Page 4 of An Amiable Foe
“Who the devil are you?”
Not even in his worst periods of school tyranny had anyone ever spoken to Perry like that, and his surprise at the address almost outweighed his irritation at the nature of it. Almost.
“Mr. Peregrine Osborne at your service.” He delivered the words coldly and with a slight bow. The stranger continued to stare at him, and although Perry should not have said more, he added, “Heir to the baron, Lord Steere.”
Only then did recognition dawn on the man’s features. It was clear he was on intimate enough terms to know who Perry’s uncle was and what had likely brought him here.
“Forgive me my presumption, sir.” The gentleman returned the bow and more deeply. It seemed to express his chagrin at a greeting that could only be called rude. “We had been expecting the baron. Related to Lord Steere, are you? Nephew? Where is she?”
The barrage of questions bewildered Perry as he tried to grapple with the man’s knowledge of Brindale’s successors and his uncivil approach at gaining more information. He folded his arms across his chest.
“Excuse me, sir. And you are?” He would not give this man the upper hand, even if he did know quite a bit more about the castle, its inhabitants, and Perry’s ties to Brindale than one might expect in a stranger.
“Ah, of course. My name’s Robert Vernon.” He put his hand on his chest as if swearing an oath. “My father’s squire and owns Grinnell, a property not far from here. I’ve known Marianne my whole life.”
Understanding of the man’s peculiar behavior now dawned at this admission. Vernon had likely been stirred by the embers of jealousy when he’d confronted Perry like that on his betrothed’s doorstep. Theirs was likely a match arranged from childhood, or a love that had blossomed as they spent time in each other’s company. He was not a bad-looking fellow, and she was probably habituated to his coarse manners, not having other men to judge him by. Perry hoped he was not a frequent visitor.
Then again, Miss Edgewood proving already engaged would provide a simple solution to the matter that had become more of the moment than sprucing up the castle. He would not have to worry about finding a new place for her to live. These thoughts turned around in his mind, leading him to speak with uncharacteristic forthrightness.
“A pleasure, Mr. Vernon. If I may be so bold as to ask, considering that I am here with the object to see to Brindale’s future…might I inquire if you have an understanding with Miss Edgewood?”
“You mean marriage?” Vernon laughed, flushing a deep red. “I should say not. At any rate, we have no understanding at present. But I am the closest thing she has to family.”
He struck a belligerent tone, and Perry simply nodded. He would not get in the way of this one, who seemed to be suffering from the throes of love, or at least of possessiveness.
Vernon looked around, then folded his arms across his chest. “I must tell you that Marianne has dreaded your visit since she received word of her uncle’s death. Or I should say, she dreaded Lord Steere’s visit. She was certain he would arrive unannounced and turn her out of a home that is of great sentimental value.”
He stopped and looked at Perry shrewdly. “And here you are, unannounced. It may be none of my business, but given the unusual frankness of our speech upon meeting, will you tell me if your uncle is planning on selling the castle? You have every right to tell me to go to the devil, of course.”
Vernon laughed again, and the sound grated on Perry like the braying of a donkey. That was precisely where he would have liked to send him. The man was not altogether unrefined, although he certainly seemed it compared to the gentlemen Perry was accustomed to frequenting. And he did have some right as Miss Edgewood’s friend to ask such a question, but Perry was not about to reveal anything to a perfect stranger other than a truth that would soon be widely known.
“I am the owner of Brindale Castle, as a matter of fact.” When Vernon’s jaw dropped, Perry hurried on rather than allow him to respond. “As for the castle’s future, I’m afraid I cannot disclose my plans at present. I will need time to look over the estate and judge what is best to be done.” The air had grown colder with the loss of sunlight, and he wondered if he should go in search of his cloak.
Vernon narrowed his eyes. “So you are here on an extended stay.”
“I am,” he replied. The two of them stood, feet planted and arms folded, facing off as though in a pugilist match, in what Perry thought was the most ridiculous manner. Vernon had nothing he wanted, and Perry owned something that was none of Vernon’s business. They should have nothing further to say to one another.
Vernon dropped his arms first. “Where’s Marianne, then? I came to tell her about my new foal. She’ll want to visit her.” He looked beyond Perry into the house, where the door was still cracked open, then brought his gaze back to him.
“I’m afraid I cannot be of any help. I have only just arrived here myself. But I will inform Miss Edgewood that you came to call when I next see her.” He stood, effectively barring the door in case Vernon should have any thoughts of darting past him. It washiscastle, after all.
Vernon did not attempt it. “Ah, very well. I suppose the foal will have to wait. She’s a beauty, though. Got a star on her nose and the longest legs you’ve ever seen. Tell Marianne about her. That will have her wanting to come around as soon as she may.” He looked over at the sun, which was about to set between the trees on the western end of the castle wall. “Good evening, then.” He lifted his hat and turned to walk toward the stables.
Drat.Vernon must have driven to Brindale. The stables had been Perry’s destination, but he had no wish to continue the conversation with a country gentleman who, despite having a basic grasp of proper decorum, acted as though he had been raised by the stable hands rather than by a gentleman’s tutor.
Vernon took only a few steps more before turning back, flicking his eyes to Perry at last. “Marianne is not without protectors, I’ll have you know. In case you had any less than noble thoughts in that direction, I’d advise you against it.”
The implication in his words was as surprising as it was insulting. “You’ve fallen far from the mark. I do not need such a reminder.” Perry clenched his fists and spoke through gritted teeth. “I ought to call you out for suggesting I do. A gentleman does not seduce innocent maidens.”
“Not in a perfect world,” Vernon said, taking a step backwards. He put his hand on his chest and bowed, a gesture which, following his words, seemed like a mockery. “Forgive me if my protectiveness for her led me to speak rashly. No insult was meant.”
After a moment, Perry nodded, his heartbeat steadying. He could not like the man, but it would not do to make enemies of his neighbors. And it might further be to his advantage to keep a close eye on him. “None taken, then.”
CHAPTERTHREE
Marianne’s flash of bravado completely deserted her by the time she’d made it to her room. What courage did she have, truly? None. She might imagine herself a lion, but she was really just a mouse.
She had been bent upon teaching Mr. Osborne a lesson by showing him thathewas trespassing inherhome, no matter what relation he was to the baron. And then to learn this modish gentleman from London was the owner in truth? That unexpected piece of knowledge had stolen her breath, and she needed to sit in silence to come to grips with it. After a time, she did, although the realization only increased her despair because he was yet another person who stood between her and her home.
