Page 33 of The Colonel's Ungovernable Governess
“Annabelle was . . . only speaking . . . to her . . . friends,” Vincent protested.
“Friends she appears to be hiding from your uncle. The colonel is not an unreasonable man. He would have granted permission for Annabelle to join the group if the two young gentlemen and the young lady had first presented themselves to him. I viewed the trio following us closely, and your sister occasionally waved to them. If there was nothing secretive going on, they would have caught up with Lady Annabelle and asked for an introduction. Because of how this set of circumstances has progressed, the colonel has no choice but to take the situation in hand.”
The boy listened carefully and finally nodded his agreement. “I do not . . . want Annabelle . . . harmed.”
“Then we permit your uncle to address the problem.”
* * *
“Uncle,” Lady Annabelle said tentatively, “it is not as you believe it.”
Edward had not moved. “I am glad to hear it, for I believe my niece has attempted to manipulate not only me, but her siblings, as well as the Darcys. I distinctly recall saying you were not to leave this area: Explain to me what you heard that contradicted my orders.” Heaven help the girl if she had been one of his soldiers. She would be shoveling out the latrines.
“I did not think . . . you meant . . . this actual circle,” the girl hem-hawed. “I was looking . . . you see . . . for a small gift . . . for both Vincent and Victoria.”
“Hand me your reticule,” Edward demanded, extending his hand, palm up.
“Pardon?” the girl asked.
“As you have no such gift currently in your hands, I wish to view whether you have enough coins actually to purchase gifts for your brother and sister,” he countered.
“Such is ridiculous,” Annabelle declared with a flip of her head to emphasize her disdain. “I am not required to answer to you.”
Edward chuckled. “If something happens to my brother, you, Lady Lindale, and your siblings come under the care of the Fitzwilliam family.” He reached in his pocket and retrieved a small pen knife. “Shall you present me your reticule or should I pretend I am one of the thieves who haunt such places as a country fair and cut it from your wrist?”
They stared at each other in a battle of wills for several elongated seconds before she said, “I do not possess enough coins, but I did wish to find a gift for the twins.”
“Why did you not ask one of the two gentlemen with whom you left the area for the loan of a few coins?” he asked, switching his tactics to catch her in another falsehood. “I would have stood good for the funds.”
“Two gentlemen?” she asked nervously.
“Yes, and a young lady, whose countenance was familiar, but I cannot yet name her, though I am confident I will recognize her when she attends services with her family on Sunday. Mayhap even the young gentlemen will be among this week’s parishioners.”
“You saw them?” she asked, no longer offering him another prevarication.
“I am not blind, though you obviously think my age indicates senility,” he warned.
“I bet Miss Lambert told you,” Annabelle said stubbornly. “She is jealous that I have friends, and she does not.”
Edward moved in closer to lord over her, forcing her to look up into his anger. “I imagine Miss Lambert did take note of your ‘friends,’ for part of the woman’s charge is to protect your brother and sister. Believe it or not, as your brother is the heir to the earldom, his life holds value. Though you are the eldest, in the aristocracy, females are often dispensable. Miss Lambert understands the unspoken necessity of not permitting Vincent to know harm, what with Mr. Jennings hoping to replace him. Your brother stands between you and poverty. Do not flatter yourself, nor should you consider abusing the lady for executing her position with care. I shan’t tolerate it. Bring your wrath to my door if you dare.”
She thought to speak again, but quickly changed her mind.
“We will join your brother and sister for a quick treat, during which you will convince Vincent and Victoria that any ‘misunderstanding’ between us is resolved,” he ordered.
“And if I do not,” she challenged.
Edward smiled. “Please defy me. I hope you do, for I have the means to discover not only the names of your so-called ‘acquaintances,’ but also something of their parents. Do you have even an inkling of how powerful the Matlock earldom is? Only my brother and our family could have kept your mother, you, and the twins safe. Your uncle would not have hesitated in doing away with all of you without my father and the Matlock earldom offering you and yours protection. I would not doubt that Mr. Jennings has paid some young gent to seduce you.” She blushed thoroughly. “You should be thankful that Matlock is determined to see each of Lady Lindale’s children well-placed. Therefore, I must insist you do not frighten your siblings.”
“What if I do not wish to marry where your father chooses?” she challenged.
“When my parents and the Lindales return to England, I will provide you permission to express your opinions to them. In fact, I will insist that you do so. Until then, I am in charge of the manor house and all who dwell under its roof, and you will follow my rules. Otherwise, I will have you confined to your quarters.” He noted her disapproval. “Now, put a smile on your lips and perform as I have asked or know my full ire. I am not beyond dragging you through this fairgrounds kicking and screaming. No one will think to stop me, for many of the fair goers owe their living to my brother’s estate and to members of my family who have resided in this area for more than one hundred and fifty years.”
Chapter Thirteen
When they arrived at services on Sunday, Jocelyn performed as the colonel had asked. She scanned the crowd gathering before the church to seek out the countenances of those who approached Lady Annabelle yesterday.
“The colonel said we should find you,” Victoria announced.
