Page 43 of Ironvine

“So that everyone will think that I fought the duel and killed William and not he. So your engagement will be saved. But if we are seen now, if your name is joined with mine in this dirty misadventure, you will not survive it. Your family—”

“The only thing that matters is your being tended to. You, safe.”

He cupped her chin, lifting it, his fingers burning her skin. “Why would you do this for me?” he whispered roughly.

She held his glimmering gaze. “You’re my friend, Charles.”

“Yes, true. I am.”

“Now, please, lay back until we reach our destination.”

“So I won’t be seen?” He slid down in the seat, his head in her lap. “My lying down in your lap is a trifle more scandalous, don’t you think?” His lips tilted into the beginnings of a smile.

That flirtatious, knowing smile of his.

She grinned back at him. “Now I know you’ll be fine. You haven’t lost mastery of your tart, seductive tongue.”

A low noise escaped his pale lips. “I’m sure I never shall. Certainly not with you.” Even now, vulnerable, bleeding, he was making jokes with her.

The carriage charged through the streets to the north of London. Although the morning air was bracing, she was quite warm with this man laying in her lap, her hand on his chest.

Charles reached up and touched a lock of her hair. “One day, madame, may I prove worthy of your saving me.”

“You are worthy of much, Charles Montclare.”

His chest vibrated with an aching laugh. “I believe you once told me that a long time ago. If only it were true.”

* * *

She and Charleswaited in the back of her cousin Malcolm’s small house as Landon announced her arrival to him. Within moments, Malcolm and Landon were helping Charles out of the carriage and bringing him inside the house.

“Cousin, you are well?” Malcolm glanced up at her.

“I am fine, Malcolm. My friend here, Mr. Montclare, was in an altercation this morning and needs your medical attention. I would be forever grateful for your time and discretion, cousin.”

“You can depend on it.” He cut open Charles’s sleeve to reveal the bloody wound, and Georgina bit her lip at the raw sight. He inspected it as Charles ground his jaw, his entire face tensing. “You are quite fortunate, Mr. Montclare. There seems to be no damage to any bones or vital tissue. Most fortunate, indeed.”

“Thank God.” Georgina’s heart thumped in her chest. She was not fond of blood and cuts and gashes. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Bring the brandy from the drawing room. He’s going to need it while I attend to the wound.”

She nodded and dashed from the room. In the hallway stood Landon holding a bottle of spirit.

“Perfect.” She took the bottle. “Ah, Landon, you must return to the house. I would not wish you any disfavour with my sister and Mr. Holyfloke. You must go home as if nothing untoward has happened. Do not tell anyone of all that you have seen and heard today. You simply accompanied me to my cousin Doctor Langham’s home.”

His brow furrowed. “Very good, ma’am.”

“Mr. Montclare and I are old family friends. He is now recovering after having been seen to, but no one can know we brought him here or that we have seen him today. Do you understand, Landon?”

“I do, Ma’am.”

“I am safe here with my cousin, and I shall return home shortly.”

“As you wish, Miss.” He bowed his head and turned to leave.

“And Landon—”

“Ma’am?”

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