Justin climbed slowly out of the fog that surrounded his head. He blinked rapidly, trying to get his bearings. “Edward, is that you?”
“Indeed, your grace.”
He pulled himself slowly away from Jillian so as not to awaken her. He rubbed his face wearily. “What time is it?”
“Nearly four o’ clock, your grace. I woke you because Lady Dunberry is here, and she seems most distressed. Lord Case is in the drawing room with her.”
“Thank you, Edward, inform her ladyship that I will be right down.”
He dragged a tired hand through his rumpled hair in an attempt to make himself more presentable. After a quick glance back at Jillian, he hurried downstairs to greet Lady Bea. He strode into the drawing room to see Edward pouring tea for the dowager.
When she saw him enter the room, she rose and rushed forward, her hands outstretched. “Your grace, I’ve been prostrate with worry,” she said tearfully as he took her hands. “Tell me, how is she doing?”
“She is resting. Thank you for your concern, my lady.” He escorted her back to her seat next to Case, and sat down across from them.
“I should have stopped him,” she said, wringing her hands. She took a kerchief from her reticule and dabbed at her eyes. “If I had stopped him this would never have happened.”
“You mustn’t blame yourself.” Case gently took her hand. “There was nothing you could have done.”
“If anyone is to blame, it is me,” Justin said quietly. “I should have never left her alone.”
“What will you do?” Lady Bea asked.
“Jillian and I are leaving London as soon as she can travel.”
“It’s not right!” she said, stamping her foot on the floor.
The two men looked at her in surprise.
“It’s not right that you and Jillian should have to flee London for safety’s sake while that scoundrel Penroth remains here in good graces.” She stood indignantly, her ostrich plumed hat swaying precariously on her head. “I will take great pleasure in ostracizing him from polite circles. When I am through, there won’t be a drawing room he is welcome in.”
Case chuckled. “You can count on my assistance. I plan to make sure he stays as penniless as he currently is.” He turned to Justin. “I took the liberty of arranging the sale of Jillian’s townhome to myself. Of course the documents are a little touched up since the date of sale is last November.” He grinned. “It will give me great pleasure to serve him with an eviction since he has already taken up residence there.”
Lady Bea hooted in laughter. “You’ve a devious mind, Devlin. I like it! But however did you manage to reflect the date of sale for last year?”
“I called in a few favors.”
Lady Bea turned to Justin. “I won’t keep you, your grace, but please know that you and Jillian will always have my support and the support of the ladies in my circle. If there is anything I can do, don’t hesitate to call on me.”
“You have my thanks, my lady. I know it will mean a lot to Jillian as well.”
She turned hastily away, but not before Justin saw the unshed tears bright in her eyes.
“I’ll see you home,” Case said gently.
“That won’t be necessary, Devlin. I may be old, but I am still capable of getting myself home.”
Justin smiled at her temerity. She swept from the room, leaving the men looking after her.
“They broke the mold when she came along,” Case said in admiration.
“That they did.”
He sat down and looked back over at Case. “I don’t have much time. I fully expect Penroth to appear in the morning with the magistrate in tow and a warrant to search the house.”
Case sighed. “That does present a problem. He would expect us to move her to my house or Lady Bea’s, so either is out of the question.”
“Begging your pardon, your grace, but I may have a solution.”
