Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series) by Sandy Loyd

Penelope?”
    Noting the pink slowly working its way from his brother’s chin to his forehead, Markham sighed. “I know she means something to you, that you used to be thick as thieves, but times change. You’ve got to let her go. She doesn’t concern you now.”
    Geoff didn’t say anything for quite a while. When he spoke his voice was just above a whisper. “You’re so sure?”
    “It’s out of our control. I can’t go against her parents’ last wishes. Please, Geoff, what’ve you done? Just tell me, and I’ll do what I can to help.”
    Geoff’s expression was torn. His sullen silence prevailed until he finally relented. “I haven’t done anything but meet with her.”
    “That’s it?” Markham prodded. “Why would the earl be up in arms over her meeting an old friend? It doesn’t make sense. There has to be more to it.”
    “I may have given her a few pounds.”
    “You gave her money?”
    “The man was holding her prisoner and I had to do something to help. You weren’t doing anything.”
    “He wasn’t holding her prisoner. The earl is her legal guardian. It’s his duty to protect her.”
    “And who’s to protect her from him?”
    Markham’s exhale came out in a frustrated huff. His younger brother had a point. He’d felt much the same way, but his hands were tied. Robert Lytton, the Earl of Lytherton, hadn’t been an idiot. His friend and neighbor would not place his precious daughter under the earl’s control without having just cause. Markham had to trust Robert’s judgment on this.
    From all outward appearances, their match did seem like a good one. Still, Markham had done what he could to give Lady Penelope time to get used to having the man as her husband, because from the first moment he’d met the earl, his intuition told him something wasn’t right. It galled him now that over the course of these past months, his concerns had only grown, rather than abated. Oh, the earl appeared proper enough on the outside, but something in his eyes made him wonder. And now this.
    Glancing at Geoff, whose expression was now blank, he figured his brother hid much more, but he’d get nothing further from him than he was willing to tell. With this in mind, he asked, “When did you meet her?”
    “A couple of months ago. I can’t see how an innocent meeting would cause any problems. We met purely by chance.”
    Markham chuckled. “Good story. Is that how you want me to relay the information?”
    “I’m telling you the truth. I had no idea she was in London until I happened to see her riding in the park.”
    That much was probably true. Markham had kept the news of the lady living in London to himself, fearing Geoff’s knee-jerk reaction.
    “We met again a week later and that’s when she asked me for help. I gave her what I could at that time and I’ve not seen her since.”
    “How much money are we talking about?”
    “Two hundred pounds. ’Twas a loan.”
    “Good God, man.” Markham shot out of the chair. He began pacing. “That’s enough to disappear on.” He stopped and nailed his brother with a hard gaze. “Where’d you get all that at one time?”
    “I was lucky at cards, and happened to have it on me.” When Markham’s focus didn’t falter, Geoff’s face darkened with red once more. His tone turned accusing. “I knew she was planning on escaping, but I’ve no idea where she went.”
    “That’s it? You know she was planning on escaping, and you’ve no idea where she went?” he asked incredulously.
    “No, I don’t.” Geoff remained silent, his gaze steady, his chin inching higher. “That’s all I know.”
    “I’m willing to bet there’s plenty more, but that’s all you’re giving me.” Markham broke eye contact and sat back down, realizing the futility of his actions. Moving his attention to the floor, he studied the designs in the rug. When he spoke, his voice held contemplation. “All right. I see nothing illegal in what you’ve done, provided