Page 83 of A Bride for the Forbidden Duke
“Both of you—stop!” Thomas shouted, trying to wrench them back, meeting Veronica’s gaze urgently. She shouldered her way between them, crying out.
“Robert, stop!”
“He has defiled you!” Robert shouted, his eyes wide as he looked at her. “I shall not stand by upon my return and ignore that.”
“He has not,” Veronica pleaded. “Please stop. He has not defiled me.”
“Then what did I walk in on?” Robert demanded. “Because it certainly did not look innocent, sister.”
“Robert, please. You must stop this nonsense and talk. It has been a year. Let me look at you, tend to you.”
He looked at her, paused, but only returned to Henry, who stared back coolly, despite the split lip he sported. He cleared his throat.
“Lord Grantham, what you walked in on is a husband and wife sharing a moment together as they are welcome to do so in their own home.” His voice was ever so calm as he announced such a thing, and Veronica felt a stab of nerves go through her.
The room fell silent.
And then her brother’s angry shriek split the silence as he attempted to launch another rain of punches at Henry but was steadfastly held back by Thomas.
“You—fool! Youtraitor! You sent me away just to get to my sister, did you? You are a cunning bastard; I will give you that, Your Grace.”
The next punch hit Thomas instead of Henry. He stumbled back, caught by Henry, and stared Robert down. Veronica, only just avoiding being hit herself, remained between them. She would not move, not give an inch to let this fight continue.
“Lord Grantham,” Thomas gasped, composing himself, “with all due respect, I did not bring you all the way here just to be punched because you cannot pause for one moment and listen to what your sister is trying to tell you. She has been sick with worry, left almost destitute, and you cannot give her even a moment of your time before you jump to conclusions? Ignore His Grace for a moment.” He nodded towards Veronica. “For your sister is right there, and do you not think she should be more important to you right now?”
Thomas’s words sank in slowly, and Veronica watched the tension drain from her brother. Slowly, he released his hold on Henry’s shirt, clinging on despite Thomas’s interference. Hesitantly, he turned to her.
“I am listening,” he said firmly.
“Robert.” Veronica’s voice broke with relief, tears stinging her eyes. She moved towards him. “Robert, I have missed you. I thought you were dead.”
“For a time, I thought I was too.”
“I do believe we should all sit down somewhere,” Thomas suggested. “Shall I call for tea, and we can retire to the parlor?”
“I think that would be best,” Henry muttered, striding past Robert with a shake of his head.
He paused at Veronica and looked at her long and hard. He gave a curt nod before leaving. Thomas followed while Veronica led Robert down to the parlor as well.
When they were all seated, with Veronica seated next to Henry, opposite her brother, and Thomas opposite Henry, she cleared her throat.
Tea was served and untouched by all of them except Thomas.
“Brother,” Veronica sighed, “I am disappointed you rushed into such a fight and would not listen to me. I am sure you have a tale to tell, but first you must hear mine.”
Robert’s glare cut to Henry, who had righted his clothing and sat proudly, watching his business partner.
“Go on,” he said. “I am listening.”
“I understand what you think you saw,” Veronica said, unable to help her blush that her brother had caught her in such a position with the Duke. “But what Henry said is true.”
“Henry?” Robert said, outraged. “You use his name so casually, sister?”
“As he uses mine.” She shook her head. “You were not so hotheaded when you left.”
“The year has changed me,” he shot back. “Continue, Veronica.”
She met his gaze head-on. “Henry saved me. After you left for Heaven knows where, Mama and I were left without anyone to provide for us. We… Well, Mama was left with very few choices. We had to endure the aid of Lord Barwicke?—”
