Page 52 of Enticing the Devil

“I do hope Beynon makes it back for your reading tonight,” she added thoughtfully. “It would be a shame if you had to forfeit the event. Depending on how everyone votes on the paintings, the two of you have an excellent chance of winning the games.”

“Really?” Anne was honestly surprised. She hadn’t been following the results after the first couple days and hadn’t realized they’d done so well. She’d have thought their disaster in the maze would have ruined their chances. And she’d totally forgotten all the paintings had been displayed in their respective pairs in the portrait gallery for the guests to vote upon by silent ballot throughout the day.

“Personally, I think your depiction of Beynon was unbelievably romantic,” Miss Claybourne continued wistfully. “And Beynon’s painting was verra...surprising,” she concluded with a grin.

Anne smiled. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, Miss Claybourne.”

“Oh, I’ve invested more than that,” the girl replied with a wink. “Angelique and I have a wager. But I suppose I should be getting Bramble back to the house.” She gave a sharp whistle, which brought her collie swiftly back to her side with a flopping tongue and fiercely wagging tail.

After parting from Miss Claybourne, Anne did her best not to worry about Beynon.

A part of her wished he’d have thought to inform her of his abrupt departure, but she disabused herself of that notion quickly. She had no claim to his personal time especially when it came to a private matter regarding his family. Though she hoped he might be back for the last game event that evening, she was more concerned with the possibility that something serious might have occurred with his younger brother. If all Miss Claybourne had said was true, the young man lived a dangerous life.

Considering the possibility that Beynon could be caught up in something perilous even now, an acute sort of fear snaked through her blood. She quickly forced it away, telling herself he was more than capable of handling himself. Besides, Lord Wright was with him. Surely, the levelheaded lord would ensure Beynon didn’t go charging into anything truly dangerous.

Chapter Nineteen

Beynon and Colin made it back to Earl and Countess of Harte’s estate just after dusk had fallen. Tired yet relieved that their journey had been successful, Beynon was anxious to change into clothing that didn’t stink of his horse.

When he’d realized last night that he’d need to marry Lady Anne and quickly before any whisper of her downfall at his hands became known, he’d gone in search of his eldest brother. Though he’d considered going to Roderick first and the thought of asking Colin for help grated on his pride, he knew the Earl of Wright would have far more influence in his quest to obtain a special license. And he’d been right. With the special license in hand, all he needed now was the signature of Lady Anne’s father. And the agreement of the lady herself.

Although Beynon had considered speaking with Anne before leaving for London, he feared being denied by the archbishop. In which case, advising the lady of his intentions beforehand would serve no good purpose. Not when she’d likely have significant cause to protest the union. He hoped the special license might help to convince her that—like it or not—marriage was the only option.

And now that he was back, he was anxious to see the matter resolved, which meant he didn’t bother hiding his annoyance when the butler intercepted him before he could rush upstairs to change.

“Excuse me, sir, but this letter arrived for you this morning,” the staid servant noted as he handed Beynon a crumpled missive. “And a Lord Humphries also arrived more than an hour ago and has been awaiting your return in the lord’s private study.”

Assuming Beynon would follow, the butler turned and began leading the way.

Beynon stuffed the letter into his pocket for later. Though he would have liked to clean up first, the matter of Lord Humphries was far more pressing. He glanced up to where Colin had paused on his way up the stairs. Having heard the butler’s announcement, his brother lifted a brow in question, and after only a moment of hesitation, Beynon gave a nod. Colin immediately turned around and came back down the stairs to join Beynon as they were shown to the study.

Beynon wasn’t entirely pleased to have his brother present for the meeting with Lady Anne’s father, but he also acknowledged the fact that Colin had a way of soothing ruffled feathers when Beynon was mostly skilled at ruffling them further. And if he wanted this conversation to go his way, he’d best accept all the help he could get.

Lord Humphries stood in front of the fireplace with his feet braced wide and his hands clasped behind his back. Tall, lanky, and in possession of a hawkish face and sharp eyes, the aging lord had no trouble pinning Beynon with a stare of hard condescension and an almost fierce impatience.

“Lord Humphries,” Beynon began as he approached the lord, “thank you for responding so quickly to my request for an audience.”

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