Page 29 of The No Good Irresistible Viscount Tipton
Finally, unable to stand the silence, he roared, “Say something! I came all this way for you to see to it that I keep my limb.”
“Maggots.”
“What?”
Head bowed over the leg, he did not bother to look up. “You have maggots eating away at your leg, while the opium is eating at what is left of your brain.” Rayne picked the offending creatures out, one by one, and dropped them into the cup. “Christ, what a mess! A ball to the heart would be quicker.”
The housemaid appeared behind him, holding a large pot of steaming water and a fistful of clean linens. “Shall ye be needing some of the men to help ye, sir?”
Rayne raised his head and met the pleading gaze of his friend. This man had befriended him at the lowest point in his life when even his own family had forgotten his name. He had offered his protection, money when it was needed, and had taught Rayne the skills so he could make his way in the world. He tore his gaze off those begging, tear-filled eyes and forced himself to address the servant.
The agitated Apala clicked,Geckogeckogecko.
***
“I thought I might find you here.”
Devona was not particularly surprised to find Rayne at her carriage door. No, what was more surprising was the fact that she had avoided him this long!
“Good afternoon, my lord,” she said, her fine manners automatically rallying forth as if they were meeting in a ballroom instead of Newgate Street. “Have many friends incarcerated here at the ’Gate?”
“Ladies who have criminals for suitors should not cast stones.” He frowned at Pearl, who was doing her best to blend into the background. “What can I do to make you disappear?”
Devona stilled her maid’s escape with a hand gesture. “Lord Tipton, I shall not tolerate you terrorizing my staff. Pearl stays.”
His frown became more pronounced. “I desire a private discussion with you, Miss Bedegrayne, that will not be bandied about the servants’ quarters this evening.”
“Miss Brown is the very soul of discretion, are you not, Pearl?”
“Yes, miss.” The maid visibly cringed under Rayne’s perusal. “I think I could do with a bit of air, though.” She scrambled to get out of the carriage.
“Lord Tipton, there is no need to bully anyone here!”
Gar suddenly loomed behind Rayne. His gaze held Devona’s, but it was the heavily muscled footman whom he addressed. “You’re late. I could have had my way with her twice over, before you interfered.”
Devona’s saucy little curls bobbed with the indignant nod of her head. “Tipton, this is outside of enough!” She looked at Gar, hoping she had enough control over the young man to prevent the inevitable fight. She was amazed to see a slight embarrassing flush creeping from his neck up to his face.
“Several attempts have been made on Miss Bedegrayne’s life,” Rayne continued in a quiet tone that seemed more menacing than if he had been yelling. “Have a care or deal with me.”
The prominent lump in Gar’s throat wobbled. “Yes, milord.” The footman held a hand out to Pearl. “Come ride with me on top, Miss Brown. We’ll put the pink back in your cheeks.” He turned to Rayne. “Do you have a specific destination, milord?”
The simple question set fire to Devona’s temper as quickly as a stack of fireworks. Blast him. Gar was her man! “There will be no destination,” she said through clenched teeth.
Pretending not to notice her agitated state, Rayne climbed into the bench opposite her. “Miss Bedegrayne is quite correct. I have no destination in mind. Just keep driving until I signal you otherwise.”
“Very good, milord.” Gar closed and secured the door.
Devona resisted the strong urge to stomp her foot. What she really wanted to do was to plant it firmly into His Lordship’s shin. Oh, the high-handed gall of the man! “You presume much, sir!”
“Just letting you know, beloved, that I take my responsibilities as your betrothed seriously.”
“Ha! Now I know you are addled. That incident with the hackney was more damaging than you anticipated. To refresh your faulty memory, I must remind you that my father refused your offer.”
He shrugged, giving her an indulgent smile. “A minor bump in our plans. Your former suitors might have been intimidated by that old bull; however, I am not. He may bluster all he wants. In the end, you will be mine.”
Devona tried to ignore the tingling thrill coursing through her body. Her shoulders could not prevent a small shudder. Since her traitorous body would not cooperate, she chose to concentrate on the practical side of their plan. Lord Tipton had not developed a greattendrefor her. This ruse would benefit them both. His return to society could be used to help Doran, and herself as well. No one pursued a betrothed lady after all. And there were benefits for Rayne as well. She could show thetonthat despite all the rumors about his past Lord Tipton was a decent man, honorable, and, above all, quite ordinary. She suspected that if the polite world would treat him more like the gentleman he was, instead of some kind of supernatural creature, the embattlements he had built around his emotions would collapse. Only then would he allow himself to care for anyone.
“I do not think I like that look on your face.”
