“We’ve a bit of a… situation,” Greys supplied.
“So I hear. Why don’t the four of you discuss it in your study, My Lord?” Blackheart held the door wide, somehow still managing to come across as a duke.
Bloody bastard.
“Excellent idea, Mr. Cockfield.” Greys gestured for Chase to proceed him. At least Chase could do so under his own power. On knees still weak from the blow he’d received from Stone, he trudged inside. If Greys’ servants already knew about his depraved attack on a poor innocent lady, no doubt all of London would by morning.
What were they saying to Bethany?Noneof it had been her fault. She’d simply been out walking in the garden, innocent as a lamb.
It was no wonder she didn’t faint when he’d thrown her gown up so he could… Sickened by the horror of what he’d done, he dropped onto the divan. She’d squirmed. She’d protested. How had he not realized she wasn’t Miranda?
Good God. He’d swatted her three times. No.
He’dspankedher.
…and been caught doing it—by the worst gossips in all of England.
He glanced up just as a determined fist lifted him by the cravat. “What the devil were you thinking?” Blackheart glared at him.
Chase could fight back. He could twist away from this second attack, but he would not. In fact, he’d almost feel better if each of them took their turns pummeling him.
With a disgusted grunt, Blackheart released his hold, dropping Chase inelegantly onto the divan again. Was that the sound of his bones rattling as he landed?
No one said a word. What else was there to say?
“An offer.” Greys’ voice finally cut through the tension in the room. “It’s the only remedy.”
“She’ll still need Westerley’s signature.” Stone pointed out. “She’s his ward.”
“That won’t be a problem.” Blackheart rubbed his chin, a scheming look in his onyx eyes.
Stone shook his head. “Even you can’t get around that.”
“Unless I’ve power of attorney.” Blackheart exhaled and moved toward the door. “I’ll return shortly.”
“You’d rather polish the silver then?” Mantis made a rare joke.
“I’d prefer polishing to waking the archbishop,” he scoffed. “But Chaswick will have better luck come morning if he makes that offer with a special license in hand.”
Damnit, Blackheart had the right of it.
Chase couldn’t remember the last time these fellows couldn’t find humor in one of their situations. Not one of them was laughing tonight.
Neither could Chase remember the last time any of them had called him Chaswick.
He’d messed up.
Badly.
Chapter 6
It Was a Mistake, Mother!
Bethany accepted the cup of tea without thinking and took a sip, huddled under the blanket Lady Ravensdale settled about her shoulders.
“I’m fine, really.” But her voice shook when a tremor belied her words.
“Your mother is speaking with Lady Willoughby but will be here shortly. And your carriage is being brought around as we speak. Drink.” The sympathetic countess spoke in a soothing tone. “I can’t imagine you bargained for any of this.”
