Read Online The Earl's Return (Marriage Mart Mayhem) by Callie Hutton - Free Book Online Page B

already ruined.” He shoved the bills over. “The carriage has been brought around. It is time to leave and do the right thing.”
    Rumbold rose, then strode across the room, turning before he opened the door. “Just for your own information, Redgrave, both my footman and driver are well armed. They will see you to Gretna Green and married. What the two of you do after that is no concern of mine.”

    Since that night, he’d thought of many ways he could have gotten out of that predicament. Starting with storming out of the house and going to Manchester to lay out the problem. Of course, once he’d gotten to know the ruthlessness of the man, he wouldn’t have been surprised if Rumbold had shot him in the back as he left the room.
    “My lord, his lordship will see you now.”
    Redgrave entered the room, his muscles tightening as he was awash in memories. Rumbold sat at his desk, writing in a ledger book, ignoring his entrance. He’d learned Rumbold’s method of intimidation was allowing the other person to speak first. He who talks first, loses. Redgrave remained silent.
    Apparently, this summons was of great importance to Rumbold because he eventually laid down his pen and glared at him. “Sit down.”
    Feeling rebellious, Redgrave didn’t move. “I don’t plan to stay long. I can continue standing.” Another ploy. The person standing has power over the person sitting.
    “I said sit. I didn’t invite you here to play games.” Rumbold growled.
    Redgrave slouched in his chair, resting one booted foot over his bent knee. “What is it you want, Rumbold? I see no reason for us to have anything to do with each other.”
    “Is that right?” The man sat back, crossing his arms over his chest. “As far as I’m concerned, this will be our last meeting. I have no use for you anymore, Redgrave. You served your purpose four years ago.”
    “Then why summon me? Certainly you haven’t missed my company.”
    Rumbold slammed his fist on the desk. “I had a visit today from Bittner, one of the men involved in my investment. It seems he had a conversation with you, and you attempted to dissuade him from reaping the benefits of my endeavor.”
    Redgrave snorted. “Anything you are involved in is suspicious, at best.”
    The man stood and leaned over his desk. “If I find you have talked to anyone else about my diamond mine, I will ruin you.”
    Redgrave brushed at invisible lint from his lapel. “I believe you did this once before, Rumbold. I paid the price, but I intend to no longer bow to your wishes. There isn’t anything you can do that will make things worse than they were when your daughter and I took off for Gretna Green two weeks before my wedding to my legitimate betrothed.”
    A sly smile came over the man’s face, raising alarms. He probably should not have challenged Rumbold. The man was vicious and could probably wreak havoc with his life, if pushed.
    “I understand you’re in London to seek another wife.”
    Redgrave continued to stare at him, his lips tight. He would give no quarter to this man.
    Rumbold tapped his pen on his desk. “I wonder how successful your search would be if word got out that my daughter was most unhappy in her marriage because her husband preferred the company and attentions of young boys?”
    Redgrave shot out of his chair as if booted from behind. “You wouldn’t dare,” he growled.
    “Try me.”
    The man had won again. Not only would his chances for a wife be shattered if this got about, he would never be able to return to London. For all intents and purposes, he would have to leave the country.
    How he wished he could throw the man’s threat in his face. Walk out with his head high and principles intact. But at this point, he couldn’t afford to have Rumbold’s vicious lies bandied about.
    Swallowing the bile that rose up the back of his throat, he straightened his jacket. “No one will hear words from my lips that threaten your endeavor, my lord.” Bowing, he