And in her other hand, Lily saw the glint of a knife.
Matthew searched for Lily, but she was not standing where he had left her. He held a glass of lemonade in his hand, feeling foolish while he stared at the ballroom guests.
“There you are,” James called out. He hurried toward him, and Evangeline trailed behind. Both appeared out of breath, and he wondered what had happened.
“Have you seen Lily?” he asked.
James exchanged a glance with Evangeline. “No, but I overheard a conversation between your cousin and Lord Davonshire. It seems that both men are attempting to cause more trouble.”
Likely the rumors were spreading rapidly, and he guessed, “Because of Miss Carlisle?”
James shook his head. “There’s something far worse. If you will come with me now, I’ll explain, in private.”
He couldn’t imagine what was worse, but his greater concern was his fiancée. “Let me find Lily first. I told her I would bring her a glass of lemonade, and she may want to hear this, too.”
But James caught his sleeve and lowered his voice. “There isn’t time for that, Arnsbury. It seems that Adrian brought a…guest with him this evening. He’s trying to push you into madness, the way you were when we came back from India.”
“Nothing he could say or do would accomplish that,” he answered. Over the past few months, he had managed to shut away the past, locking it out of his consciousness. And regardless of his cousin’s machinations, Matthew intended to remain strong for Lily’s sake.
James started to argue, but then Evangeline paled. “Lord Penford, I think we should go to your sister. I saw Lily on the terrace, and she—”
“Yes, I agree.” Matthew turned around, intending to go after Lily.
James joined him, but before Matthew could take another step, his cousin Adrian blocked their path. Beside him was Thomas Kingston, Viscount Burkham.
“I’ve been wanting to speak with you,” Adrian began. “I was just telling Lord Burkham of your trials in India.” His voice was silky, as if he delighted in Matthew’s ordeal. “You were imprisoned there for such a long time. Any man would go mad after such torture.”
Matthew ignored the man, knowing that his cousin was only trying to bait him. “Excuse me, Adrian.”
But the man refused to move. “In fact, I spoke with other members of Parliament over the past few weeks. They do know what you suffered and how you’ve struggled since you returned to England.”
At that, Matthew stopped. “Spreading lies and rumors does not become you, Cousin. Anyone with half a brain—” He eyed Viscount Burkham “—would see that you are trying to claim Arnsbury as yours. But you are not the earl, nor can you take command of my property.”
“Not while you are here, no,” Adrian admitted.
“Is that a threat?” he demanded. “Because everyone here knows of your debts. You hope to gain Arnsbury so you can strip its wealth away for your own gain.”
“I have no need to threaten you,” Adrian answered. “You may put on the airs of a man who has recovered, but your true nature will reveal itself.”
Matthew shook his head in exasperation and pushed his way past his cousin. But before he could take another step, Adrian added, “In fact, once you see Lady Lily, I believe all of your madness will come roaring back at you. Everyone will see exactly the man you are—one unfit to care for the estate.”
He didn’t know what Adrian was talking about, but it was clear that he was trying to provoke him. And right now, he needed to find Lily, to ensure she was all right. He eyed James, and his best friend nodded in silent agreement.
Matthew pushed his way past Adrian, walking across the ballroom to the doors leading to the terrace. James trailed behind him, his expression grim.
Outside, it was freezing cold, and the stone terrace was slick with frost. Matthew hurried toward the far end of the garden where two women stood.
And when he recognized Nisha Amat, fury roared through him. This woman had caused the torment and vicious nightmares. She had broken his spirit and mind, until he’d thought he would never have a normal life. The very sight of her made him want to close his hands over her throat until she breathed her last.
But he knew exactly what Adrian was trying to do. His cousin had been behind the kidnapping, and now he hoped to provoke him past the edge of sanity by forcing him to face his torturer.
Matthew didn’t pause to think, but ran hard toward the woman. Nisha was gripping Lily’s wrist, and in her other palm, he saw a curved blade. His mind seethed with rage, and time ground to a stop. Never would he allow Nisha to hurt the woman he loved.
Lily cried out, struggling against the woman, and all Matthew could think of was protecting her. Dimly, he heard James warning him to be careful, but he ignored the words. He cared nothing about himself—only shielding Lily.
With one stroke of the knife, his torturer could end the happiness and peace he had found. And God help him, he would snap Nisha’s neck first.
The world blurred, and Matthew pushed back all rational thoughts, surrendering to actions. He threw himself toward the woman and felt the blade sink into his flesh. He didn’t feel any pain, but he reached for Nisha’s throat, closing his hands around it. Abruptly, she stumbled, twisting, as he pressed her toward the ground.
