Read Online Always His Earl by Cheryl Dragon - Free Book Online Page B

back and took a step forward. As much as he worried about what Philips knew, he had to act as though he feared nothing.
    “Not at all. I’ve just lost track of my wife. I thought she might be keeping your brother company. She may be missing her childhood home and friends. Losing her father and brother was a shock. It grieved me as well. I was close with them.” Philips wasn’t backing down fast.
    “I can assure you that is not the case. My brother fell ill that night and has been in bed ever since. Which is why I’ve not attended any parties and the doctor has darkened my doorstep every day since. Basil is on the mend but not well enough to leave his room. I’ll handle any abuses of his honor myself,” George said.
    “No offense was meant. You wouldn’t happen to know where that brother of my wife’s is at the moment? I stopped at his club several times and he wasn’t there. I thought he might be enjoying your hospitality.” Philips eyed the door.
    George was ready to throw the man out of his house. “I have no use for houseguests. I am neither your newspaper nor your spy. I know Harris has been busy reacquainting himself with London. Old friends. New clothes. There is much to be done. He has been here only once to get necessary information. He’ll deal with my man of affairs. He said you were incredibly rude and dismissive when he asked about his sister. Since it seems you lost your wife, his concerns were indeed valid. Let’s hope she returns home in peace and that nothing sinister has happened to her during your neglect.”
    “He told you all that did he?” Philips rubbed his chin.
    “Our families are old friends. I want no harm to come to Lady Philips. I sincerely hope you find her well,” George said.
    “I suppose she may have returned to our country home after our quarrel.” Philips shrugged. “Tell your brother to stay far away from her. It’s convenient that he fell ill at the same time she fled for our estate.”
    “Fled? Why would she flee London?” George asked innocently.
    “It’s only a turn of phrase. She’ll be back, have no fear.” Philips rocked back on his heels. “Your brother looked quite in good health that night. I was watching him most carefully.”
    “I can assure you that my brother is upstairs and too unwell for visitors. Probably something he ate. He’s not left London in his condition.” George had had enough of the horrid little baron and his conversation. Crossing the room, George rang the bell and kept one eye on Philips at all times.
    Davis stepped into the room. “My lord?”
    “Baron Philips is leaving and is not welcome back.” George glanced in Philips’ direction and walked out the door. Using his title over the proper term of lord for Philips was both a slight and a reminder that George outranked the other man.
    “Very good, my lord,” Davis said.
    Walking into the drawing room, George slammed the doors behind him. Myles jumped and the steward looked up. “Bad news, my lord?”
    “That worm of a brother-in-law you have, Harris. He is beyond worthless.” George paced.
    “He doesn’t know anything, does he?” Myles asked.
    George shook his head. “He suspected she was here with Basil or has fled London with Basil. I was ruder than I’ve ever been in my life. I had him thrown out and banned.”
    “I’m sure you did right, my lord.” The steward bowed.
    “I know I did. However, we know his quandary won’t be solved any other way. He won’t find Lady Philips elsewhere.” George looked at Myles.
    “He’ll be back,” Myles said.
    “No doubt. Philips believes she’s returned to their country home. That might buy us a day or two.” George eyed the port and knew it would do nothing good for him. Eying Myles, he knew what he needed and craved more than any wine.
    * * * * *
    N ot wanting to be far from his sister after that episode, and wanting to give Minnie and Mrs. Blake a little time off, Myles set up camp in his sister’s room after