Page 48 of Ironvine

“Our families have known each other for many years in Gloucestershire. You’ve probably met there on many occasions.”

“Quite right.”

She slid her arm through Malcolm’s. “I am engaged to his brother, the Earl of Ryvves.”

“Are you? Congratulations, dear one.”

“Thank you. I would ask you another favour, cousin. I would not want my family to know that I brought Charles here for your care. I would rather we said that I came here alone to tell you of my engagement, and we enjoyed an early morning walk and breakfast together.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed our morning stroll, cousin.”

She smiled, touching his arm. “As did I.”

A carriage came to an abrupt rumbling stop in front of them, the horses snorting, their hooves clomping on the stones.

It was no empty carriage for hire.

The door burst open, and a gentleman darted forth.

It was Thomas.

With Georgina’s arm through his, Malcolm greeted Thomas on his front steps. “Cousin, how good it is to see you. Georgina came and surprised me today. She’s told me her news and—”

“Did she now?” He cast a cold glance over them, and Malcolm’s brow furrowed at Thomas’s sharpness.

Georgina’s fingertips dug into her cousin’s arm. “Yes, I did. It’s been too long since I’ve seen Malcolm, and I wanted to tell him about my engagement in person. I’m sorry I did not leave a note. I was so excited and in my haste—”

“Come inside, cousin,” said Malcolm.

Thomas ignored Malcolm’s invitation. “I had to find you, Georgina, once I heard of a duel and the death of William Treharne. It is said that a Montclare is responsible.”

“Are you certain?”

“I’m sure I’ll find out all the details at my club later today.”

“Of course you will.”

“You must come home with me now. You will be returning to Devonshire posthaste with our sister and John. They are preparing for the trip as we speak.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“You must leave London right away.”

“I must prepare for my wedding.”

“There will be no wedding.”

ChapterTwenty

Georgina

“No wedding?”said Malcolm glancing at Georgina.

The wind had been knocked out of her. She could not speak. Could not move.

“Under these vile circumstances? Absolutely not,” replied Thomas. “We must separate ourselves from the Montclares immediately.”

“Hugh and I are engaged.”

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