Darrius blinked. “A guest? Who?”
“Me.” The Marquess of Egerton stepped around Turner, ignoring the butler’s pointed look at his intrusion beyond protocol. The handsome man’s lips were tight and he looked at Darrius with…God, was that pity?
Darrius got to his feet. “It’s fine, Turner. Leave us.”
“Egerton!” Vanessa called out, and she and Benedict swiftly came across the terrace to them. “What are you doing here? Are Merritt and Peter here, as well?”
She looked so exuberant that Darrius’s stomach turned. He knew for certain that this man was here with no good news. “What has happened?” he asked.
“I’m so sorry,” Egerton said, and there was genuine regret to his deep voice. “I came as soon as I could so you would receive this news from…from a friend. I…your brother, Warwick. Arthur is dead.”
Benedict
Those horrible words slammed into Benedict’s chest like a man twice his size had pressed his hands there and shoved, but somehow he maintained his balance and instead stepped forward. It was good that he did, because Darrius wobbled beneath each syllable’s weight. Benedict caught his elbow before he collapsed to his knees, shoring him up as best he could. When Darrius stared up at him, the heartbreak and pain in his eyes nearly killed Benedict. Because he would do anything to protect this man from pain.
“No,” Darrius breathed at last. His voice broke. “No, that cannot be true. Arthur cannot be dead, Egerton. You must be mistaken.”
Egerton ran a hand through his hair. “Why don’t we sit? I can explain.”
“Yes,” Vanessa said, pale as paper even as she motioned to one of the chairs at the table. “Please tell us.”
Benedict helped Darrius back to his place and sat beside him. He didn’t give a damn what anyone thought at that moment, so he drew Darrius’s hand into his lap, holding tight to him and happy that he was allowed that, probably because the shock of this news kept his lover from second guessing himself.
Vanessa sat beside Egerton, her dark eyes teary with emotion. The marquess shifted as if this was all very uncomfortable. “When we arrived back in London, we immediately began searching for Lord Warwick, as we had discussed. Peter and I put all our joint resources into the matter. We were close to uncovering his whereabouts when the word came.” Egerton shook his head. “He’d been racing in a park. Your maid was with him, Vanessa. It was for money, I have heard, though there are few details from those involved. They were going too fast and they…they lost control. Both of them were killed instantly.”
Darrius slumped, all color leaving his face as he stared into nothingness. Benedict held his hand all the tighter.
“Going too fast,” Darrius whispered. “How fitting.”
“Oh, poor Arthur,” Vanessa said. “And poor Mary.”
Benedict looked at her and felt a swell of adoration for her. This woman had been hurt and humiliated by both these people and yet she still retained some kindness for them.
“Peter and Merritt have been taking care of as much as they can in your stead,” Egerton said. “And you know the marchioness—she has cut down anyone who dared breathe of scandal about either Arthur’s truncated wedding or his tragic demise.”
“I very much appreciate that,” Darrius grunted. “As much good as it will do.”
“Darrius,” Vanessa said, reaching over to set her hand on his and Benedict’s interlocked fingers. “My love, I’m so very sorry. For both of you.”
Darrius looked at her and then Benedict. He reached out and touched Benedict’s face, clearly not caring what Egerton saw in the moment. “Oh, Benedict. You two were such good friends.”
It allowed Benedict to feel a slash of the pain he knew would eventually overcome him. But he pushed it back for now. Darrius needed him. The rest would wait. The grief would be there and they would share it, or at least he hoped they would and that Darrius wouldn’t use it as a reason to push away. Walk away.
“We must go to London,” Darrius said, pulling his hand free as if to accentuate Benedict’s fear. “Immediately.”
“Of course, you are correct,” Vanessa said, and she squeezed Benedict’s hand as if to comfort him about Darrius pulling away.
Benedict stood and smoothed his jacket. In this moment, all he could do was help Darrius get to Town where he would have a great deal to do and manage. “Yes,” he said. “I will make all the arrangements.”
“I’ll help you,” Egerton said as he followed Benedict into the house. He looked out the window as they left the room in time to see Vanessa come to Darrius, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind.
And to see Darrius bend his head at her support. At least he would allow that. For a little while.
CHAPTER 12
Vanessa
The trip back to London had been a blur. Benedict and Darrius had ridden on horseback to get there as fast as possible, leaving her to ride in the carriage with Egerton. The marquess had been kind. He hadn’t pried. He’d even read to her from a favorite book and chatted with her about meaningless subjects to keep her mind from wandering.
