Sutton regarded him with an unwaveringstare. “Your betrothed is of no import to me, other than that she is awoman, perhaps in need of assistance. A woman under my roof is in mycare. Do I make myself clear?”
Alexandra swallowed. It was truethen. Sutton had no affection for her. He would leave her to herfate.
Mr. Runyon’s nostrils flared inirritation. He pulled at Alexandra.
“Don’t.” Sutton steppedforward. “If you persist, you will force me to explain your demise at myhands to the crowd assembled in the ballroom. And the reasons for it.”
The hall became deathly quiet.
Mr. Runyon’s voice was soft. “Youwouldn’t.”
“Wouldn’t I?”
Archie flung Alexandra away from him, hisface full of loathing, his breathing choppy from fear.
She fell to her knees and leaned againstthe paneled wall.
“You have no proof, Cam.None. The ravings of a dead man.” Archie lifted his chin. “Thescandal would destroy any hope either of your sisters has for a decentmarriage. Think of the shame the Dowager would endure.”
“Do you think I care a fig forscandal? I’d much rather you were dead,” Sutton drawled.
Mr. Runyon backed away from Sutton, hishands clenched into fists. The comparison between the two men waslaughable, a pampered housecat attempting to challenge a panther.
Alexandra pushed her head against thewall. Nausea rolled through her.
“Miss Dunforth?” Sutton saidsoftly. “Please get up and go down the hall. The door isclosed, but Harry stands outside. Will you recognize Harry?”
Alexandra slid herself farther down thewall, not daring to look at Mr. Runyon. She nodded yes to Sutton.
Sutton’s hand rested gently on her arm ashe helped her up. “Allow me.”
Alexandra could hear Mr. Runyon panting infrustration. “Don’t you dare, Alexandra! I shall throw them allout. Mrs. Cowries.”
Alexandra gasped. He knew herhousekeeper’s name!
“Oh yes.” He’d noted her distress. “I’veseen them all. I will throw them out. Make them beggars. Yourslow witted groom, Michael? Who will employ him and see that his illmother is fed? And Mrs Cowries? I suppose begging in the streetswill suit her.” Mr. Runyon snarled. “I shall destroy Helmsby Abbey brickby brick.”
“No!” Alexandra sobbed. Sheshook off Sutton’s hand. “I have to –“
Sutton stared down at her.“Badger? Is this what you want?”
“Of course it’s what she wants! Thecontracts are signed, Cam. Not even you, the great Marquess of Cambournecan undo that legal document.” Spittle formed at the corner of Mr.Runyon’s mouth.
Sutton inhaled deeply. “Alex?”
Alexandra looked at the two men.Terrified and in a panic, she simply could not think. Her headached.
“Mr. Runyon, my head aches. I wisha small respite to-“
“Fine. You had better appear in aquarter of an hour or I shall come looking for you, Alexandra. And I willnot be pleased. Your defiance tonight has cost you oneretainer. I shall tell you later which one it is to be.”
Alexandra put a hand to her mouth andgasped in physical pain.
“Archie, if you do not walk away now, Iwill kill you where you stand.”
“Please, Mr. Runyon –“
“Remember, Alexandra. I holdHelmsby Abbey. ” Mr. Runyon jerked a thumb at Sutton. “He cannot helpyou. Only I can. Fifteen minutes.” Mr. Runyon strode down thehall to the ballroom.
