Page 140 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

She hoped the vile man’s head hurt like the devil. “Oh, definitely lock him up. The man not only came after me, but he hurt my husband. And I will not tolerate that.”

As two men hauled Albie to his feet, Mr. Cooper turned toward Roland. “My lord, is all this agreeable with you?”

Before Roland opened his mouth, Charlotte stepped between her brother and the constable. “Why are you asking him? He has no say in this. He wasn’t the one threatened or injured.”

Roland’s dark brow hitched again. Apparently, she had surprised him twice in one day. “Leave us.” Roland waved a hand at Mr. Cooper and the men restraining Albie. “I require a word with my sister.”

As Charlotte expected, Simon strode to her side, tugging her close and glaring at her brother. “I’m staying.”

Charlotte stopped Samuel as he attempted to slink off. “Samuel, please stay. You too, Miss Pace. I have something to say I want you all to hear.”

Both of Roland’s brows hitched. “The only thing you have to say tothese people,” Roland said, as if spitting out a disgusting taste, “is goodbye. Pity I didn’t receive word of your involvement in this ridiculous peasant event sooner. You are returning with me to my estate in Chippenham and then to London two days hence.”

Simon’s hand tightened around her waist.

Metaphorically, Charlotte dug in her heels. “No.”

Next to her, Simon exhaled.

“I made my decision before all this”—mimicking her brother, she waved her hand around—“happened. I choose to stay withmy husband and vex him for the remainder of his days. Samuel, you may not believe it, but Joy’s death has wounded Simon, too, shuttering his heart.”

She turned toward Hester. “And Miss Pace, you would be advised never to risk my wrath with your machinations toward my husband. You have witnessed what I’m capable of.” Charlotte retrieved Roland’s cane and gave it aswoosh, pleased when Hester paled in the moonlight.

She handed Roland’s cane back. “And brother, did you not hear the bargain I struck with Samuel? Why would I leave when I can have free plum tarts every week?” Glancing up at Simon, she smiled, hoping the dimple he liked so much was on full display. “And besides. I love my husband.”

Simon frozeat Charlotte’s words, uncertain he had heard her correctly. “I’m sorry. Would you mind repeating that?”

Charlotte tugged his coat back into place by the lapels. “I love you, you buffoon. I know you don’t want me to love you but consider it the way I will vex you for the rest of your life.”

Simon let out awhoopof joy, sweeping Charlotte off the ground and spinning her around. Then the pain hit him. “Damn, my arm hurts.”

As everyone around them gaped, Charlotte took charge, rolling over them like a boulder on a downhill trajectory. “Samuel, make yourself useful. We need a physician—and not someone who uses leeches. My husband is losing blood; he doesn’t need those slimy creatures removing more. Hester, find someone to bring our carriage around and inform Simon’s family I’m taking him home. Roland, leave. We have no need for you.”

Charlotte’s barked orders had Samuel and Hester slinking off, each peering over their shoulders, no doubt worried Charlottewould pounce on them if they disobeyed. Simon wanted to laugh.

Edgerton, on the other hand, remained rooted in place.

As if Simon needed her support, Charlotte wrapped an arm around his waist.

He rather liked it. But it was time he took care of his wife as well. “Lord Edgerton, before you leave, thank you for your assistance and for your concern about my wife. Rest assured I will do everything in my power to give her the best possible life.” He paused, locking eyes with Charlotte. “Because I love her.”

Charlotte’s lips parted, a tiny gasp escaping, and he hoped she saw the sincerity in his eyes.

Tearing his attention away from Charlotte—and it truly was a feat of great strength as he wanted nothing more than to plunder those rosebud lips—he continued addressing Edgerton. “And it’s much too late for an annulment, if you understand my meaning, my lord.”

Edgerton huffed. “Lady Charlotte, are you with this ...thisman’schild?”

Simon prepared to answer, but Charlotte gave his waist a squeeze.

“If I’m not yet, I expect to remedy that as soon as my husband has recovered from his wound.”

Oh, definitely.Simon gave her the most ridiculous grin he could muster.

Edgerton stomped off, muttering about regrets and the idiocy of love.

“Roland didn’t deserve your kindness,” Charlotte said, her gaze traveling to his bloodied sleeve.

“No, but I was feeling particularly magnanimous because my wifelovesme.”

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