The Daring Miss Darcy (Lost Ladies of London #4)(20)

“If I’ve learnt anything these last few years,” he continued, “it is that life is too short not to act on one’s feelings. Although Miriam passed so recently, her illness forced us apart long before.”

Estelle swallowed down her apprehension. “Mr Hungerford, I must tell you that—”

“Please, Miss Brown, allow me to speak before nerves get the better of me.” Mr Hungerford reached for her hand and clutched it tightly.

“Sir, you have forgotten yourself. Has it slipped your attention that we are standing in the street?” Estelle glanced left and right, frustrated that the few passers-by paid them no heed.

But then something caught her eye: a black carriage parked further along on the opposite side of the street. A figure stood watching them intently beneath the brim of his top hat as he leant against the door, his muscular arms folded defiantly across his chest.

Ross?

Locking eyes with her, he pushed away, tugged on the cuffs of his dark blue coat and stalked towards them like a wolf on the prowl.

Good Lord!

Mr Hungerford gripped her hand. “Miss Brown, when a man has something important to say he does not care who raises a disapproving brow. I know we have only known each other for a month, but—”

“I beg you, say no more, sir.” Panic infused her tone. Her heart flew up to her throat. “I fear now is not the time for declarations.”

She looked up as Ross mounted the pavement.

How could she ever have thought him the same man she knew in her youth? A dark and dangerous energy radiated from every fibre of his being. Ross Sandford’s hard, unforgiving expression could frighten the Devil. Perhaps he had risen from the fiery pits of Hell, for the sight of him ignited a scorching heat deep in her core.

“Miss Brown.” Ross offered a graceful bow. There was something sleek and seductive about the simple movement. Ice-blue eyes settled on Mr Hungerford and then fell to their clasped hands.

“Lord Trevane.” Estelle swallowed in an attempt to catch her breath. She tugged her hand free from Mr Hungerford’s grasp. “I must say I’m surprised to see you. Do you have business in Whitecombe Street?”

“I do now.”

A tense silence ensued. As the higher-ranking gentleman, it was up to Ross to make an introduction.

“We are on our way to collect provisions for Mr Erstwhile.” Estelle forced a smile.

Ross’ belligerent gaze journeyed over Mr Hungerford. “We?”

Estelle gestured to the gentleman at her side. “Lord Trevane, allow me to present Mr Hungerford.”

Mr Hungerford inclined his head, but before he could open his mouth to speak, Ross said, “Goodbye, Hungerford. I shall escort Miss Brown to wherever it is she needs to go.”

Mr Hungerford blinked rapidly. His mouth opened and closed but he could not quite form a reply.

While Estelle wanted to place some distance between herself and Mr Hungerford, what gave Ross the right to think he could storm into her life and assume control?

“I’m afraid I have already accepted Mr Hungerford’s offer of assistance, my lord.”

Mr Hungerford cast her an affectionate smile. Heavens. Now the man would think she held him in high regard.

“Leave, Hungerford.” Ross ignored her comment and squared his shoulders. “Leave now else I shall make it my business to remove you, physically if necessary.”

Since when had Ross Sandford turned into an obstinate fool? “Arrogance is a rather unbecoming trait,” she blurted.

“As is dishonesty,” Ross countered.

“I have never lied to you.”

Ross rubbed his chin. “Do you want to discuss the nature of your deception here, Miss Brown?” He turned a contemptuous eye to the stunned gentleman at her side whose mouth hung agape. “Are you still here, Hungerford?”

“People are beginning to stare.” Estelle glanced at Mr Hungerford, waiting for him to say something, but the fellow simply stood there stupefied.

“Perhaps I should leave you to deal with this matter.” Mr Hungerford stepped away, the tremble in his voice a sign of his unease. While some might think him craven, Ross looked ready to pounce, ready to rip Hungerford’s throat out with his bare teeth. “Clearly, you are acquainted and have something of great importance to discuss. Unless, of course, you insist I stay.”

Estelle considered the gentleman’s offer.

She knew why Ross had come. He wanted answers, explanations. He wanted to know why she’d left him, how she’d survived.

Did she have strength enough to relive eight years’ worth of nightmares?

Spending time in Ross’ company was sure to open old wounds. Even now, while annoyed at his brash manner, the urge to feel those large arms surround her, to hear his whispered words of comfort proved unnerving.

But she could not run forever. She cared for the Erstwhiles and did not have the heart to disappoint them. Even so, how could she stay?

Oh, what was she to do?

Estelle turned to Mr Hungerford. “Thank you for your kindness, sir. And you’re right as always. My brother and Lord Trevane were childhood friends, and so I must address his lordship’s complaint.”

Already she had revealed too much, but this shameful situation did nothing to quell Mr Hungerford’s heated gaze as he studied her face. Indeed, he looked pleased at the prospect of having to compete.