Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series) by Sandy Loyd Page A

that’s the extent of your help. Meeting a childhood friend and loaning money isn’t against the law. You have to know that because of your part in this, I’m honor bound now to help him find her, don’t you?”
    “I understand. There’s no way the earl can connect me to Lady Penelope’s disappearance. Besides, if I did know something I wouldn’t tell you, only to have you track her down and force her to marry the vile man.” Geoff met his gaze and asked belligerently, “Are we through?”
    “For the moment. But stay close at hand in case I have questions after I’ve met with the man. I’m already behind schedule. I won’t be pleased if I have to waste more time searching your favorite haunts if you’re not available.”
    The air of command in Markham’s voice was unmistakable, and Markham’s amusement grew as Geoff relied on a tactic he’d used in the past two years to irk him. Straightening, Geoff gave a perfect bow and said in a subservient, mocking manner Markham hated, “As you wish, Your Grace.” Then he turned and sauntered out of the room.
    Markham shook his head and smiled. Insolent pup, he thought, wondering if his attitude would be so impertinent if his allowance was cut.
    His thoughts shifted to Lady Penelope Lytton and the problem at hand. If she did indeed disappear as Geoff had intimated—and he had a pretty good suspicion that’s why the earl was pounding on his door—his biggest question was, why? And what was he to do about it? Then he shrugged. Nothing could be done until he met with Kentworth.
    At nine thirty sharp, there was a knock on Markham’s study door.
    “Yes?”
    The door opened and Putnam announced, “The Earl of Kentworth has arrived, Your Grace.”
    “Very good, Putnam. Escort him in.”
    A moment later, Gerald Knightsbridge stormed into his office, not bothering to hide his fury or offer civil greetings. “What have you done with my ward, Wyndham?”
    Markham stood and walked negligently around from behind his desk. Leaning against it while crossing both arms and legs, appearing relaxed and wearing his usual aloof, bored expression, he asked, “Why? Has she gone missing?”
    “Don’t pretend you don’t know.”
    “So I take it from your response, the lady is truly missing?” He flashed a smile.
    “You know damn well she’s missing,” he hissed.
    “My, Kentworth, you do seem to have a problem on your hands—a missing heiress. Still, why come here and accost me?” The duke kept his bored expression intact.
    “Because you’re involved somehow. I know so.”
    “Why would you assume I’m involved with Lady Penelope’s disappearance?”
    “You’ve been interfering for months. And then I find out your brother met with her.”
    “Oh?” He glanced at an imagined object on his hand before returning his gaze to the earl’s angry countenance. “Exactly what has that do with me?”
    “He was probably doing your bidding,” he said, his tone accusing.
    Markham chuckled. “My brother doesn’t do my bidding, much to my dismay.”
    “So you say. But I know he aided her in escaping.”
    “Escaping? Sounds like you were holding her against her will.”
    “Of course not,” the earl denied too quickly. “She’s just a bit unruly, still being willful is all. She is free to come and go.”
    “Really?” Markham caught Kentworth’s gaze and held it.
    The earl fidgeted under such close scrutiny. He straightened and cleared his throat. “Yes. There’s nothing untoward in my behavior if that’s what you’re implying.”
    “I merely made an observation of your words.”
    “Quit twisting this around,” he ground out. “My ward’s gone missing, I’m worried about her. I want her returned posthaste. Do you understand me?”
    “I do understand. The lady is gone and because of that, you have no heiress to marry. But like I said, I can’t help you. I don’t know where she is.”
    “I’ll bet your brother does and that he’s responsible for her