“Thank you very much,” said the Earl gravely. “I shall be on the watch for you, I assure you.”
Miss Taverner turned away to hide a smile, and after a final promise to call at the Earl’s house later in the day Peregrine took himself off.
The Earl looked at Miss Taverner, his brows lifting a little. “I perceive that it is you and not Peregrine who must bear me a grudge for that kidnapping,” he said. “Really, I had no idea it would produce such unnerving results. I am exceedingly sorry.”
She laughed. “I think it is Harriet who is to be pitied.”
“I must remember to make her my apologies. May I felicitate you, Miss Taverner, on having attained your majority?”
“Thank you,” murmured Miss Taverner. “Perhaps it is I who should felicitate you on being rid of a charge which I believe has been very irksome.”
“Yes,” remarked the Earl thoughtfully. “I do not think you missed many opportunities to flout my authority.”
She bit her lip. “If you had used me with more courtesy, more—more consideration, I should not have done so. You missed no opportunity to vex me!”
“But I should not have done so had not you made the temptation irresistible,” he pointed out.
“I believe,” said Miss Taverner coldly, “that you have some papers you wish to hand over to me.”