Page 29 of A Scandal Before Christmas
Theodore found Lord Sanderson in the east parlor just before supper.
The man was alone, a glass of whiskey in one hand, his brow scrunched into a frown. Visibly startled at seeing Theodore, he took a long gulp of the glass’s contents.
Closing the pocket doors behind him with a soft click, Theodore advanced. There was no mistaking the sheen of sweat on the other man’s brow. Good. This might be easier to accomplish than previously thought. It certainly smoothed the path when one’s adversary was more than slightly intimidated.
“A word, if you don’t mind, Sanderson.”
“It—ah—it is near the time supper will be announced. We should not tarry, Hawthorne.”
Theodore’s lips twisted slightly. “Our absence will not be remarked upon, least of all by our hosts.”
Sanderson’s hands trembled, his gaze touching on Theodore’s black suit. “Is there something you wish to discuss?”
Theodore poured himself a glass of whiskey as well, his eyes steady on the other man. Earlier, he had retired to his room, readying himself for supper by donning the required formal attire. “There are several matters, actually. But one rises above all others in terms of importance. You see, this particular subject is very dear to me. An extension of myself and one I will defend to my dying breath.”
Sanderson swallowed. “I understand your meaning, sir.”
With a tilt of his head, Theodore stalked closer. “Do you? Perhaps that is true.” He finally stood almost toe-to-toe with Sanderson, calmly regarding him as a trickle of sweat eased a path down the other man’s temple. “I prefer there to be no mistake when it comes to my expectations, so I will clearly state my purpose and the consequences if I am disappointed in any way.” Theodore’s stare flickered. “Another?”
“P-Pardon?” Sanderson stuttered.
“Another whiskey?” Theodore gestured at his empty glass.
“No.”
“Good. Now I can get right to the point.” Taking another sip of his whiskey, Theodore pinned the man with a dangerous glare. “Whatever you saw, or believe you saw in Lady Lauren’s rooms, dies a death this very instant. It will not be spoken of nor bandied about for the rumor mills to feast upon, and it most certainly will not serve as kindling for revenge after she rejected you. I am saying this in the clearest way possible, so there is no misunderstanding. Lady Lauren is my fiancée, soon to be my wife. Insulting her is an insult to me. You, or any man foolish enough to test the depths of my devotion, will face my wrath.”
Sanderson had grown pale while Theodore spoke and, very carefully, he set his empty glass down on an elaborately carved occasional table.
“I’ve told no one—”
“Ah, that’s not entirely true, is it?” Theodore murmured.
“I mentioned it to Lord Settleton just in case there was any confusion.”
“I will not allow scandal to touch Lady Lauren. Whatever you believe you saw will not be spoken of from this moment on. Should word reach my ears that this warning has been ignored, I shall be left with no choice, Lord Sanderson. Iwillhandle matters in the deadliest of fashions. With my bare hands, if necessary, and odds are I will enjoy it beyond the realms of decency. I would do this for the honor of the woman I love and for that of my family.” Theodore’s voice dropped to a husky, threatening growl. His eyes glittered with an icy blue blood lust that made the other man shudder with trepidation. “Do we understand one another?”
“Perfectly, Lord Hawthorne. Perfectly.”
Theodore’s teeth flashed in a satisfied, predatory grin. “Then let us drink to wise decisions and a long life. I, for one, am relieved I don’t have to kill you.”
* * *
Theodore calmly sat through dinner,amused by Sanderson’s attempts at diverting attention away from the fact they entered the dining room together. The man stuttered and fumbled, but not once did he mention Lauren’s name, not even when Lord Jenkins pointedly asked if he’d had any luck during the afternoon games.
Lady Emma was seated beside him, something he had not expected. She gave him a friendly smile while pointedly ignoring Lady Melanie’s angry glares and Lord Jenkins’ hungry glances.
Penelope, seated at one end of the long table, merely nodded when Theodore caught her eye. Aware she’d spoken with Lauren, he wondered if she was vexed with him following their private conversation and curious what may have been divulged.
“Lord Hawthorne, may I confide something?” Lady Emma hesitantly touched his sleeve as the first course of consommé was served.
Theodore turned his attention to the petite brunette. “Of course.”
“You were correct in your assessment regarding the dangers of playing certain games.” She blushed, her hand immediately returning to her lap.
“What do you mean, Lady Emma?” Theodore took a sip of his sherry, noting Emma’s flush deepened even as her eyes sparked with anger.
“I chose my hiding place today very carefully. So carefully, I was able to go undetected. Because of that, I overheard one of my pursuers describe to another gentleman of his acquaintance his intentions once he found me.” Her fists clenched in her lap. “At first, I was furious as they were obviously not following the rules of the game as explained to the rest of us. It seemed the men were hunting in pairs, assisting each other until a lady was located. I realize how naïve I was to ignore your warning. You were trying to help, and I foolishly dismissed your advice.”
