Red stepped up to Knight’s carriage with a raised brow. “And here I thought you were intending to rid yourself of all your inherited belongings.”

Knight glowered at the earl as he offered a hand to Louisa to aid her down. Redmere House sat a few miles from the village, set into the dip of the valley where the river was once broad and deep. Now the tidal river was not much more than a few feet wide and meandered gently past the grand house. Though larger than his father’s—no, his—estate, it had an air of older wealth with less ostentation. Knight much preferred it.

“How else were we to get home?” Knight muttered. “Besides, I shall be sending them back shortly.” He motioned to the horses. “Can you stable them for a night or two?”

Red nodded. “Of course.” He grinned. “I was not certain you would return. I thought the allure of a fine estate might keep you there.”

Knight did not answer and was thankfully saved by Louisa hastening forward after straightening her skirts. “Did Abigail arrive safely? Are they all well?”

Red grinned. “They did indeed. And have been keeping Hannah well-occupied.” His eyes crinkled. “For which I am most grateful.”

She pressed fingers to her lips. “Oh, I hope they have not been wearing her out.”

“Nonsense.” Red shook his head. “Hannah has been in dire need of occupation since her confinement. She adores the children.”

Knight did not doubt that. The Countess of Redmere was an intelligent and curious woman who tested Red constantly. Something Red needed, in Knight’s opinion. Her confinement period was testing them both, however.

“We have done nothing yet, as per your instructions,” Red told them as he led them into the house. “But I have word from Drake that this chap has installed himself in the inn, declaring he is your stepson.”

Louisa grimaced. “I feared he might. He gave me a deadline to leave and it is well past that now.”

“Drake said he had the deeds?” Red asked.

Knight pressed a breath out through his nostrils. He’d be damned if that scoundrel spent a second longer in Louisa’s inn. “He stole them.”

“Mrs. Stanton explained much of the situation.” Red shook his head. “You know you could have let us deal with it, Knight. Nate and I would have scared him away easily enough.”

Louisa rolled her eyes. “I would quite like to handle this without bloodshed. I will approach him and let him know that we are aware his story is false. Hopefully he will go quietly.”

Red glanced at Knight, who shrugged. He had his doubts the man would go easily, especially if he’d been willing to send his friends to harm Abigail and Louisa to keep the ruse going, but this was Louisa’s inn, so he would do it her way.

“Where is—” Louisa’s words were cut off when a child dashed out of one of the parlor rooms, his bare feet tapping across the tiles. The boy froze when he spotted them and a grin broke across his face. He stopped in front of Knight and held up both arms.

Knight hesitated, swinging a glance around the room. For some damned reason, the child liked him, and he could not fathom why. Arms still raised, the boy stared up at him until Knight relented, picking him up. The child latched his skinny limbs around Knight’s neck while Red eyed him with a raised brow.

“He likes being high up,” Knight muttered.

The patter of another pair of feet followed as the other child spilled into the room. An extremely pregnant Hannah followed with Abigail. All of the children were clean, well-clothed, and already less gaunt. With any luck, there was no chance Abigail had changed her mind after being so well looked after.

Hannah embraced Louisa. “I heard that horrible man has taken over your inn. If I were able to, I would go over there right now and demand he leave.”

“You damn well would not, woman,” Red grumbled. “He’s dangerous. Abigail is testament to that.”

Hannah peered at Louisa. “Abigail said they tried to hurt you too. Is that...?” She motioned to the bruise still lingering on Louisa’s face. “Did they...?”

Louisa waved a dismissive hand. “I am well enough, but Red is right. Hugh is dangerous. If it was not for Knight, I would have been in trouble.”

The attractive dark-haired woman smiled at Knight. “Thank goodness you were there then.” Her gaze skipped between them and narrowed a little. “Did something—”

“Hannah, why do you not take the children out into the garden,” Red interrupted. “I presume you want this matter settled as quickly as possible?”

Louisa nodded.

“Mrs. Gamble can take the baby,” Red continued and turned to his wife. “But be certain to take rest should you need it.”

Hannah lifted her gaze to the ceiling. “I have rested enough to last me a lifetime.” She went onto tiptoes to press a kiss to Red’s cheek. “Be careful. And you”—Hannah thrust a finger at knight— “look after him.”

Knight inclined his head, unwilling to argue with the countess. Red needed no looking after and could fight with the best of them, despite his privileged upbringing. He doubted Hannah needed to think about her husband fighting while in such a delicate condition, however.

Hannah ushered the children outside with the aid of the housekeeper and one of the maids who took the baby from Abigail’s arms. Abigail watched them go, her arms wrapped about herself.

“We need to get this done,” Knight said.

Abigail nodded, and her chest rose and fell as she drew in a long breath.

Louisa put a hand to her arm. “I know this must be daunting.”

“He is still my husband.” Abigail lifted her chin. “But he put the children in danger. I can never forgive him for that.”

“Drake will likely already be there. He has been there most days since his return from France to keep an eye on things.” Red explained. “And Julianna.”

“She is still working there?” Louisa asked.

Red nodded. “Stanton has made few changes, and Julianna wanted to ensure everything was running perfectly for when you returned. Lord knows, she has not relished working under that man.” He looked to Knight. “We’ll collect Nate and Patience on the way.”

Louisa blinked. “Patience is coming?”

“She would hardly let us go without her,” Red said, his lips twisted. “If she can be involved in adventure, she will, and she rather fancied threatening someone apparently. Besides, the more of us, the better. Less chance of him trying to cause any trouble.”

Louisa opened her mouth then shut it. “I...I...thank you. I did not know everyone—”

Red shook his head. “You have put yourself at risk many a time aiding us.”

Knight wasn’t certain he could take much more of all this damned emotional drivel. “We had better make haste.”

The earl led their group outside and around toward the stables where the carriage awaited them. “I’ve had them ready to go most of the morning in anticipation of your arrival.”

Knight sat opposite Louisa, regretting he could not be nearer her. He suspected Hannah had figured out something had happened between them, though he could not fathom how. Neither of them had given anything away and now was not the time. He still wished he could at least have her nearby. The gap of a mere few feet between them was already too much.

But Abigail needed Louisa more than he did. Her hands trembled as she clasped them in her lap, and she kept her gaze fixed outside while they made the short journey to Nate’s country home. Red’s brother greeted them from the doorstep, accompanied by his wife, who wore her usual masculine wear. Knight never quite understood how it was the man had charmed Patience, who was not the type to fall for a rake at all, but he’d never seen Nate happier.

“Damn it, Knight, must you take up all the room?” Nate grumbled when he squeezed onto the seat next to him.

Knight ignored him.

“You could always remain at home, Nate,” his wife suggested, a smile playing on her lips. “And let the rest of us manage this.”

“And miss out on the excitement? Never.” Nate’s smile dropped when his gaze landed on Abigail. He leaned forward. “I vow he will never touch you or your children again, Mrs. Stanton. You are doing a fine thing. Not many women would have as much courage.”

Abigail’s tense expression softened. “Thank you,” she murmured.

Knight had no idea how Nate did it but the man had such an innate way of charming women. As apprehensive as she was, Abigail already looked more relaxed.

It took mere minutes for the carriage to make it through the village and up the hill to the inn. Knight tried his best to give a reassuring look to Louisa, but she did not seem to register it. He balled a fist. Whatever happened, he’d get that bastard out of her inn and send him on his way—even if he had to use force. If it were up to him, he’d be using force regardless, but Louisa did not want to upset Abigail any further.

“Ready?” Red asked Abigail once the carriage had drawn to a halt outside the inn.

Abigail nodded, her chin wobbling slightly. Knight remained close to Louisa’s side as she drew up her shoulders. Tension riddled her body, and he longed to draw her into him and soothe away her worries. If no one else were around, he would be telling her that he’d do whatever was needed to return the inn to her and have Stanton kicked out on his arse.

He settled for loosening his cuffs and giving Nate a nod. If anything happened, he could rely on Nate and Red to do what must be done.

Inside, the air was thick and musty. Dirt smeared the floor and it was sticky underfoot. He heard Louisa draw in a sharp breath at the state of the place. Usually the taproom was filled with patrons but there was only a lone man sitting by the empty fire. Behind the bar, Julianna glanced up and her husband Drake hastened over.

Drake grimaced. “Julianna has been trying to keep everything running, Louisa. Most people refused to work for him. Sorry about the mess.” He looked to Knight. “And I’ve been making certain he doesn’t go near Julianna.”

From Drake’s dark look, it appeared Stanton had not been behaving any better than his friends at home.

Louisa scanned the room, lips parted. She nodded slowly and lifted her chin. “Where is he?”

Drake thrust a thumb behind him. “He’s been drinking most of what you have since he got here.”

Knight peered around Drake to eye the man. Chair leaning back against the wall, his feet were atop the table, his eyes closed. Jaw tense, Knight took a step forward, but Louisa thrust an arm out.

“I shall talk to him.” She motioned to Abigail. “You can stay here, if you prefer? He only needs to see that we know the truth.”

Throat working, Abigail nodded.

Louisa strode over to Stanton and coughed, arms folded across her chest. He didn’t stir, so she gave his feet a shove, knocking them from the table and jolting him awake.

“What the bloody—” His scowl vanished and a grin spread across a handsome but stubbled face. “Oh, you are back. Well, you’re too late, Mrs. Carter. I gave you ample time and you vanished. The inn is now mine.”

“That would be true, if you were indeed my stepson. Which you are not.”

“I have the deeds. And the letter,” he reminded her.

Aware of his heart beating hard in his chest, Knight concentrated on drawing in deep breaths. All he needed was one thing—one wrong move and he’d be on the bastard in a trice.

Louisa stepped to one side and motioned to Abigail. “We have your wife.” She pressed her hands to the table and leaned over him. “I know who you are, Stanton. Your claim will never stand up.”

“You can’t prove a thing!” He rushed to stand, knocking into the table and sending the glasses on the table clattering. One smashed on the floor, the sound vibrating through the air until it reached Knight.

“Damn it.” Knight wasn’t standing back any longer. Striding over, he came to Louisa’s side and drew her away from the carnage.

Stanton thrust a finger at Knight as Drake, Red, and Nate gathered around him. “This is mine.” He slapped a hand across his chest. “Mine. And there’s nothing you can do about it. I have the deed. I have letters from Jack Carter. Now get out of my inn.”

“I’ll testify, Hugh,” came a fragile voice.

Knight turned to eye Abigail. She remained by the entrance with Julianna and Patience at her side. With the sunlight highlighting her thin frame, she appeared more vulnerable than ever, but he saw strength in her stance.

“I’ll tell them everything you did, Hugh,” Abigail declared.

“You bloody well will not.” Stanton started toward her, but Knight stepped in front of him. The drink made Stanton reckless, and he tried to shove past him, not even denying who he was. Knight pushed him back, and he landed half on a chair. He righted himself and glared up at Knight.

“What the devil—” He ran his gaze up at him. “Big, ugly bastard, ain’t you?”

“Your friends did not fare too well when they tried to keep your secret quiet.” Knight kept his voice low and threatening. It took every ounce of self-control to keep his hands off Stanton. If Abigail wasn’t here, he’d have taken him to pieces by now. “I will happily give you the same treatment.”

Stanton blinked. Several moments passed and his shoulders drooped. “Damn you, woman. Could you not let me have anything good?” He spat in the direction of Abigail.

“I think it is time for him to leave your inn, do you not think, Louisa?” Red asked.

She grinned. “I do indeed.”

Red motioned to Knight. “Knight, will you do the honors?”

“Happily.” Expression grim, Knight grabbed Stanton by the arm and hauled him toward the door.

He spluttered expletives and fought against Knight’s hold while Abigail shrunk away from him, safe in Julianna’s arms. His feeble attempts to escape made little difference, so Knight hauled him out of the door and threw him down onto the damp ground, taking a little satisfaction in the thud his body made.

“Thanks to your wife, Mrs. Carter will not be seeing you arrested. You should thank your stars for that.” Knight eyed him coldly and leaned over. “If I see you ever again, I will treat you just as your friends treated Louisa. Except there will be no one to save you. And I will take immense pleasure in it.”

Stanton hesitated before scrabbling to his feet. Knight recognized the look in his eyes—the desperation that he’d seen in too many dying men’s eyes. It usually meant they’d do something rash. Knight braced himself, but Stanton turned on his heel and hobbled up the hill until out of view.

When Knight turned back to the inn, everyone apart from Abigail and Julianna had come outside.

“He will not be back,” he assured Louisa.

“You had better claim back your inn,” Red suggested.

“And then serve a round of ales.” Drake grinned. “I have need of a drink.”

Nate shook his head. “You did nothing. Why do you need a drink?”

Drake shrugged. “Watching that blackguard drain half of the supplies was enough to work up a thirst. Besides, I had to keep my wits about me. I’ve had nothing but coffee for the past week.”

“Everyone can have a drink on me,” Louisa declared, leading them into the inn. “Then you can all help me clean up.”

A groan rippled through the men. Knight paused to mutter to Drake. “Can your drink wait? I have a feeling Stanton will be back.”

Drake fixed him with a look. “You will owe me greatly. Want me to follow him?”

Knight nodded. That instinct itched his gut, and one thing he’d learned over the years was to never ignore his instincts.