Kit blushed, and looked rather sheepish. “Yes. Yes, that was it, sir! You must know that I—”
“I want to know nothing at all about it!” interrupted Ravenscar unkindly. “There is not the smallest likelihood of my giving you permission to address her, and if you ever dare to come into my house, I’ll kick you down the steps!”
Kit turned pale at this brutal speech. “It was not my fault that you were brought here, sir! You must believe I had nothing to do with it! I was in total ignorance of it until just now! You cannot mean to visit your anger upon me, and upon Arabella! Indeed—”
“Let me tell you, Mr Grantham, that there would have been more hope of winning my consent to your suit if you had come here to quarrel with me!” said Ravenscar cuttingly. “When my sister marries it will be to a man with some spirit in him! Why you contemptible little worm, if you had a spark of pride or courage you would be calling me out, not offering to set me free! Your sister is worth a dozen of you! And she is a jade!”
Kit swallowed, and said with what dignity he could summon up: “You must be aware that I cannot strike a man who he is bound. If Deb had only told me what was amiss I would have acted for her, and I hope I know how to protect my own sister. But to have you kidnapped is beyond anything! You are angry and I cannot wonder at it, but—”
“Go to the devil!” said Ravenscar.
“But—but shan’t I untie you?” asked Kit, utterly bewildered. “You cannot mean to remain here all night!”
“What I mean to do is no concern of yours! How did you come by that key?”
“I took it from Deb,” faltered Kit.
“Then take it back to her—with my compliments! And don’t forget to lock the door behind you!” said Mr Ravenscar.