Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Later that morning, after sneaking out of the widow's room barely in time to avoid detection, Starling strode through the halls of the estate, his expression fixed in a satisfied grin at the memory of the night's activities.

It was quite ridiculous, but he felt as pleased as a cat that had eaten the cream. There was no chance in hell that Helen would refuse his proposal after the passion they had just shared.

Now he just had to get the woman to listen to him for five minutes, before they ripped the clothing from each other's bodies with barely restrained lust.

Twirling his cane jauntily, Starling made his way to the billiards room in search of Lord Holsen.

It was time he broke the news to the man that there was no way he could dodge his responsibilities.

Some small part of him was glad to tell him the truth of it.

It was that petty part of him, the remnant of the naive youth who didn't understand why he was less than the other boys, the unspoken pain that had both pushed him towards this life and allowed him to excel at it.

Starling no longer felt pity for that part of him, though. Life was a sordid business, and he had come to terms with that a long time ago. Neither did he feel pity for those who landed themselves in hot water through their own decisions.

Why should he, when they felt nothing at all for their transgressions?

For just a moment, Starling wondered what Helen would think of him if she knew the truth of his life. Would she turn away from him with disgust, when she learned what manner of man he was, or would she appreciate his resourcefulness?

If only he had managed to tell her earlier, he might know already.

But, it didn't feel right to have this job hanging over their heads. She might easily get the wrong idea. No, it would be better if he ended this nasty scheme before he approached her at last with his offer of a partnership, in all ways.

Starling strolled into the dimly lit billiards room, examining the rich wood-panelled walls, the silk tapestries, and the assortment of illicitly obtained spirits that lined the sideboard.

This room, the whole house in fact, was a testament to the quality of life that only money could buy.

The type of wealth he fully intended to have for himself one day, one way or another.

Holsen stood at the far side of the room, watching the balls roll smoothly across the felt as he sucked on a cigar.

Starling inclined his head to the man, his grin dimming only momentarily, as he stepped out into the hall for the lord to join him.

Holsen made him wait of course, but Starling knew the game better than he, and he cooled his heels with a sardonic twist of his lips, examining the tasteful artworks that lined the hallway as if he had all the time in the world.

Finally, Holsen appeared, stomping his way into the passage blustering about the irritation of having his game interrupted.

Starling raised a hand, cutting the man off with a sharp look. "You have paid me to look into certain matters for you, and I am ready to make my report. Would you prefer I presented the information in front of the other guests?"

Hoslen snarled, his portly form pushing past Starling bruskly as he made for a more private room.

Starling strolled along behind, his arms loosely clasped behind his back as if there was nothing more pressing he needed to attend to.

Holsen turned into a small parlour, fidgeting with his watchchain as Starling calmly followed.

"Well, what have you to report?" snapped Holsen.

Starling smiled. He would enjoy this more than he should.

"The widow is not cheating. You shall have to pay what you owe."

"What?" the man blustered, his jowls growing ruddy as anger washed over his face.

"I paid you to find evidence of her treachery, I expect you to deliver!"

Starling cocked his head. "You expect me to fabricate a reason for you to weasel your way out of your debts?"

"Now listen here, you bloody bastard-"

Starling winced and raised his brow in warning. That was a blow a bit too close to home, even for his taste.

"You were recommended as someone who made problems disappear. Now make this one go away."

"No." Starling's voice was hard, cold. He was dangerously close to losing his temper.

"No! No? "

Holsen stared at him in disbelief, meaty fists bunching at his sides. "You will regret this, I promise you that. Don't think for a moment that someone like you has any recourse but to obey your betters."

Starling whistled through his teeth, noting with satisfaction the way his lack of reaction did nothing but anger the man in front of him even more.

"Don't think I haven't noticed the way you look at the widow," added Holsen with a note of scorn in his voice.

Starling narrowed his eyes at the implication. "I would be careful what kind of threats you throw around, my lord . One never knows when the proverbial birds might come home to roost."

Holsen's jaw worked, and the man drew himself up to his full height, staring haughtily down that unfortunate nose of his.

It was magnificently proportioned for the affectation though , mused Starling, as he waited for the words he knew would come next.

"I will ruin you," hissed Holsen, storming past Starling towards the hallway.

Starling stared up at the ceiling, rocking on his heels as he waited for his blood to cool.

"You won't be the first, or the last, to try," he muttered to himself, his habitual grin reappearing on his lips as he smoothed a hand down over his cerulean blue flocked waistcoat.

Slipping his hands behind his back, he strolled back into the hallway. Already his thoughts were turning once more to the widow.

Perhaps he could persuade her to leave with him, today if possible. It might be best if Starling departed before things got ugly.

Besides, Holsen needed to be taught a lesson in manners, and Starling intended to be the one to do it.

Seton would help him, Starling had no doubt in the integrity of his friend. It was only a matter of time before some unfortunate consequences caught up with Lord Holsen.