Page 103 of How to Ruin a Rake

“They do appear to be rather intoxicated, my lady,” Brice said. “If you don’t mind, I will ask Mrs. Smith to alert some of the lads in the stables in case we need them.”

“I hope it won’t come to that,” Allegra said, with far less assurance than she felt.

As soon as she left her room, she became aware of the noise in the entrance hall and wondered exactly how many of Max’s “friends” had turned up. Gathering her courage, she raised her chin and walked into the hall. To her relief, there were only three gentlemen, and she recognized them all.

“What a pleasant surprise,” Allegra said as she greeted them. “Lord Landon, Mr. Shellings, and Mr. Courtland, is it not?”

“My lady.” Landon gave an elaborate bow. “How is married life treating you?”

“Extremely well, thank you.” She smiled. “How may I help you?”

“We want to see Max,” Mr. Shellings said. “Can’t believe he’s stuck down here voluntarily. You must have him tied up in a tower somewhere.”

The other two laughed uproariously, bathing Allegra in their brandy-laden breath.

“Max is currently in Frome,” Allegra said. “I believe he’ll return at some point today, but I’m not sure when.”

“Want to see him with our own eyes,” declared Mr. Courtland and then belched. “Worried about him. His mistress misses him, and so do we.”

“I don’t miss him,” Landon said. “He’s given me the cold shoulder.”

It occurred to Allegra that he was far less drunk than the other two, and her unease grew.

“If you wish to call back tomorrow—”

Mr. Courtland held up his hand. “We want to see him.”

“And, as I said, he’s not here. He’s in Frome. If you truly wish to meet him, I suggest you head over there. He’ll either be at the White Hart, or on his way back home. If you stay on the main Frome road, you’re bound to see him.” Allegra fought to keep her tone pleasant, but it was difficult.

Mr. Shelling punched Landon’s arm. “Could do that, old fellow. Leave this lovely lady in peace?”

“This lovely lady is the reason why Max is stuck here in the first place,” Landon said.

Brice took a step closer to Allegra. “My lady is asking you to leave, gentlemen. It is not fitting for you to call on her when his lordship isn’t present.”

Landon stuck his finger in Brice’s face. “How dare you speak to your betters like that? I’ll make sure Max fires you the moment he gets back.”

“I am back.”

Everyone turned toward the baize door leading to the servants’ quarters, where Max was now standing, his expression icy. “What in the devil do you mean barging into my house and annoying my wife?”

“Max!” Mr. Shelling flung his arms wide. “It’s you! We thought you were dead!”

“Delighted to see you, old chap.” Mr. Courtland rushed over to Max and extended his hand. “Wonderful news!”

Max ignored the outstretched hand, all his attention on Landon, who was staring right back at him.

“I await your explanation, sir,” Max said, with all the cool disdain Allegra associated with his father. “I don’t remember extending you an invitation to visit my house.”

“Oh, come on, Max. Someone had to stop these two fools from killing themselves,” Landon said. “They were determined to seek you out, and I came along because I thought they’d need my assistance.”

“How thoughtful of you.” Max turned to Brice. “Perhaps you could escort these gentlemen to the stables and make sure that my grooms see them leave.”

Brice took a step toward the men, and Landon frowned. “This is hardly the way to treat your oldest friend.”

“You seem to have a remarkably poor memory, sir,” Max said. “I distinctly remember telling you never to speak to me again.” He turned to the other two men. “Please go with my butler, or else I’ll have more of my staff escort you off the property.”

Mr. Shelling puffed out his cheeks. “That’s damned unfriendly of you, Max. We came all this way to tell you we miss you, and that we want you to come back to London, and you won’t even offer us a drink?”