Page 35 of Lords, Ladies and Love

“I—” Her voice cracked. “That was a mistake.” She balled her fists and gave another little wriggle, but there did not seem to be any fight left in her. “I was misled.”

“Misled? How did I mislead you?”

“I thought you a different man, but now I see you are no better than Mr. Cartwright,” she spat.

“Cartwright? That bastard? I am nothing like him.”

“At least he was easy to get rid of. I have little idea what I am to do with you.”

“Get rid of?” He prevented her from facing away from him. “What are you talking about?”

She searched his gaze and a little smile graced her lips. “If you really want to know why I went to the gaming hell, I suppose it would not hurt for you to know.” She pulled away from him, and he let her. “I sent Mr. Cartwright away.”

Reuben frowned. “Away?”

“Yes. He is going to be an officer in the Army. Based in Yorkshire. He shall never see your aunt again.” She gave a little giggle. “He thinks he is getting quite a good deal, but I think that shall change when he reaches Yorkshire.”

He shook his head in disbelief. She’d arranged a commission for Cartwright? Had ensured the man would never go near his aunt again? And risked scandal and danger just to do so? Good God, he had underestimated this woman by far.

“So you see, Mr. Hunter, I am not without my wiles. And if I have it my way, I shall ensure you never see your aunt again either.”

“Pardon?”

“I know.” She lifted both hands. “I know it all. How you hoped to gain control of your aunt’s money? I’m sure having me here has been quite an annoyance for you. No wonder you tried to scare me away with your scolding.” She gave a sad smile. “I suppose once you realized I would not be chased away, you decided to charm me instead. Well, it worked if that makes you happy. I really did think—” Her eyes filled briefly with tears before she swiped them angrily away. “Well, it does not matter.” She jabbed a finger into his chest. “I am onto you, Mr. Reuben Hunter, and I am Lady Angel Templeton, sister to the Marquis of Eastbrook, and I will not rest until your aunt is safe from scoundrels like you.”

He rubbed the spot she’d jabbed with surprising force then pinched the bridge of his nose. What was all this? He wanted his aunt’s fortune? He’d deliberately charmed her? Where had these ideas come from?

“Angel—”

She cast her gaze up and down him. “Step aside, Mr. Hunter. I am finished here.”

He moved closer, blocking her path fully. If she was laboring under a misunderstanding of him, there was no chance he was letting her go until he had explained all.

“Angel, I have no wish to control my aunt’s money. At least not in the way you seem to think.”

“I’m no fool, I heard the lawyer say youno longer have to worry about the safety of your inheritance.” She mimicked his tones.

“You heard the lawyer making a jest.”

“Well, you would say that.” Angel folded her arms.

“And if I charmed you…well, honestly, it was by mistake. I am grateful that I did because, damn it, Angel, you have been haunting me from the day I first met you.” He sighed. “And yes, I did make a judgement, and yes, I had my misgivings, but knowing you these past two months has changed that. It has changed me. I know who you are, Lady Angel, and I love that woman with all of my heart.”

Her mouth formed anoshape. She blinked several times then unfolded her arms. “You are just trying to charm me again.”

He shifted closer, forcing her to look up at him. “If I was really trying to charm you, do you not think I would have done it better than my own clumsy way? If I wished to take advantage of my aunt, would I have really left her?” He took her shoulders gently in his hands. “Look at me, Angel, and tell me you really believe that.”

“I—” Her voice cracked and tears welled in her eyes again. Her shoulders sagged, and she pressed her forehead to his chest. “I do not.”

Reuben curved a hand around the back of her head and rubbed her hair. The scent of her perfume and the feel of her body so close to his made his heart race.

“Mr. Ellis was making a jest. It is known I will inherit eventually anyway—I have always known that. But with people like Cartwright around and my aunt’s faculties declining, I thought it prudent that I begin the process of ensuring her money—and therefore her wellbeing—is looked after. My aunt agrees with me and wants me to help her look after her finances.”

Several moments of silence passed. He heard a little sniffle then she finally raised her head. “I feel a fool.”

Reuben chuckled. “If it is of any consolation, I had fears for a moment about you.”

“Me?”

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