Rescued By A Viscount(55)

“Do you want to look at the note again, Simon?”

He took it from her, although he knew every word, as he had memorized it the first time he’d read it. He tucked it in his pocket, though he was not sure he would need to show it to whomever held the child. However he wished to be prepared for all eventualities.

“Claire, I must insist you follow my lead on this. These men could be dangerous, and we have no idea what we are stepping into. Plus,” he added as she opened her mouth, “I have been into the Anchor once, and it is not a place frequented by respectable people. It is rough and loud and filled with whores and sailors.” He’d hoped to scare her, but instead, she lifted her chin.

“This is my niece or nephew, Simon. A few women of loose morals and hardened sailors will not scare me, I assure you, especially after the fight I witnessed not two nights ago.”

“I must have your word that you let me negotiate for the child, Claire. Otherwise, I shall be forced to tie you up and leave you in the carriage.” Simon said calmly, when all he could think of doing was hauling her onto his lap and ravishing her smart mouth.

She didn’t gasp or look affronted. The only indication she gave that she was agitated was the rise and fall of her splendid breasts, which he had licked last night.

Focus, Kelkirk, for pity’s sake.

“Are you threatening me, Lord Kelkirk?”

“Yes, Miss Belmont, I am.”

She puffed out a breath. “Can we not approach this as equals?”

“Of course we can, and I will have the final say in all things.” Lord, he wanted to laugh as she glared at him. She was feisty, was his Claire.

“I thought you would wait in the carriage,” she said.

“No you didn’t.”

“I’d hoped you would wait in the carriage, then,” she clarified.

“Having been through what we have in the last few days and knowing what you do of me, do you think I would let a beautiful woman I care about go to a tavern, which I have already explained has disreputable patrons, on her own?”

He could see her brain working furiously to try to outmaneuver him. He loved that about her. She always challenged him and was never happy to simply accept his word.

“I’m not beautiful, Simon, so stop trying to flatter me so I will fall in with your plans.”

“You are beautiful, and why are you so sure Anthony’s son or daughter will be awaiting our arrival? Have you given thought to the fact that Mathew may be right– that this could be a hoax?”

“It is no hoax, Simon, I’m sure of it. And Eva is an example of a beautiful woman, not I.”

“Claire, men hang off your skirts every evening. I have watched them. Why, if you are not beautiful, are they doing that?”

Her answer was to wave her hand, which, he guessed, meant she was through discussing the matter.

“I have made it a study of mine over the years to observe women, especially beautiful ones.” Ignoring her scoffing, he added, “And you are…beautiful, that is.”

“I am aware of your extensive study, Simon. Now enough of this silly conversation, if you please. It matters not to me. I would rather we organize what is to be done when we arrive at our destination. How shall we know whom to ask for at the Anchor?”

“It matters to me that you do not see yourself as others do, Claire. It matters very much.”

“Oh.” She looked surprised. Her eyes widened as she heard the seriousness in his tone. “Well, thank you, Simon…really.”

Clearly, she didn’t believe him. It surprised him that she did not know herself to be beautiful. He’d always believed her self-confident and aware of the effect she had on men, but it seemed he was wrong. Miss Claire Belmont was a mass of contradictions and uncertainties, and he’d gotten to know a few of them, but he was sure she was hiding several more.

“We will stop for food now, Claire, as we left without eating, and then press on to Liverpool.”

“Mathew is like you. He can’t do anything if his stomach is not full.”

“We are bigger than you. Therefore we need more food,” he added simply. “Plus, my coachmen will be hungry, and whilst you now have their undying devotion, I have to still work at it. Food is always a good bribe.”

“Why do I have their undying devotion?” she questioned, frowning.

“Because you walked into a room filled with men who were all engaged in beating each other senseless, stood on a table, and threatened to shoot one of them between his legs.”

She rolled her eyes. “Men are silly creatures, to give their devotions so easily.”

“So not only do you believe you are not beautiful, but also unworthy of devotion.”