The front door suddenly flew open with a bang. The clatter of footsteps echoed in the corridor, along with the babble of familiar voices.
“Damnation,” muttered Branford. Then he went ahead and kissed her anyway.
The grin still on his face, Justin stepped out of the room and pulled the door firmly shut behind him.
For a brief interlude, they had only each other.
Moments later, Lord Ashton and Simms burst in, pistols at the ready, followed by a very determined Lady Ashton brandishing her parasol like a saber.
“Sorry, Cap'n.” Simms lowered his pistol and tried to repress a grin. “When I couldn’t convince His Lordship and Her Ladyship to stop, I figured I better come along as well.”
Ashton surveyed the body on the floor and then regarded Branford and Alex wrapped together in an intimate embrace.
“You see, my dear,” he said rather smugly. “I told you Sebastian would have things well in hand without any help from us.”
“A little too well in hand,” she retorted. “Sebastian!” she added sharply, turning to face the earl. “What’s the meaning of this?”
“I think you know very well what it means, Cecilia,” he answered dryly. “But you could at least allow me to propose to Miss Chilton without an audience.”
“Of course you may—in due time.” She smiled sweetly. “Just so we all understand each other. I’ve noticed that Mr. Chilton is holding a pistol and I wouldn’t want there to be any more misunderstandings.”
Branford chuckled. “I think Chilton knows by now that my intentions are entirely honorable.”
To her dismay, Alex found herself turning beet-red. “But Lady Ashton, it’s not what you think. Sebas… Lord Branford should not be forced—I mean, he doesn’t want?—”
“We’ll discuss that in the carriage ride back to Town,” interrupted Branford.
To her own surprise, Alex fell silent without an argument.
Branford turned to Ashton. “How did you manage to track us down, Henry?”
“I’m afraid half of White’s could do it if they wished to. Odds are fifty-fifty on whether Whitleigh will recover from his shock.”
“Yes, well, I suppose the gossips will have more than enough fodder for their hungry tongues after today.” Branford glanced at Hammerton’s lifeless form. “Would you and Chilton—or should I say, therealLord Hammerton— be kind enough to summon the magistrates and settle matters here. There is another cur out in the stables who must be dealt with as well. I would like to attend to … a more important matter.”
Ashton’s gaze moved from Justin’s face to the pistol in his hand. “I take it, we have you to thank for keeping Sebastian from sticking his spoon in the wall today?”
Justin allowed a glimmer of a smile. “I received some very wise advise about putting pistols to more honorable use, sir. And it is I who owe both you and Lady Ashton thanks. Without your counsel, I fear things would have turned out very differently.”
Ashton’s reserve finally melted away. “The Earl of Hammerton is it? Hmmm. I like the sound of that, young man. I think you will be a credit to the title.” He grinned at Branford. “The new Lord Hammerton and I would be happy to straighten things up here. I’ll send my coachman to fetch the authorities right away.”
Branford nodded his thanks. “I would like Simms to drive Alex and me back to Town as soon as possible. She’s had enough excitement for the day—and I’m sure her aunt is sick with worry.”
Ashton nodded. “No doubt. Pray, don’t worry about a thing.” He repressed a little chuckle. “Have a most pleasant—and unexciting— journey.”
“Miss Chilton,” called Lady Ashton. “I look forward to some very long, comfortable cozes with you. I believe we have much to discuss—I consider myself something of an expert on the matrimonial state.”
Ashton rolled his eyes at Branford. “You havenoidea what you are getting yourself into.”
Branford tightened his arm around Alex. “Oh, but indeed I do, Henry.” The shadows in his eyes gave way to a fire-bright light. “Indeed I do.”
Branford settledhis bruised and weary body into the carriage seat with a deep sigh.
Next to him, Alex sat silently, her gaze focused on the landscape flashing past the carriage window.
Now that the first fierce heat of danger subsided, he felt unsure of himself. What if Alex truly didn’t wish to marry … But then he recalled Cecilia’s advice and knew that he must summon his courage and plunge on, regardless of the uncertainty.
He cleared his throat. “Alex, we must clarify a few things.”
