The butler returned shortly and beckoned for the young man to follow him.
Lord Ashton lay down his pen as Justin entered the library and regarded him with a grim look. “Well, what is it, Chilton?” he demanded “I’ve seen quite enough of your phiz to suit me for some time.”
Justin squared his shoulders. “Yes, milord, I have no doubt of that. I’m sorry to disturb you at home, but I couldn’t bear not knowing … that is, I wanted to know if you would tell me what word you have on … on Lord Branford’s condition?”
“A little late for recriminations,” admonished Ashton. His eyes narrowed. “Why do you ask?” A chuffed snort. “Bloody hell, why should you care?”
Justin’s expression betrayed his inner turmoil. “I—I don’t understand Lord Branford’s actions … but I have come to believe that whatever honor demanded, it was not what took place the other morning.”
Ashton let out an exasperated sigh as he toyed with the silver inkwell on his desk. “I have been turned away every day—including twice today. Branford will admit no one. However, the physician says he should recover.”
Relief flooded Justin’s face. “I am truly glad to hear it. “ He looked up at Ashton. “I meant to miss,” he said softly. “But he moved …”
“Yes, well it appears Sebastian didn’t miss whereheaimed,” snapped Ashton sarcastically. “By all rights, you should be lying with your toes cocked up for all your damn headstrong pride.”
“I am well aware of that, sir.” Justin dropped his gaze to the carpet beneath his boots to the floor. “I can’t blame you for thinking me a damnable fool—or worse—for my actions.”
He blew out a harried breath. “I … I don’t know quite what to think of myself. Everything that I’ve been taught to believe as a gentleman tells me I acted in the right, and that honor was served. And yet it feels very hollow—something inside me says I was wrong.”
He raked a hand through his hair and heaved a sigh. “No doubt I sound like a complete sapskull, but even though it seems that he betrayed my trust in him, a part of me refuses to believe it is true.” The young man’s voice caught in his throat. “I wish I could understand it all.”
Ashton took a moment to light a cigar. He blew a thick cloud of smoke and watched the rings drift way slowly and dissolve into thin air. “It takes courage to face a stranger and admit to feeling doubt and remorse—in fact, few men of my acquaintance—of any age or experience—would be that honest about their doubts.
Anotherpuff-puff. “I see why you remind Sebastian of his cousin. That is a compliment by the way, in case you are tempted to give credence to one of the other filthy rumors. He cared very much for Jeremy.”
Justin’s gaze remained riveted to the floor.
In the next instant, the door opened without a knock.
“Oh! Forgive me, Henry, I didn’t realize you had company.” Cecilia Ashton swept into the room and stopped short. “Good evening, Mr. Chilton.” She eyed him with a sharp curiosity. It was an odd time to have visitors, especially one that was not on intimate terms with the family.
Justin bowed. “I was just taking my leave, Lady Ashton.” Then he turned back to his lordship. “Sir, if I may, I would like to be allowed to call again tomorrow to see if you have any further news.”
“Regarding what?” asked Lady Ashton. Very little escaped her notice and the tension in the room was palpable.
Justin colored. “Ah …”
Before Ashton could intercede, Lady Ashton fixed him with the expression of a hawk homing in on a sparrow. “Yes, Mr. Chilton? You were saying?”
“Ah …” The young man looked around helplessly.
Ashton closed his eyes in resignation.
“Ah … on Lord Branford’s condition,” stammered Justin.
Cecilia’s brows shot. “What is wrong with Sebastian?”
Justin looked at Ashton.
“Henry?”
When her husband didn’t answer, she turned back to Justin. He was no match for her piercing stare. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, he cleared his throat.
“I’m afraid he’s been …well … shot.”
“Shot!” exclaimed Cecilia. She threw a withering look at her husband.
“Don’t blame me, my dear. I did everything in my power to stop it,” he mumbled, a defensive look on his harried face.
