“I believe I once threatened to make you regret your existence,” he growled. “Perhaps now is a good time to make good on that threat.”
Crowley sneered at him, but he saw fear in the man’s eyes.
“As a respectable gentleman –” he started.
“Surely you’re not referring to yourself?” Thaddeus interrupted. “I think we’ve more than established you are neither respectable nor worthy of the title of gentleman. Or perhaps you were referring to me, meaning to appeal to my better angels?” He leaned down, close to Crowley’s face. “Miss Fairchild is the only angel I know of, and you have wronged her grievously and repeatedly, so I wouldn’t count on her benevolence to save you.”
Crowley’s eyes widened, and Thaddeus could see the moment he registered that he might be in true danger. Perhaps fortunately, Thomas Fairchild happened upon them at that exact moment.
“Ah, Lord Hartington, Lord Henry,” he said pleasantly, and then, throwing a glance Crowley’s way, he said much less pleasantly, “Lord Crowley.” Turning back to the other two, he asked, “Did either of you see my sister? I saw her come out into the garden and wished to be sure she was all right.”
“She’s inside with Miss White,” Henry answered. Thomas looked from his face to Thaddeus’s and then glanced at Crowley again. He seemed to register the tension in the air.
“Is all good with you gentlemen?” he asked cautiously.
“All is perfectly fine,” Thaddeus answered. “And will be better once Lord Crowley has taken his leave.”
“Ah,” Thomas said, and he seemed to be hiding a smile. “Perhaps I should help escort Lord Crowley to his carriage then. To see him safely away.” There was a glint in his eye, and Thaddeus thought Thomas might get nearly as much pleasure from watching Crowley leave as himself. “I can certainly understand why you would want to lay hands on the man,” Thomas continued, evidently having guessed at what Thaddeus had been threatening moments ago, “but I rather think he’s not worth sullying your good reputations.”
“How dare you!” Crowley hissed. “I demand you all treat me with the respect I am owed! And especially you, Fairchild. Watch your tongue, boy. You know my money and I are all that stand between your family and utter ruin, as you’ve absolutely failed to control your father’s gambling and whoring.”
Crowley leant forward, and to Thaddeus’s utter horror, spat on the ground at Thomas’s feet. Thaddeus felt white hot anger flash through him, but Thomas was faster. In a second, his hands were gripping Crowley’s coat.
“The respect you are owed is none,” he said to Crowley through gritted teeth, “and as such any gentleman refraining from laying hands on you is doing you a courtesy you have not earned.”
“Easy, Fairchild,” Henry said softly. “Like you said, he’s not worth it.”
Henry’s calm voice broke through the haze of anger surrounding Thaddeus. He realized that he must keep the situation under control, despite his own fury. He was the host, and Henry’s older brother, and – he hoped – soon to be Thomas’s brother-in-law.
He stepped forward and put his hand on Thomas’s shoulder. Thomas met his eyes, and after a long moment, he dropped his hands and stepped away from Crowley.
“Henry, I would appreciate it if you would be so good as to finish removing Lord Crowley from the grounds, before either Fairchild or I strangle him,” he said, speaking lightly but meeting Crowley’s eyes without trying to conceal his anger.
“Of course, brother,” Henry said. He grabbed Crowley by the arm again and the man let himself be led away, perhaps realizing he had finally pushed his luck too far.
Thaddeus watched him go, and let out a huge sigh, doing his best to let his anger go with it.
“I feel the same,” Thomas murmured.
“Come,” Thaddeus said. “Let us take a turn about the garden before we return inside. Let the night air clear our heads.”
Thomas nodded, and they set out walking along the garden’s perimeter. When they’d made it about halfway and the tension of the confrontation seemed to have mostly gone, Thaddeus turned to Thomas.
“Tell me truthfully,” he said, “how bad are your father’s finances?”
Thomas grimaced and looked away.
“I’m embarrassed to say, My Lord,” he replied.
“Please,” Thaddeus said gently. “I only ask because I wish to know how I can help.”
Thomas glanced at him, then looked down at his feet.
“The bailiffs have begun coming to the door,” he said quietly. Thaddeus stifled his shock, trying to give Thomas space to speak. “They have already taken a great deal,” Thomas continued. “The house is all but empty. I have hung onto what I can, and kept some money stashed away, but it’s not enough. Not nearly enough.” He stopped walking and closed his eyes, apained expression on his face. “I’ve managed to protect Isolde’s dowry, as it is owed to you, and Cornelia’s as well, little good that it’s done her with Crowley prowling about. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. Who else but a man like that would want to marry into such a family?”
Thaddeus felt a twinge in his heart for the young man.
“I would,” he replied quietly, and when Thomas opened his eyes in surprise, he gave the man an encouraging smile. “I shall if I can manage it. And as your brother-in-law-to-be, I swear to you I will see this matter resolved. Well enough that Miss Cornelia can marry who she pleases, as well.”
