Page 69 of The Virgin in the Rake's Bed
“Have the magistrate summoned, I want that man clapped in irons and before a court,” the duke exclaimed, and Nicholas now called for brandies to be poured for everyone – including the women.
“Something to steady the nerves,” he said, handing Catherine a glass.
Catherine’s nerves were far from steady, and she hardly believed what had happened. She knew her brother to be ambitious, but to go to such length to secure his own fortune was quite remarkable. The thought of losing Ian brought tears to her eyes, and she sank back against one of the chairs, and let out a deep sigh.
“Oh, it is too awful,” she exclaimed, looking up as Rickard was dragged from the room.
“It is all right, Catherine. It is all over now,” Ian said, and he came to put his arms around her.
“It is not entirely over,” the duchess said, and now pointed a finger at her husband and fixed him with an angry glare.
“The facts will not be revealed. I think Broderick has come to his senses. If not from my threats, then from the bullet wound inflicted by his own son. Madness, that is what has led to this, lust for power,” the duke replied.
“Madness, yes, but one which I cannot forgive, not ever,” the Duchess exclaimed.
“What do you mean?” the duke demanded.
“Father, this is all too much. You cannot remain here any longer, not under my roof, not with this revelation. My suggestion is you return to the colonies and we do not speak of this matter again,” Nicholas said, and his mother nodded.
“I think that a very good idea. You were always very good at shirking your responsibilities, George. And I, for one, think the colonies a far better place for you to make your home than under my roof. You have spent enough time there, and who knows, perhaps another of your children will take pity on you,” she said, as the duke swallowed hard, a look of utmost dejection coming over his face.
“But my dear, you know…” he began, but the duchess was no longer interested.
“Out of my sight. You have brought shame on us all, George, and I will no longer be second fiddle to your games. It may all be in the past, but to me, it is very real. I have suffered enough for this marriage, but do not worry, I will keep your reputation intact. You may remain simply absent and unlikely to return,” she said, waving her hand dismissively.
Catherine could not help but admire the duchess’s strength of character, and the duke appeared a broken man, glancing from his son, to his wife and back, each of them unwavering in their response.
“It is for the best, Father,” Nicholas said, and at the word “father,” he glanced at Ian, who shook his head.
“This has been a truly tragic affair,” Ian said, but Nicholas shook his head.
“But not of our own making, brother. How fortunate we are to not be like our own parents,” he said, and Ian nodded.
The duke now slunk away, leaving Catherine, Ian, Rebecca, Nicholas, and the duchess in the drawing room, Catherine’s father having been taken away by one of the footmen so that a doctor might be summoned. Dinner was long forgotten, and no one expressed a desire for further refreshment, save for another drink. The lingering smell of gunpowder hung in the air, but at last Catherine could breathe a sigh of relief in the hope that all was over.
“Then in avoiding a scandal, perhaps I have renewed a friendship, too,” Ian said, and raising his glass to Nicholas, he offered a toast.
“But is this dreadful affair resolved?” Catherine asked, and Ian nodded.
“I believe it is. No one will believe the ravings of a man who would shoot his own father in desperation, nor will he find his future secured if he breathes as much as a whisper of what he knows. The duke had long suspected your father of underhand dealings, and any scrutiny of his dealings will surely bring forth all the evidence required,” he said, slipping his hand into hers.
“And you can have your happily ever after,” Rebecca said, smiling at them both.
“Well, I would like one thing,” Catherine replied, and Ian smiled at her.
“Name it,” he said, and she blushed.
“I would like a real wedding, with all my friends to see us blessed,” she said, and Ian nodded.
“Then marry me again, Catherine, and you shall have everything you desire.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Ian raised his glass in a toast. He had come to meet Nicholas at White’s Club on St James’ and the two of them were drinking brandy in the smoking room after a long and hearty luncheon.
“I never imagined I would have a brother again,” he said, smiling at Nicholas across the table.
“And I never thought I would gain one. Though to any observer, we are merely friends,” he said, raising his own glass in reply.
