Read Online Mad About the Earl by Christina Brooke - Free Book Online Page B

How soon would Griffin come?
    While she’d taken a proud stand over making him court her before she agreed to tie the knot, she wasn’t certain she’d have the strength to hold out against him if he insisted on wedding her straightaway. She was all too impatient for her married life to begin.
    If he came to her now and displayed the least contrition, she would abandon her plan and marry him gladly.
    Somehow, she doubted that large, angry young man ever apologized for anything.
    *   *   *
     
    Griffin had not made it halfway to Grosvenor Square before he felt a peremptory tap on his shoulder.
    “I say, slow down, old chap. What’s the hurry?”
    “Damn it!” Griffin half turned to find Rosamund’s cousin, Viscount Lydgate, dogging his steps.
    Lydgate lowered his cane—with which he’d presumably tapped Griffin’s shoulder—then used its silver knob to tip his beaver hat at a more rakish angle. “Thought you could do with some company,” he explained.
    “You were mistaken,” said Griffin, walking faster.
    Though he complained of the pace, Lydgate’s long legs ate up the ground in step with Griffin’s. “You’ll be glad of me when we get there,” he murmured.
    Griffin grunted. “I don’t need your help, my lord.”
    “Call me Lydgate,” said his companion. “You’re practically family, aren’t you? And you do need me, if only to run interference.”
    That startled Griffin. “Interference?”
    “Of course. How are you going to get Rosamund alone if I don’t distract her mama?”
    Griffin frowned. He hated being placed in the position of supplicant when he had every right to claim his affianced bride. “Just let her try and stop me.”
    Lydgate halted. Instinctively, Griffin stopped also.
    His unwanted companion’s eyes hardened; the mobile mouth grew flat and tight at the edges. If Griffin hadn’t received ample proof of the steel beneath Lydgate’s affable charm when he slammed him in the jaw, he saw it now.
    “You have no idea what that woman is capable of,” said Lydgate grimly. “I’m coming with you. If it’s any consolation, I’m doing this for Rosamund’s sake, not yours.” His eyes narrowed. “Do you think Xavier meant to do you a favor by telling you where Rosamund is?”
    No, Griffin didn’t think Lord Steyne did anyone any favors. He hadn’t cared what his prospective brother-in-law’s motive might have been, either, as long as this business with Rosamund was resolved as soon as possible. He didn’t want to waste time dawdling in London when there was so much work to be done.
    For a few moments, Griffin met Lydgate’s eyes squarely. Then he shrugged and kept walking.
    “If only you’d make yourself presentable first, it would go a long way with Rosamund,” said Lydgate with asperity. “And with her mama as well.”
    Griffin ignored that. Fine clothes would serve only to emphasize his unfashionable brawn and the startling ugliness of his face. He refused to make himself utterly ridiculous, even for Lady Rosamund Westruther.
    Particularly for Lady Rosamund Westruther.
    “This is it,” said Lydgate, turning to climb the steps. Again, his gaze flickered over Griffin’s clothing. “You’d best leave me to do the talking.”
    “Be damned to you,” Griffin said. “I don’t need you to be my mouthpiece.”
    Before Andrew could rap on the door with his cane, Griffin overtook him, pounding on it with his fist. The door opened immediately, revealing an impassive footman in deep blue livery.
    Griffin never troubled to evaluate the appearance of his fellow men, but even he was astonished. This was easily the most beautiful young man he had ever seen, like a dark angel or a Greek god or some such thing.
    The footman seemed equally taken aback to see Griffin, though clearly for different reasons. A sudden ache in Griffin’s jaw reminded him of the appearance he must present.
    He scowled; the pretty footman blanched.
    The door began to shut in Griffin’s face.
    He