“What was the error?” Her face paled.
“I instructed Mr. Spencer to speed.” The corner of Levi’s mouth pulled. “I’ll be without a coach for several weeks.”
She spun, her blue eyes wide, and blocked his progress. “Considering the outcome had you not risked your life and coach to reach me, I do not consider your choice a mistake.”
“I’ll be certain to share your gratitude with Mr. Spencer.” Taking her hand, Levi brought her fingers to his mouth. “We should find a hackney before we both freeze to death.”
Miss Braddock’s silence during their return to Mr. Venning’s house greatly disturbed Levi. Despite the warmth of the hackney cabin, her coat, and his arm around her torso, she trembled, her eyes unwavering from the window.
“He’ll not reappear at the ball,” Levi said, hoping his statement was true.
“He knows where I live,” she murmured and twisted around. “Do you intend to guard my house until our wedding?”
“Stay at mine.” Before she could protest, he added, “With your brother, Miss Webb, and her sister.”
Miss Braddock stared at him for a long moment. “And Mr. Philbert’s ghost.”
“Warwick has been residing at my lodgings for two days without incident.” Levi drew her closer. “He thinks the house is secure. However, if it concerns you, we could request sanctuary at Roxburghe’s estate.”
She fiddled with the fur cuff on her sleeve. “Is the Duke of Roxburghe’s conservatory as grand as yours?”
“It’s not.”
“Then I’ll risk an encounter with Mr. Philbert’s spirit.”
Pleased by her admission, Levi leaned back on the bench, keeping Miss Braddock curled into his side. He told himself it was for her comfort; however, he immensely enjoyed the sensation of her body pressed into his.
When they arrived at the Venning residence, Mr. Venning stood out front, puffing on a cigar. Catching sight of Levi’s face as he descended the carriage, Mr. Venning recoiled but made no mention of the bruising or the deep laceration.
“Your Grace,” Mr. Venning said, expelling a large cloud of smoke. “We’ve sent home all the guests except for three families.”
“Which three?” Levi asked, his hand finding its place on Miss Braddock’s hip.
“Creasey, Sinclair, and Wilmington.” Mr. Venning rubbed the back of his hand beneath his red-rimmed eyes. “It grieves me to think one of those ladies killed my niece.”
Levi’s gaze slid toward the house. “Has Mr. Hughes named the guilty party?”
“Not yet.” Mr. Venning drew a long puff from his cigar, then exhaled, watching the smoke curl around his head. “My nephew, did you see where he got off to?”
“Mr. Drummond and I had unfinished business to attend, after which he decided to leave town immediately,” Levi replied, unable to keep the growl from his voice. “He sent his regrets.”
“Ah.” Mr. Venning clucked, his gaze raking over Levi’s face. “And I suppose your injuries resulted from that discussion.”
Levi didn’t confirm Mr. Venning’s suspicion, but his silence was enough that Mr. Venning offered an apology anyway.
“Lennox!” Roxburghe froze halfway across the foyer when he spied them in the entryway. “What happened to you?”
“Mr. Drummond.”
Roxburghe raised his eyebrows, asking a silent question.
“He’s no longer a visitor to Wiltshire.” Levi’s arm tightened around Miss Braddock. “However, I think it wise to transport the ladies—and Mr. Braddock, once we free him—from Miss Braddock’s home to a more secure location.”
“And have you determined this new residence?”
“My home.”
Roxburghe nearly choked. “May I please witness the moment you inform Mr. Braddock of this plan?”
