A laugh bubbled up in Celia’s throat, incredulity chasing away her panic. His valet? The man Robert referred to was at least seventy years of age. Far past the prime age to assist in a kidnapping.

When Celia choked on her giggle, her fear subsiding quickly in light of such absurdity, Robert harrumphed in her ear.

“This is most certainly no laughing matter, Celia.”

She bit his hand in response when it slipped from across her mouth.

“Owww!” Robert snatched his hand away, glaring at her in recrimination. “Whatever did you do that for?”

Celia took a huge gulp of air. Taking advantage of his shock, she jerked free of his hold. Bolting forward, she placed an overstuffed brocade upholstered chair between them as a barrier.

“You were suffocating me, you dolt.” She glared at him in the dimly lit room. “Just what the Devil do you think you are doing? Grabbing me like that in the corridor?” The demand was accompanied by the gesture of her hands settling on her hips.

“Rescuing you, of course. I’ve come to carry you away from the dangers of marrying beneath your station,” Robert replied with arrogant conviction. “To save you from being ostracized. Or worse, being made a laughingstock.”

“Do I appear in need of rescue?” Celia bit out. “And my future husband is a marquess. So, it’s you who should worry of being ostracized by him. Rosenthorne will soon be capable of destroying a man with just a few simple words.” Her head tilted. “Rather than just by using his fists.”

Robert waved a hand in her direction. “He would never lift a hand against a nobleman. He wouldn’t dare. The bastard would swing from a noose if he tried.”

Celia’s head tilted, remembering the rumors she’d heard in the past of Gabriel’s aid to the Earl of Ravenswood. And then there were his own words of warning just days ago, threatening the life of any man she happened to show an interest in. Robert Harvey had no idea the danger he was currently in.

“You foolish man. Don’t you realize what will happen if he should discover us? He will most certainly kill you if he discovers us like this. And I can’t say I would blame him for it. You have no idea what he is capable of, although surely you’ve heard the same rumors as I.” Celia crossed her arms over her chest, giving Robert her sternest look. “Now, you will step aside from that door and allow me to go on my way. While I haven’t any idea how you managed sneaking into the earl’s home, you’d best pray neither he nor Gabriel catches you here.”

“I won’t have my plans of rescuing you disrupted, Celia. And I’ll not leave you behind to marry a monster,” Robert replied with exaggerated patience. “You will thank me for this one day, I promise you. When we are husband and wife, this will be nothing but a horrible memory.”

Celia stomped her foot. “You thickheaded imbecile. I don’t require rescue and I most certainly will not marry you! Now, open that door before I take matters into my own hands.”