The Resilient Lady Collins

Chapter 53: What is mine (3)

"What do you think you are doing?" Robert questioned, trying to push Ian away from him, but his pushing did nothing to help him. Instead, it felt like he was being choked even more.

"Taking an old man to an early grave. She does not want you. Get that through your senile head," Ian said, tightening his hold with no plans of letting go soon. "Stay away from her."

"Ian," Scarlet said, touching his arm. "Let go so that we can leave."

While Scarlet loved that he was defending her, there were too many eyes here. She wasn’t angry with Ian’s reaction since Robert was pushy and wouldn’t have stopped his advances until someone tried to hold him.

"Listen to the lady. Fine," Robert shut his mouth as his words didn’t help him. The bastard holding him was acting as though Scarlet belonged to him.

Ian let go of Robert with a shove, ignoring how he stumbled backwards and almost lost his balance. Ian cared more about how Scarlet felt than checking to see if he had caused Robert to fall.

"That was kind of you to defend me when someone was being rude," Scarlet said, loud enough for those around to hear. She fixed his shirt before holding his hand so they could walk together.

It was not to be mistaken by anyone around them that she might be upset with Ian. Scarlet would not have them spin lies about Ian right now.

"I am ready to go," Scarlet said, holding onto Ian’s arm so they could walk together.

"You won’t get away with doing this to me," Robert said, touching his neck where there was a slight pain. Any longer and he would have to be calling upon a doctor to treat him. "Do you know who you just touched?"

Robert had never been treated so poorly in his life. This was not a place for the fellow beside Scarlet and then Scarlet seemed to encourage it. She was far from the kind of woman he wanted as his wife. It would take too long to get rid of this side of her.

"I should," Robert said, pausing as he walked to Ian whose back was turned to him. This was his moment for revenge to save himself from being a laughing stock.

"Mr. Marshal, I hope that you weren’t planning to touch my son," Hank spoke, bringing the attention to him. He wasn’t pleased with the scene Ian had caused but he couldn’t allow for someone like Robert to touch his son.

"Your son? Why didn’t you teach him manners to respect someone older than him? All I wanted to do was speak to the lady and he got in the way," said Robert.

"Do you want that hat?" Ian questioned as he needed something to throw.

"I like this hat but if you’re going to suffocate him with it you can have it," Scarlet said, offering her hat to Ian. "Oh, wait. It was a gift from my mother. Don’t use it. We can leave while the lord speaks to him."

"Do not question me about how I raised my son. You should know your place to not force a conversation with anyone. You’re making a fool of yourself Robert," Hank said, looking down upon the old fool.

It couldn’t be that Robert was looking to court Scarlet. Hank wouldn’t allow it when he had plans for her with Ian.

Robert gritted his teeth and looked around the room at those watching. He noticed how they were whispering amongst themselves while others laughed. "This isn’t over,’ he promised, then left to fix himself. freёwebnovel.com

Hank watched Robert walk away first as he wouldn’t be surprised if Robert tried to attack him. Then he turned to where Ian was with Scarlet and found the two heading out the door.

Hank followed the two as they could not just leave without thanking it for stepping in to get Robert away. He could have stayed with Layla and watched on like everyone else as Ian fought with Robert.

"Ian," Hank called once he reached outside. "Do not make me call you again."

"It’s a little beneath you to be chasing me," Ian replied, not sparing a glance at his father. He was focused on guiding Scarlet away from where there was water for her to slip. "But continue to do so. I like to see you chasing me."

"Watch your words son-"

"Son? Are you in a good mood today? It was always Ian in the past. Careful how much you call me son or the wicked witch will curse you," said Ian.

Scarlet looked at Ian. He might have held back for too long and now he was letting what he felt show. Unfortunately, they had to stop as servants were in their path.

"Do not speak of your stepmother so. The past is the past as I said. It is time that we move on from it and be better right now. Do you mind giving us a moment alone, Scarlet? I need to speak to my son," Hank said, emphasising the word son.

"I mind it so she stays. Besides I don’t want to hear what you want to say," Ian replied.

"Scarlet, I’m sure you can understand a family wanting to work out their differences and move on from the past," Hank said, turning to her as the voice of reason.

"I do understand it," Scarlet answered, earning a look from Ian. "I sat with relatives who wanted to end a fued that started in my great-grandmother’s time. They enjoyed speaking of my divorce so I don’t agree that the past is the past. Some things don’t need to be forgotten or fixed. Family can be your worst enemies."

Ian smiled, enjoying how evident it was that Hank was annoyed that Scarlet didn’t take his side.

Hank looked away from Scarlet as she was no help to him now. "What is it that you want Ian? A room in the mansion? For the cottage to be burned down or for your mother to be welcomed back? What do you need to do to come home?"

Ian pretended to think about it then replied, "You and that wife of yours can drop dead. Then I might stand outside the gates for a moment before leaving. Let me know the day you plan to drop dead."

Hank balled up his right hand as there was a strong urge to hit Ian but he couldn’t do it before Scarlet. He was still a mouthy brat who needed to be put in his place. Running away had changed Ian for the worse.

Ian didn’t miss that Hank was holding back. He welcomed a punch because he had anger from the talk with Robert that he needed to get out and Hank would make a good replacement.

Hank kept his anger at bay and said, "I am inviting you and Scarlet to join us for dinner. We are not the Collins. We can sit and be civil."

Scarlet didn’t enjoy the jab at the Collins as the Kingsleys weren’t saints. "Must I remind you of your wife attacking him? I don’t feel good about him being anywhere near her. Rather than trying to make use of him right away, maybe try fixing your mistakes from the past. And you must know, I don’t like anyone trying to use me the way you plan to."

Scarlet saw right through Hank and knew that some of his interest in Ian had to do with their relationship. She noticed it when Hank first approached them today. "Good day Lord Kingsley," Scarlet bid goodbye, leading Ian away the second the servants were out of the way.