Aunt Margery's mind worked with speed. She could not simply turn him away. If she threw him out, he would go to the city magistrates. As Delaney's legal guardian—or so he claimed—he had the right by law to demand her return. The Hamiltons could not afford a public, legal scene on their front steps. Besides, Delaney would confront him sooner or later.
Aunt Margery forced a perfectly polite, completely fake smile onto her face.
"Of course, Baron Kingsley," Aunt Margery invited him in, stepping aside and gesturing to the warm foyer. "Please, step inside out of the cold. You must forgive the confusion; we have had a terrible shock this week."
Cole stepped into the grand house, his greedy eyes immediately scanning the expensive paintings and the crystal chandeliers.
"Simmons," Aunt Margery instructed, her voice smooth and commanding. "Show the Baron into the drawing room and offer him some tea."
