Page 29 of A Hero's Guide to Love
“He did?” She was so dumbfounded she could hardly formulate the question. “Why?”
“Because he loves you,” Lillian enunciated loudly. “While you’ve been hiding away, he’s been searching highand low for witnesses. He managed to find two crippled veterans of the siege of Badajoz, both in London. According to them, Jeremy’s conduct there was brave and exemplary. And they saw everything.”
She frowned. “But why didn’t they come forward when the rumors surfaced after the battle?”
“They did. They went to Major Blundell, but he ordered them to keep silent. Since he was their senior commander, they felt they had to obey. But Christian promised that he and my father would stand with them. They’ve agreed to testify to the truth. And they’re sure there are others from Jeremy’s regiment who would be willing to speak out.”
Clarissa’s head spun. Conflicting emotions—anger, joy, relief—washed through her.
“That’s … that’s wonderful,” she finally managed.
Lillian grimaced. “It is for Jeremy’s reputation. But not for Christian. He disobeyed a direct order. He’s at the Horse Guards right now, trying to convince Lieutenant-Colonel Harcourt to call Blundell to account.”
A jolt of alarm cleared Clarissa’s head. “Didn’t your father go with him?”
“He didn’t tell Father. Christian was afraid he would try to stop him from going to see Harcourt. And he swore he’d kill me if I said anything.”
Anxiety and guilt drove Clarissa from her chair. She grabbed her friend by the arm, pulling her to the door. “I never wanted him to do that. I intended to take any information he discovered to Harcourt myself. I didn’t want Christian to destroy his career!”
“There’s nothing you can do about it,” Lillian protested.
Her friend was wrong. Clarissa knew exactly what to do. The thought of it made her stomach churn, but she had no other choice.
“Yes, there is,” she said, dragging Lillian into the hallway.“I’m going straight to speak with Harcourt. I will not allow Christian to do this to himself.”
Lillian looked scandalized. “You can’t go to the Horse Guards by yourself. Think of the gossip!”
“Yes, Lillian, I can. And you’re going to drive me there. Now.”
