Page 117 of Ruthless with a Rogue
“I should be going.My father will be returning soon.”Miss Wentworth went to dip a curtsy, her features contorting.
Derek quickly stopped her.“Not necessary.Do you need to see a doctor?”He studied her again, but she hid her injuries well.He was all too familiar with that.“I can try to have you discreetly seen.If you were to say you were calling on a friend…?”
She shook her head as she slowly backed away, a strained smile gracing her pretty features.“No, all is well.”Her footman stepped to her side, and she immediately leaned against him for support.
It didn’t seem that way.She disappeared with her footman.Perhaps once her father was…no longer an issue, she could be examined properly.
Derek took up pacing the receiving room.He didn’t have much time.He needed to think fast.A way to get Lord Wentworth alone.And then…disposed of.Damnit.He needed Ryker.Derek was certain peers couldn’t continue appearing in the Thames without drawing suspicion.
At least he didn’t need to worry about the daughter.Most fathers included their daughters in their wills, though Derek was beginning to question if Wentworth was that kind of man.Even so, it looked like she’d been ready to start a life with her footman anyway.
He’d made what must have been the millionth round of the receiving room when a voice stopped him in his tracks.
“Lord Dunmore.What a wonderful surprise to have been informed you called.”
Derek spun to face Lord Wentworth’s portly form.He forced his lips to curve into a smirk.It was the best he could do.Thank Christ he was known for being an arse.“Lord Wentworth.”
“And to what do I owe the honor of your visit?”The man stared so innocently at Derek, his gaze beseeching, shoulders curled forward like he was nervous.
All an act.Derek swallowed down the bile trying to rise up his throat.“After much deliberation, I’ve decided it is in my best interest to revisit your proposal.”
Lord Wentworth’s eyebrows shot to his hairline.“Let’s adjourn to my study and discuss, then.What great news!”
Derek would hand it to the man; he was a terrific actor.Derek would have never guessed that surprise was feigned.
After they’d settled in Lord Wentworth’s study, both with freshly poured glasses of brandy, Lord Wentworth pulled out a number of documents.He glanced up at Derek and smiled warmly.“Might I ask what caused this change of mind?”
Derek slowly sipped his brandy to hide his grimace.What to reveal?And what information could he garner from the man?“As you well know, the foundling home I sponsor is of extreme importance to me.”
The man nodded seriously.“A great cause.We must do our part to protect God’s children.”
“Yes…” Interesting take by a man who clearly beat his own kin.“We didn’t have an issue with funding.But recent events have forced my hand.”He donned his arrogant grin.“It appears I’ll have to accept the shackles of marriage in order to support the foundling home, as much as that pains a bachelor such as I.”
Lord Wentworth chuckled.“I promise my Amelia will make you a lovely wife.I’ve raised her to be obedient and understand her place.”His smile faded, and his greying brows furrowed.“I was so sorry to hear the news of your benefit auction.Fires.”He shook his head.“So dangerous.”
“Quite.A terrifying incident, one we are all deeply upset over.”
Wentworth nodded sympathetically.“Such a shame.I heard the building was completely destroyed.Thank goodness none of the patrons were there when it occurred.”
“Very fortunate.”And a very interesting piece of information for the man to have.“It could have been much worse.”
“Yes, always a blessing when there are no casualties in a fire.”
Derek was sure.
“But enough somber news.I’m glad I can help you continue supporting your foundlings.I think you’ll be very pleased with the other items I’ve included in my daughter’s dowry.”He turned the papers toward Derek.“Your aptitude for investments is well known.I can’t think of a better man to entrust with parts of my estate and business, and with luck, the one to raise my future heir.”The man winked.
Derek’s smile froze in place.
“There are my land holdings near your Northamptonshire estate…”
The man’s words faded away as Derek’s mind went over what he’d just said.One to raise my future heir.That’s where the man’s motivation was coming from.He must have a barony by writ.So, his daughter would inherit, her son after her.And once she married, her husband would control the estate if Wentworth were to die.He was hand-selecting who could potentially control the barony and its assets.
“…then there are shares in my shipping company.”
Derek forced himself to focus back on the man.
“I know that is not always viewed as genteel.But I believe once you see the figures, you’ll no longer see the barony’s involvement in commerce as a detriment.”
