Page 63 of The Ones Left Behind
“For a day that was going so well, it has certainly turned into a crushing failure,” he said, raising his glass in acknowledgement of her kindness. “Much obliged.”
“I suspect you will need far more than brandy before the night is through,” she conceded.
“I must keep my head, but at the moment the throbbing in my leg is barring rational thinking.”
“It certainly was very inconsiderate of your brother to pull such a stunt at a time like this,” Amelia agreed dryly.
“Considerate would not be in Henry’s vocabulary,” Matthias retorted.
“Do I hear a carriage coming up the drive?” the Duchess asked.
“It is probably only some of our men setting out in various directions. It is much too late for anyone to be calling.”
“My lord,” Hayes said from the threshold. “Lord Worth is here to see you.”
He had scarcely said the man’s name when he was almost run over by Lord Worth’s impulsive entry into the room.
“Thackeray! I demand to know where your scapegrace brother is! He has murdered my son and I demand satisfaction!”
“I am very sorry about Preston. I have just heard the news from Waverley.” Matthias tried to convey his genuine sympathy without overly slurring the words.
“The Duke is here?” Worth turned at that moment, evidently then to see that her Grace and sister were in the room. “Forgive me. I am consumed with grief at the moment.” He made a bow to the Duchess and Lady Amelia.
“Understandably so, my lord,” the Duchess said in a soothing voice, inclining her head.
“Where is Waverley?” he asked, looking around the room.
“One of my servants has gone missing and he and Elliot have gone to look for her. As you can see, I am in no condition.” Matthias indicated the splint on his leg.
“I heard about your injury. For your sake, I hope it heals well. From what I hear in the clubs, your brother was counting on succeeding you. ’Tis what landed him in this deep hole.”
“I beg your pardon? I had a letter that he was being sent down for gambling, but are you saying his wager was that I would die?”
“It was rumoured that you had been brought back to England barely alive and were not expected to live out the week. I even heard Waverley say it was a possibility.”
Matthias muttered an oath under his breath.
Worth began to pace up and down, to the imminent danger of the Axminster carpet. “Regardless of why, he lost an enormous sum to my son. When Preston allowed him a chance to win it back, he cheated—in front of a dozen witnesses.”
Matthias ran a hand over his face. It was worse than he had thought. “And instead of deloping, he shot Preston?”
The Earl nodded with a look of pain etching his features. “You have not seen him?”
“I have not,” Matthias answered with complete honesty. “He has not once mentioned any trouble or asked me for assistance.”
Worth gave a slight nod. The dark circles under his eyes and haggard appearance were a testament to his duress. All of his purpose was now concentrated on finding Henry and making him pay.
“I hope I can count on you to give him up if he should come crawling to you for help, but warn him that I will not rest until I find him.”
“Do you think he is still in England? Waverley had heard word he might have fled to the Continent.”
“My men believe he remained near Oxford, waiting to see if my son would live. According to his comrades, they do not believe he had the funds to escape and they could find no one of his description having left from the ports. It only seems logical that he might flee here, being near to the Channel as the estate is.”
“Knowing Henry, he would rather sully the family name than seek help from me.”
“Be that as it may, he will soon know, if he does not already, that I am like a hound on a hunt. You will let me know if you find him?” he pleaded. “I only wish for justice.”.
The ladies had been noticeably quiet during this exchange, which was wise. Worth was in pain and needed to have his say.
