If anything, Lord Bryant’s smile grew broader. He picked his paper back up and settled deeper into his chair. “And how would you like for me to deal with this brother of yours? Like we dealt with Mr. Broadcreek?”

Diana held up her arms in front of her, waving her hands back and forth. “No. Definitely not how we dealt with Mr. Broadcreek.”

“I agree with Mrs. Oliver; this is marvelous news. I haven’t seen your brother since his wedding. He is such a serious fellow—I do love to rile him up.”

Diana ran to the coatrack and grabbed his hat. “Please, you must go.”

He folded down his newspaper. “And miss seeing you so flustered? Not a chance.”

She stomped across the room and reached Lord Bryant’s side just as the bell clanged behind her. She froze.

“Diana.” Nate’s voice was low, his tone wary. Not knowing what else to do, she squeezed her eyes shut and reminded herself of all the wonderful things she had done for Nate. She was practically running his railroad business for him so he could be in Baimbury, for heaven’s sake. She had no reason to feel guilty.

“Mr. Barton,” Mrs. Oliver said, her excitement making it clear she was completely unaware of the tension in the room. “It is so lovely to see you here in London.”

Nate’s footsteps immediately pounded across the room. He passed Diana and went straight for Lord Bryant, who was still casually reading his newspaper. His arms were lifted high enough that the paper covered his face. Nate ripped it down.

“So, it is true.”

“Ah, Mr. Barton. As Mrs. Oliver said, it’s lovely to see you back in London.” Lord Bryant leaned to one side and peered behind Nate’s body. “Did your wife return with you?”

Diana had known there was some bad blood between Lord Bryant and her brother. Just as she had guessed, it was because of Grace. Nate bent over, grabbed Lord Bryant by the lapels, and physically lifted him from his chair. Both were tall and well built, but Nate was thicker, his hands rougher, and his temper hotter.

“Get out,” Nate growled, his face much too close to Lord Bryant’s. Diana had to put a stop to this before it turned ugly.

“Nate, he was just here reading the newspaper. He means no harm.”

“Lord Bryant always means harm, Diana. Always.”

Now that was taking it too far. “No, Nate, he does not. He is pompous at times and a womanizer—”

“A conniver and a gambler,” Nate continued as he physically dragged Lord Bryant toward the door. All the while, Lord Bryant nodded his head at each of the inflammatory charges.

“No wonder I like your family so well,” Lord Bryant said. “You understand me perfectly.”

“Then you must understand why you are leaving this office now and should never come back.” Nate had arrived at the door and finally dropped Lord Bryant’s lapels.

“Now, what kind of pompous, conniving gambler would I be if I left at the first sign of trouble?”