at her? Ash barely contained the growl that tried to tear its way up his throat.

“Surely, you’re just being modest.” Gwen touched the man’s arm playfully.

She was just being friendly. Playing her role, as he’d asked her to do. Ash had to continue to tell himself that over and over throughout the meal. Each time she laughed at something that scoundrel said or complimented him in some way, it burrowed a little further under Ash’s skin. By the time they finished eating, he was digging his fingers into his own leg to stop himself from allowing his anger to show on his face.

Finally, when Ash couldn’t handle any more, he pushed himself to his feet. “I hope you’ll excuse me, Warwick, but I believe I’ll pass on port. Mrs. Lawrence and I will be turning in early tonight.”

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