Page 64 of Chasing Benedict
“And I will help him,” added the baron.
“I thank you, my lords,” Alex replied. “Thirdly, the young boys you used to distribute your papers have been compensated for their paltry wages and the cruelty you subjected them to. Their families will live in comfort, and they will spread the word to all in their neighborhoods that they would do well to avoid accepting any further work from you.”
“With the help of my Ladies’ Charitable Society, I will ensure that no one who lives in need will come crawling to you,” said Margaret Rycroft, the Duchess of Avonleah. The woman was quiet and poised, her soft voice holding a biting edge as she glared at Cynthia. “The power of a woman isn’t in how well she can tear others down, but at how passionate they are about building others up.”
“Oh, I like her,” Celeste whispered to Millicent—or rather, she tried to whisper, but too much wine had taken hold of her senses.
“She’s an absolute darling,” Millicent replied. “Remind me to introduce you to her later.”
“Finally,” Alex went on. “You will leave London immediately. I don’t care where you go or what you choose to do with the rest of your life, but any inkling that you are up to your old tricks, and I will circulate pamphlets as far as I can reach, outing you as The London Gossip. I imagine there are any number of lords who would wish to know who you really are, and they will not let you off as lightly as I have.”
“And Miss Milbank,” said the duke. “I wouldn’t suggest refusing to heed these demands. I intend to ensure that Lord Vautrey’s pamphlets number in the thousands and are distributed to the furthest edges of England. You will be welcomed nowhere.”
Cynthia ground her teeth and shook her head. “No. I won’t do it.”
“You will, or we will involve the law. With all the evidence we’ve compiled, no court in England will show you sympathy. No one will believe the lies you’ve tried to spread about Mr. Sterling once your true character is exposed. You will rot in prison … perhaps even the one your family shares a name with. I can see it now … Cynthia Milbank, a prisoner of the Milbank Prison. A joke, a disgraced has-been. It would be a just reward for what you’ve done.”
“As an alternative …I have a remote Scottish castle that would be perfect for imprisonment,” Hartmooor purred.
Cynthia’s face went white in the face of Hartmoor’s threatening gaze.
Hartmoor grinned and waved a dismissive hand. “I’m only joking … though you would be wise to heed His Lordship. The offer is better than the one I might have given.”
Cynthia’s throat bobbed as she swallowed. “Very well. It seems you have left me no choice.”
“There is one other matter to be handled privately between us,” Alex said. “If you cooperate, I will consider our bargain sealed. If not, the deal is off.”
Benedict noted the cut of Alex’s eyes toward his father, and the relief he felt was overtaken by another wave of dread. Alex had hinted that he intended to deal with Cynthia and the viscount in one bold stroke. Wondering what else he had up his sleeve put Benedict on the edge of his seat.
“Agreed,” Cynthia bit out, avoiding the gazes of those seated at the table.
“Excellent decision,” Alex said. “Hodge, escort Miss Milbank back to the antechamber. I will join her momentarily. As for the rest of you, I am pleased to announce that dinner is served. Eat, drink, and enjoy the spoils of victory.”
The entire dining room erupted at once, people coming to their feet and toasting with their glasses, shaking hands and smiling. Benedict headed straight for Alex, but was waylaid by his father stepping into his path.
“What in God’s name do you think you’re doing?” the viscount demanded. “What did you think to achieve with this tasteless display?”
“Now, now, Lord Sterling,” Alex crooned, coming up behind the viscount. “I cannot allow Ben to take credit for what was all my doing. A full explanation is in order, I think. If you would join Ben, myself, and Miss Milbank in the antechamber?”
As Alex came to his side, the viscount faced him with defiance hardening his jaw. “I will not take orders from you or anyone else.”
Edging close and lowering his voice so that only they could hear, Alex returned the viscount’s defiant stare. “You will accompany us now, or I will make another announcement concerning Miss Milbank and her involvement in a scheme of your design.”
Benedict’s father blanched, a vein in his temple pulsing. “You wouldn’t.”
“I just exposed a gossip peddler in my own dining room. I wouldn’t suggest testing me.”
Benedict thoroughly enjoyed his father’s defeat, as the man was left with no choice but to obey. He shouldered his way through the other guests, blowing through the door without a look back.
Benedict took Alex’s arm before he could follow, feeling as if he might burst. “I could kiss you right now.”
Alex smiled. “You could, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Save it for later. We aren’t done yet.”
CHAPTER 13
Alex stood back as Ben and his father entered the antechamber and noticed the final person he had invited to join them. He wouldn’t let himself feel relief until this final piece had fallen into place. Without it, Ben would never be free to move on with his life.
“Dr. Pruett,” Ben choked out, taking a step away from the wizened man rising from an armchair in the corner. He was frail, stooped and gray-haired with cloudy eyes. From what Alex had gathered, the man relied on burly footmen to restrain his patients so he could administer his barbaric treatments.
