Page 84 of A Rogue to Watch Over Me
“Esteem, is it?” She did not care if he detected the skepticism in her tone.
“Why, of course.” His reply was smooth. Too smooth.
Amelia let out a low breath. “What sort of arrangement do you propose?”
When Mansfield’s gaze flickered to the ladies, Amelia added, “You may speak freely. Surely there’s nothing in your proposal that must be held confidential.”
“I suppose not. It is no secret that I am expanding my galleries. I intend to acquire this building. As you can understand, you will need you to remove your property.” His critical gaze swept over the bookshelves. “The sooner, the better.”
She pulled in a steadying breath. “You are asking me to relocate my library.”
“You may find another space. Or you may toss the dusty books in this place into a bonfire. It makes no difference to me.”
The gall of the man.Amelia squared her shoulders. “I’ve heard quite enough, Mr. Mansfield. I’ll ask you to leave now.”
“Not yet.” His expression cold, he retrieved a sealed document from his pocket and presented it to her. “When you review this offer, you will see I’ve been most generous. But you will vacate these premises by the end of the month.”
“There’s no need to read this.” Holding her chin high, she thrust the envelope back at Mansfield. “I am not going anywhere.”
“I’ve offered enough to make the move, or whatever it is you end up doing, exceedingly profitable.”
Amelia shook her head. “That won’t do. Not at all.” Glancing to Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Langford for moral support, she hiked her chin in defiance. “I have no intention of leaving until my right to occupy this property has come to an end.”
“You must be reasonable.” Mansfield toyed with the walking stick, seeming to test its weight against his hand. “I’d hoped we could come to an arrangement without delay. But I am prepared for further negotiations. If need be, I can be very persuasive.”
“I am not interested in your money.”
He flashed a scowl. “As I said, I can be very persuasive. In one way. Or another.”
Amelia marched to the door and held it open. “Please leave.”
Mansfield tapped the silver tip of the stick against his palm. The gesture was not innocent, but a thinly veiled threat.
“I will return. Another time, when I may speak more frankly.” His cold eyes drilled into her. “Mark my words, Mrs. Stewart. You will come to see things my way.”
He crossed the threshold, and Amelia closed the door behind his back, casting aside any care for politeness. The man’s callous tone had left her far more shaken than she’d been willing to show. Theclickof the latch sliding into place offered some calm for her nerves.
“Who in blazes does the rotter think he is?” Mrs. Johnstone’s tone was as fiery as the look in her eyes.
“Language, Elsie,” Mrs. Langdon chided.
“I would tell the man he’s a rotter to his face,” Mrs. Johnstone said. “I held my tongue for Amelia’s sake. Not for his.”
“He deals in rare works of art. Old Masters, and such,” Amelia said. “As you heard, he’s set his sights on this building for another gallery.”
“The man’s a toad, he is.” Mrs. Langford roamed to the window. Pulling back the curtain, she peeked out into the street. “That must be his carriage. Quite elegant for a reptile.”
“I do believe a toad is an amphibian,” Mrs. Johnstone pointed out.
Mrs. Langford shot her a glare. “Very well, then. It is an elegant coach for anamphibian.”
Smiling despite her frayed nerves, Amelia joined Mrs. Langford at the window. A wiry man perched on the driver’s bench of the elegant brougham waiting within steps of the library. Impatiently, the coach driver tapped his fingers against the seat.
“Cecil Mansfield certainly possesses the funds for such a fine carriage,” Amelia said. “He’s made a fortune selling works by artists who sadly saw little benefit from their talents while they were alive.”
“Isn’t that the way?” Mrs. Johnstone said. “Do not let the weasel trouble ye, Amelia. He will not get the better of you. Logan will set him straight. Ye can wager your last coin on that.”
*
