And yet he knew that she must leave him.
Not to go to the Lathams’ as yet. Not until they had first ascertained if the Lathams were directly involved in Bea’s kidnapping, and that of Maystone’s grandson. Or if they were merely remaining silent regarding Bea’s disappearance out of concern for their niece’s safety.
But once that situation was concluded? Yes, then a home must be found for Bea, either by returning her to her uncle and aunt, or with some other relative if one or both of them should be revealed as being involved in these kidnappings.
‘There is no one to care what I do, and so I do what has to be done,’ Griffin answered her bluntly.
Bea cared!
She cared very much what happened to Griffin.
Now and in the future.
Even if he did not want or need her concern.
‘That is unfortunate—Your Grace!’ She turned concernedly to the Duke of Sutherland as he appeared in the doorway. ‘How is Lord Maystone feeling now?’
He stepped into the room. ‘He wishes to speak with both of you now, if that is convenient?’
‘Why?’ Griffin eyed the other man suspiciously.
Sutherland looked grim. ‘Best you speak to Maystone, Griff.’
Griffin had a fair idea of what Aubrey Maystone wished to discuss with him—at this point in time the older man was feeling desperate enough to go to any lengths to achieve the return of his grandson.
Even suggesting, as Bea had already done, that her immediate return to the Lathams’ home might bring forth the breakthrough in this impasse that was so sorely needed.
Chapter Thirteen
‘Absolutely not! I will not hear of it!’ Griffin barked furiously in reply to Maystone’s suggestion. The older man was looking very pale and tired as he lay back against the pillows in one of the guest bedchambers at Stonehurst Park.
‘But, Griffin—’
‘I tell you I will not hear of it, Bea!’ He turned that glare on her. ‘Whatever it is that Bea is supposed to know, she has no knowledge of it now—’ he turned back to the other two men ‘—and to even think of sending her back amongst that possible nest of vipers, completely unprotected, is totally unacceptable.’
‘But she will not be unprotected,’ Christian put in softly. ‘It has been proposed that I will accompany Lady Bea, along with her maid.’
‘She has no maid.’
‘Then we shall find her one,’ Christian said reasonably.
Bea could not bear to be the cause of contention between Griffin and the gentlemen, who were obviously two of his closest friends. ‘It is no more than I offered to do myself just minutes ago, Griffin,’ she reminded softly.
‘And if you recall I turned down that offer. Unequivocally!’ he came back fiercely.
‘But surely you can see it is the only course of action that makes any sense?’ she reasoned. ‘I will go to Latham Manor, having travelled from my friend’s house under the kind protection of the Duke of Sutherland. At which time, my aunt and uncle will then either react with gladness at my safe return after my abduction, and so proving their innocence. Or they will both sincerely thank the Duke of Sutherland for having safely returned me from my visit
with friends, and we will know that in all probability my aunt has lied. It all makes perfect sense to me.’
‘It makes no sense to me!’ Griffin bit out as he ran an exasperated hand through his hair.
‘But—’
‘It is far too dangerous, Bea,’ he ground out harshly as he continued to glare down at her. ‘Added to which, I absolutely forbid it!’
She sat back in surprise, not only at the fierceness of Griffin’s emotions, but also because he felt he had the right to forbid her to do anything.
Admittedly he had been claiming to be her godfather and guardian this past week, as a means of explaining her presence here at Stonehurst Park, but it was a sham at best, and a complete untruth at worst. Griffin could not seriously believe that tenuous arrangement gave him the right to forbid any of her actions?