Page 139 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"Probably."

"Good dog."

"Don't encourage him," Lucien said automatically.

"Why not? He has excellent taste in victims."

***

They spent the night at a nearby inn, none of them wanting to stay at the estate with its ghosts and memories. Arabella was sick twice more, the stress and travel catching up with her.

"We should see a physician," Lucien fretted.

"I'm fine. It's just been an eventful day."

"Eventful? We solved a two-year mystery, exposed a blackmail scheme, and banished my former betrothed."

"See? Eventful."

"You're impossible."

They were interrupted by Julian bursting through the door without knocking.

"We have a problem."

"What now?" Lucien groaned.

"Harrington's gone."

"Good."

"No, gone as in disappeared with several valuable items from the estate."

"What?"

"The magistrate just sent word. Paintings, silver, anything portable."

"That scoundrel."

"There's more."

"Of course there is."

"He left a note."

Julian handed over a piece of paper. Lucien read it, his face darkening.

"What does it say?" Arabella asked.

"'You took everything from me. I'll return the favour. Enjoy your happiness while it lasts.'"

"That sounds like a threat."

"That sounds like a promise," Julian corrected grimly.

"We should go home," Arabella said. "Now."

"It's late."