Viscount of Vanity by Tammy Andresen (little red riding hood ebook free TXT) 📕

sat back in his chair, staring back at Austin. “What is it you do, Mr. Melrose? You have the air of an important man.”

“Just a busy one, Mr. Winston.”

The other man cocked his head. “Friends and the guest of a baron. Your clothes are of a fine cut.”

Austin didn’t flinch but he should have known that Mr. Winston paid attention to details. He made his way through life by taking advantage of others, observation was surely one of his skills. “And I paid a king’s ransom for your daughter.”

Winston rubbed his cheek and then his blurry eyes. “So you did. You think ill of me for the auction, don’t you?”

Austin arched his brows. He thought the man scum. “It was your right.”

Mr. Winston slapped the table. “Of course it was, and look what I did for her. Married to a fine man. I saw her on your arm yesterday. You had her all dressed up and here I am…” He pointed down at his clothes. “Wasting away.”

“With the sum I gave you, you should be doing a fair sight better than wasting.”

Mr. Winston’s mouth pinched. “I came this morning because I couldn’t sleep. My mind was filled with worry.”

“Or ale,” Austin quietly replied.

Mr. Winston glared, ignoring the comment. “I’ve decided to sell my ancestral home and come with you. I can’t be without my fair daughter in my old age.”

Austin’s lips parted in surprise before he snapped them back together again. He knew a lie when he heard one. He’d seen the way this man had callously tossed Gabriella at him in exchange for gold. His affection for Gabriella had nothing to do with leaving town. The man simply thought to bilk Austin for every farthing he could. “No.”

“No?” Mr. Winston’s mouth gapped open. “You’d deny an old man his daughter in his sunset years?”

“I’d deny you. My concern is for my wife and I think it best that you stay here.”

“You’re concerned about her having a relationship with her own flesh and blood?” Mr. Winston said, his voice growing dramatically louder. “I might have to question the choice I made giving my daughter to you.”

Austin flexed his hand under the table. “You can’t reverse that choice now.”

“I can. It turns out that Father Michaels didn’t perform the ceremony properly and the marriage is—”

“Ironclad. I saw a barrister this morning.” Austin leaned forward. “Furthermore, I will see the Archbishop of Canterbury as soon as we arrive in London to confirm the match with him. I’ll tell him to speak with Father Michaels if he has any questions.”

Mr. Winston paled. “You don’t have access to the archbishop.”

Austin grimaced. He didn’t want to admit his title. He’d been right from the first—Mr. Winston would never leave them be if he knew his daughter was a viscountess. “Blackwater does.”

Winston’s mouth thinned as he pushed his chair back, standing. “You can’t take my daughter away from me.”

“You sold her to me. Remember? Seemed happy about it at the time.”

Three men walked into the tavern and Mr. Winston turned to look at them, paled, and sat back down, pulling his hat lower on his head.

Austin’s gaze flicked to the hard-looking men. They weren’t from the auction that he could recall.

“Are they looking this way?” Winston whispered.

“Who are they?”

Winston shrank further into his seat. “They’ve a warrant for my arrest and have obtained writ to collect on my debts.”

Austin’s brows lifted. They used men like those on occasion at his gaming hell, the Den of Sins. They’d take the debtor to a sponging house and if he didn’t pay, it was off to public prison. “And the money I gave you?”

“Gone,” the other man moaned. “Please. If you care for my daughter, help me.”

Austin stood. He’d like to tell this man that prison was the best place for him, but instead, he just said, “I wish you luck.” And then he walked away.

* * *

Gabriella woke to the distinct sound of someone stoking the fire. She lifted up on her elbow, rubbing her eyes to see Austin’s back as he leaned over the grate. “Austin?”

She turned and for a moment, she saw deep lines of worry etched into his face before they disappeared, his features lightening. “Did I wake you?”

She reached a hand out to him. “I can’t believe I fell asleep at all. I never take a repose during the afternoon.”

He grinned. “I tired you out last night.” He crossed the room, then sat on the edge of the bed. “I’ve decided we’ll stay here at the main house until we leave Overton. I’d like to head out in the next day or two but we’ve your dresses to collect and documents I’m waiting to process.”

Her stomach clenched. “What happened with my father?”

He winced. “He’s likely going to debtor’s prison.”

Her hand shook as she slipped it into his. “Even after the bride price?”

“He claims it’s gone. I can only assume he gambled it away.” He reached for her other hand. “I hope you understand that if I help him this time…”

She shook her head. Austin should feel no guilt. “He’ll only ask again and again. And he’d never do the same for either of us.” Her head dropped. “I learned something today. I’ve no idea if my father knows it to be true or not but…” She sat up, nibbling at her lips.

“What is it?”

Her chin dropped. “There was a rumor that I am not my father’s child but the daughter of the Marquess of Milton.”

Austin reached for her, pulling her into his lap. “Are you all right?”

She shook her head. “In some ways I hope it’s true. It would explain why he’s so cold…” She swallowed. “But you’ve married a—"

“Shhh,” he murmured. “Half of the nobility are conceived out of wedlock. I don’t give a damn, but all the same, this should stay between just the two of us.” He leaned back and stroked her cheek. “One of my dear friends is the new Marquess of Milton, though he is a somewhat