Page 47 of The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire
A shrill voice gave forth a torrent of abuse in French, and the lower tones of the duke replied gruffly. There was a smashing sound as something was thrown at the door.
“Quickly. Underneath!” Grabbing Rosamund, Mr. Studborne shoved her into the footwell of the huge desk, then squeezed himself into a crouch next to her.
The next moment, the door crashed against its hinges.
Chapter 17
Benedict’sleft knee was wedged beneath his chin; his right was at an angle unnatural for anyone of the male sex.
Miss Burnell fitted under the desk more easily. Still, one of her feet was touching his and her other nudged at his thigh. Her expression was intent, straining to hear what passed between Madame Florian and his uncle.
There was a violent rustle of skirts as the French woman strode into the room. “I give you everything, yet you act as if I am nothing.”
Lord Studborne’s reply was stern. “I’ve paid you handsomely—and you know my intent. My bride already awaits. Beside her, you are of no consequence.”
“Bâtard!” A ceramic figurine smashed against the shelving behind the desk, sending shards across the rug.
As Miss Burnell flinched, Benedict held his finger to his lips, warning her to stay silent.
“You are insane! To believe you can have again what is gone. And this girl? You think she changes anything? She is like the rest.”
“You overstep, Madam.” The duke’s voice was pure ice.
“Fils de pute! Salaud! Enculé!”
Benedict hoped Miss Burnell lacked sufficient knowledge of French to understand the abuse being hurled.
“I shall tellla petite imbécileyour secrets, and then what will you do?” Madame Florian snapped. “Or perhaps I shall help her take a trip down the stairs, yes? And break her pretty neck!”
Miss Burnell clasped her hands over her mouth, her eyes wide.
“Enough!”
Benedict guessed his uncle had grasped the French woman forcibly, for there were sounds of struggle: a chair overturned and Cerberus began to growl.
“You will pack your bags and be gone within this hour.”
Madame’s cursing was stifled—as if a hand were over her mouth. There were scuffled footsteps. The far door banged and all was again quiet.
“Are they gone?” Miss Burnell whispered.
“I’m pretty sure.”
What they’d heard shocked Benedict. Although, by the sounds of it, his uncle was hardly blameless. One couldn’t toy with a woman’s affections and simply spurn her.
“Stay here, just in case.” Miss Burnell gave him a beseeching look.
Benedict’s back was aching but he nodded.
“It’s alright.” He didn’t know what else to say.
He hadn’t thought of his uncle as a violent man. He wasn’t, in the usual way of things, Benedict was certain—but Miss Burnell must be seeing Lord Studborne in a different light.
At the very least, she’d been offered proof that his uncle had indulged in an entanglement. Was it enough to make her rethink her decision to wed?
Bringing her here, he hadn’t imagined what would happen. Hadn’t foreseen how he’d come to feel about her. Nor that his uncle would also become beguiled.
He’d thought, at least, that he had more time—but his uncle had moved so quickly to propose marriage.
