What a Wicked Earl Wants by Vicky Dreiling

said. “If he’d really wanted him, he would have waited for Justin to come home that day he called.”
    The fine hairs on the back of Bell’s neck stiffened. He would say nothing to Laura, but privately he wondered if he’d underestimated Montclief. Bell resolved to make quiet inquiries about the man. He would hire someone to visit the village near Montclief’s property and see what he could dig up.
    Bell looked at Laura. “Out of curiosity, where does Montclief live?”
    “Sussex,” Laura said, “near the village of Goatham Green. Why do you ask?”
    “I just wanted to know how far away he lives from Hampshire.”
    “He never comes to Hollwood Abbey anymore,” Laura said.
    Long ago, Bell had learned to trust his gut feelings. He would rather err on the side of caution than discover he’d waited too late. But once again, he was getting more involved in her life. He told himself it was only an investigation, one that he would use to reassure her—and himself. The clock struck the hour, reminding him of an appointment. “I must leave,” he said.
    As the two women rose, Bell found himself gazing into Laura’s eyes. Belatedly, he realized that Lady Atherton was observing the exchange. He bowed and quit the drawing room. As he strode down the stairs, he vowed that this would be the last time he called on her.
      
    After Bellingham left, Laura sighed. “I am glad for his assistance with Justin, but Bellingham is very high-handed.”
    Lady Atherton smiled. “He is accustomed to ruling over everyone and everything in his sphere. It is second nature to a man like him.”
    “Phillip was never so willfully authoritative,” Laura said.
    “Your late husband was a different sort of man, but Phillip acted swiftly when he encountered injustice or cruelty.” Lady Atherton paused and said, “Speaking of the earl, you do realize that you’re both in a precarious situation.”
    “You are such a dear, but you must not be concerned. As much as I dislike the way Bellingham takes over, I admit he managed to curb Justin’s outrageous impulses today. You will shudder when I tell you that Bellingham actually held Justin’s arms behind his back to control him.”
    “Oh, my.” Lady Atherton unfurled her fan. “Alfred told me Bellingham takes after his ruthless forebears.”
    Laura thought that an exaggeration but said nothing.
    “It’s unfortunate that he lost all of his family when he was so young. He used to be carefree and sunny-natured.”
    Chill bumps erupted on Laura’s arms. “You told me they died. What happened?”
    “They succumbed to consumption. He’d been away at university and rushed home only to find they had already passed.”
    “How awful,” Laura said.
    “I heard he was in a very bad way, completely distraught. His friends took him away to the Continent.” She released a long sigh. “When he returned two years ago, it was clear to everyone that he had completely changed.” Lady Atherton put her fist to her heart. “I think he is damaged inside. Many think it is irrevocable.”
    Laura shook her head. “No, you must not say that.”
    “My dear, you were shocked when I told you he refuses to marry, even though all of his property will go to the Crown upon his death.”
    “It’s foolish,” she said. “Surely he believes his father would wish him to carry on the earldom.”
    “I do not know the answer,” Lady Atherton said. “No one has ever broken through his defenses.”
    Laura thought him entirely too bold and imposing, but without Bell’s help, Montclief would have taken Justin away from her.
    “His willingness to guide Justin is a hopeful sign,” Lady Atherton said. “It was very gallant of him.”
    Laura recalled the way he’d looked at her and the supposedly accidental touches today. Bellingham’s motives were not as pure as Lady Atherton believed.
    “He clearly doesn’t believe he needs anyone,” Lady Atherton said, “but perhaps the right woman will open his