Page 46 of Rescuing a Tantalising Heiress
The district of Howdwell Heights was not the sort of place one found oneself by chance. It was lonely and isolated, with just a few sparse houses and farms dotted across the landscape. The nearest town was fifteen miles away, and apart from Hugh, they really had little by way of dealings with their neighbours.
“Is that so?” Edward replied, suspecting what was to come next.
“Yes, I had some business with Victor,” Benjamin said, and Edward sighed.
Victor Radcliffe was a mutual acquaintance of theirs. He lived at Bagley Manor, a sprawling estate on the edge of the moorland. Victor was not a man whom Edward enjoyed dealing with, though past fates had brought them together, and they had significant business interests in common. Edward did not trust Victor, but he was forced to tolerate him, and now he fixed Benjamin with a stern expression.
“I hope you didn’t reveal anything about Isabella,” he said, but the baron shook his head.
“I didn’t, but I took the opportunity to ask him if he knew of anything suspicious in the district. You know he knows things,” Benjamin said, raising his eyebrows.
“I know he knows things—he knows too much at times. Anyway, presumably he does. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here at such an ungodly hour,” Edward said, glancing at the clock on the mantelpiece, which had not yet struck the eighth hour.
Benjamin nodded.
“He’s coming here—he wants to see you himself. I’ll bring him tomorrow or the next day. I’ve got my own business to see to,” Benjamin said.
Edward felt exasperated by his words—what was the point in his visit if not to impart information?
“But what does he know? Does he know who the kidnappers are? You should’ve told me before consulting him,” Edward said, fearing Isabella’s presence at Howdwell Heights could now become an open secret.
“He said he had certain information but would tell you in person. You know what he’s like, and you know our promises. But I didn’t mention Isabella—not directly. I just told him you were interested in discovering something of recent goings on in the district,” Benjamin said.
Edward sighed. He was well aware of the necessity of secrecy and did not need Benjamin to remind him of them.
“Very well. Bring him tomorrow or the next day. I’m sure he’ll tell me what he wants me to know,” Edward said, rising to his feet to usher Benjamin out of his study.
“He wants to talk to you about the hospital, too,” Benjamin continued, seemingly unaware of Edward’s intention for him to leave.
“Then we can talk about it. But I need to get on—I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Edward replied.
He wanted to get rid of Benjamin before either Isabella or Augusta came down for breakfast, but Benjamin was simply not taking the hint.
“Ah, yes, I’m sure—is she distracting you from your work, my friend? It can’t be easy having a pretty young woman about the house,” Benjamin said, and Edward sighed.
“No, it’s not!” he snapped, and his friend smiled.
“I’m sure she’d been amenable to you, Edward. Your kindness towards her only recommends you. Why not take advantage of the situation and make your feelings known?” Benjamin said.
But at these words. Edward had heard enough. He was not a rake and had no intention of behaving in a way as to compare himself to Benjamin.
“Enough—I’ve got work to do,” he said, and Benjamin laughed.
“Very well, I’m leaving, but I’m sorry not to get a glance at her, she’s quite…” he began as Edward opened the study door.
But as he did so, Isabella herself appeared at the bottom of the stairs, and Benjamin stopped himself, bowing to disguise the evident smile on his face.
“Isabella, you remember the Baron of Longley, I’m sure?” Edward said.
“Lady Isabella, how nice to see you again,” Benjamin said as Isabella curtsied.
“I’m sure it’s a pleasure,” Isabella said, glancing at Edward, who felt terribly embarrassed.
She looked as though she had been crying, and Edward could only feel guilty in the knowledge of his responsibility for her tears.
“But I must be going—I’ll return with Victor, then we’ll have some answers,” Benjamin said, casting a final glance at Isabella and smiling.
Edward did not like the way his friend looked at Isabella. He knew what Benjamin was like—a womanizer—and he was not about to allow the possibility of further scandal to engulf them.
