Page 42 of Ironvine

“What are you doing here?” Hugh spit out.

“You shot him!”

“He dueled with William.”

“I saw you. I saw it all.”

“What you saw is not the truth of it.”

“Are you mad?” she cried out.

The Ryvves footman appeared at Hugh’s side. “Sir?”

“Take him up, Smythe. We must quit this park immediately. We’ve tarried long enough.”

“Stay away from him!” Georgina hissed, and Smythe jerked backward at her sharp command.

“My darling, I understand this must be a shock for you,” said Hugh. “But you cannot begin to understand what lies between brothers. You cannot interfere.

“Indeed, I can.”

“I forbid it.”

“You forbid it?”

“I do.”

“That, sir, makes no difference to me in the least. I will not leave him with you, for you will likely kill him. I shall take Charles away—away from you.”

“Georgie—” Charles’s voice ached.

A servant appeared. “Landon, take Mr. Montclare to the carriage,” directed Georgina. Landon scooped him up and Charles grunted as pain shuddered through his side.

“You impudent girl!” Hugh’s exclaimed. “Do not do this!”

Georgina stood firmly. “Will you shoot me as well?”

“Georgina!” Charles groaned.

Hugh’s eyes blazed. “I will ruin you, do you hear? I shall say I shot him because I found you with my brother in his bed. That you are nothing but a trollop and a schemer who seduced both of us. Do not tempt me, for I shall crush you and him.”

“Oh, my lord, I have no doubt you shall try.” Georgina went to Landon and Charles, wrapping an arm around Charles’s middle. “Do your worst.”

ChapterSeventeen

Georgina

Landon had boundCharles’s wound with his own necktie, and Georgina held it tight as he’d shown her.

The carriage lurched forward as the horses picked up their pace.

“Where…where are we going, Georgina?”

“To my cousin Malcolm. He is a doctor. He will take good care of you. He is not far from here.”

He clasped her hand, his blood marking her fingers. “Don’t do this, Georgie. You will stain yourself.”

“Why did he shoot you?”

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