Vexing the Viscount by Christie Kelley Page A

position. “What the bloody hell happened last night?”
    â€œYou don’t remember, sir?”
    â€œNo. I went to a party and then a gaming hell. That is the extent of my memory.”
    Nelson cleared his throat. “You were shot outside the gaming hell, my lord. Miss Featherstone patched you up. She did a fine job too.”
    That was not what he wanted to hear. Now he would be indebted to the little hoyden. Nelson’s words helped clear some of the cobwebs from his mind. “Thank you, Nelson. Ask Miss Featherstone to come in here. I need to thank her. And bring up some tea and toast.”
    Nelson stared at his feet.
    â€œWhat is wrong?”
    â€œMiss Featherstone went for a walk in the park this morning. She told Mrs. Abbott that she would return before noon when the dressmaker is scheduled.”
    Braden closed his eyes as fury rose from deep within. “You let her go for a walk. How did she even get a gown to wear?”
    â€œMrs. Abbott felt that since she saved your life, Miss Featherstone should be rewarded with a dress and the ability to get some air,” Nelson said softly.
    â€œAnd since when is Mrs. Abbott in charge of this house?”
    Nelson continued to stare at the floor, unable to meet his gaze. “I am terribly sorry, my lord. I should have stopped Miss Featherstone from leaving.”
    Braden raked his fingers through his hair. “Please tell me she took a maid or footman with her.”
    â€œI am sorry, sir. She did not.”
    â€œWhat time is it?”
    â€œHalf past eleven. Miss Featherstone should return at any moment.”
    Braden breathed in deeply to calm his anger. Somehow, he doubted Miss Featherstone would return in a few minutes. “Pull out my clothes, Nelson.”
    â€œYes, my lord.” Nelson started to the linen press and stopped. “Did you still want your tea and toast?”
    â€œNo, I am going to find Miss Featherstone.” And she would rue the mad idea she had to leave his house without his permission.
    â€œWhat am I to tell her when she returns?”
    â€œTo wait for me in my study. And not to leave this house again.”
    Nelson nodded and quickly assisted him in dressing.
    To Braden, the few minutes it took to dress felt like hours passing by. The possibility that she was still in the park was miniscule. The little hoyden was long gone. But perhaps someone had noticed her, if she’d even gone into the park. If he’d seen her walking, he would have noticed her.
    What was it about Miss Featherstone that heated his blood and passion? He wanted to put her over his knee for all the bother she’d caused him. And the idea of her over his knee with her bare buttocks in front of him made him think of all the lovely things he could do to her in that position. None of which involved scolding.
    Banishing those sordid thoughts, he adjusted his jacket and waited for Nelson to find a hat. Nelson returned quickly with a black hat. He handed it to Braden with a nod.
    â€œI spoke with Michael to get your horse saddled, my lord. I assumed you would prefer that over the carriage.”
    â€œThank you. If Miss Featherstone does return, send Michael to the park to let me know,” Braden said curtly.
    â€œYes, my lord.”
    â€œI will also speak with Mrs. Abbott when I get back.”
    â€œI will let her know.”
    Braden nodded and then left the house, ignoring the ache in his arm. Riding might not have been the best idea after all. Entering the park, he scanned the area in front of him. Several people greeted him and a few tried to start a conversation, but Braden wanted no part of that. He’d thought about asking if anyone had seen her, but then realized how odd it would seem to his acquaintances. He made his excuses and returned to searching.
    After two hours, he realized his first assumption was correct, Miss Featherstone was not at the park. And he doubted she even visited it today.
    He returned