Page 21 of Long Live the Baron
Brendan swayed slightly. The duke caught hold of him, bracing him with his considerable strength and turning to Michaels. “Take Mr. Ridley back to the library!”
Michaels scowled, pursing his lips before stepping forward. Brendan shook his head. “I am all right. I … shall be in the library.”
As soon as he entered the room, he headed for the spirits, pouring a short brandy. He had already had one, and being inebriated at this time seemed like a bad idea, but he at least needed to fortify himself after so many shocking turns of events. He quickly threw it back, swallowing with difficulty while his thoughts swam about.
Why has Grimes changed his mind?
Brendan trudged across the room to drop into the battered armchair which had become his residence over the last few days. Leaning forward, he hung his head while he tried to reconstruct his thoughts. Through the open door, he could hear footsteps approaching.
Brendan rose as the duke entered, his questions only half-formed.
“The woman you were with stepped forward as an alibi. All charges have been dropped,” the duke announced.
Brendan clapped a hand over his mouth in relief as Halmesbury approached him. Near the door, he saw Richard talking in a low voice with Briggs.
Brendan sucked air into his constricted lungs. “And here I was hoping to get a tour of the Tower.” His quip was weak, mostly just his wound-up nerves speaking on his behalf.
Halmesbury shook his head, a slight grin twisting his lips. His brother-in-law seemed to be as relieved as he over the change in circumstances.
Presently, the earl finished speaking with the runner. As soon as the door closed behind Briggs, Richard turned to glare at Brendan with livid hatred before storming across the room in a rage. Before Brendan knew what he was about, the Earl of Saunton’s fist flew into his face.
The room faded as he saw the large duke springing forward, his tails flapping in his haste to intercede.
“Brendan?”
Darkness. Oblivion.
“Brendan?”
Slowly, he opened his eyes. The duke was looking down at him, his gray eyes reflecting his concern.
Groggy, Brendan recalled the events of several moments ago. Or was it minutes? He had lost consciousness, so he could not know for certain.
“Why is Richard angry with me?”
“It came to light why you would not name the woman you were with. We are both rather … appalled.” Halmesbury’s expression was pained.
Brendan squinted in confusion.Perhaps my wits are addled?He had known they might judge him if they knew whom he was with, but appalled was rather strong. “About Lady Slight?”
“Nay, you blackguard! About Lily! She is my wife’s cousin! An innocent!” Brendan had never seen the earl enraged before, but his face was set into hard lines and both pale and reddened with the force of his emotions.
“What about Lily?”
“You debauched her, you treacherous lech!”
“Who is Lily?”
Richard surged forward with murderous intent in his eyes.
The duke gestured him away, still looking down at Brendan. “Hold off, Saunton! I think there is more to this.”
Brendan lifted a hand to rub at his throbbing jaw. “I was with Lady Slight that night. I knew if I named her without her approval, she would simply deny it. And I did not want to tell you who it was because I found myself embarrassed.”
Halmesbury considered this announcement, confusion marring his face. “You are saying … Moreland’s daughter lied about being with you. Why would the young lady destroy her reputation for you?”
“I do not know.”
“What is this? Never say you believe this scoundrel?” The earl was clearly still in a tither. Likely he anticipated his wife’s family descending on him, not to mention his countess’s distress that her cousin was ruined.
