Sarah shook her head. “You can speak in front of Lucy. She is very discreet.”
Aggrieved, he folded his arms. “I’d rather not.”
Lucy grew uncomfortable as a grim silence followed.
“Very well,” Sarah said at last. “I’ll give you a few minutes, Lord Cardew.” She gestured to a chair. “But that’s all.” She turned to Lucy, her cheeks flushed. “Would you mind waiting outside, Lucy?”
This was what Lucy had feared. She didn’t trust Lord Cardew but could do nothing other than shut the door behind her and linger in the hall.
As she stood there, the front door opened, and she heard Mr. Beaufort admitted. Spying Lucy, he approached her, his eyebrows lifted in inquiry, as the butler left them.
She felt foolish at being found hovering in the hall and struggled with what she might say to him. But at that moment, Sarah’s shriek made them both turn toward the drawing room doors.
“What the devil?” Mr. Beaufort stared at Lucy. “Is that Lady Sarah? Who is with her?”
“Lord Cardew. Sarah has told him their association is at an end. I’m afraid he isn’t taking it too well.”
“The deuce!” Mr. Beaufort grasped the door latch and opened the door. Lord Cardew was gripping Sarah’s shoulders and shaking her. She struggled against him, tears in her eyes.
Mr. Beaufort strode the length of the room and towered over the young lord. “Unhand Lady Sarah, Cardew.”
“You, again!” Lord Cardew sneered. “Still can’t mind your own business, Beaufort.” He released Sarah and came toward Mr. Beaufort, his fists clenched.
At Lord Cardew’s wildly aimed fist, Mr. Beaufort feinted to the left before landing the lord a sharp facer. With a surprised yelp, Lord Cardew staggered back, a hand to his bleeding nose. “You’ll regret this, Beaufort.”
“No,youwill, Lord Cardew, should your mother hear of it,” Sarah said, gasping for breath. “Please leave. I never want to set eyes on you again.”
The butler, Grimsby, burst in, followed by two tall, sturdy footmen. “Are you all right, Lady Sarah?” He gazed around and his expression turned to shock when he saw Lord Cardew holding a bloody handkerchief to his nose.
Sarah straightened her shoulders. “Grimsby, Lord Cardew is leaving.”
Grimsby eyed Viscount Cardew unsympathetically. “As you wish, Lady Sarah. John, see his lordship out.”
As the footman approached, Lord Cardew scowled at Sarah. “You’ll regret this,” he shouted, then he spun on his heel, pushed past them, and strode into the hall with John close behind him. The butler followed. A few moments later, the front door banged shut.
“It’s mere bluster. It wouldn’t serve him well to make a fuss,” Lucy said, putting her arm around Sarah’s trembling shoulders and leading her over to the sofa. Sitting beside her, Sarah wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I’m very grateful to you, Mr. Beaufort.”
“There’s really no need,” Mr. Beaufort said. “I shouldn’t think Lord Cardew will trouble you again.”
“We are in need of a drink, James,” Sarah said to the footman who stood to attention. “Ratafia, Lucy?” she asked. “Mr. Beaufort?”
“Wine, thank you.” Mr. Beaufort took a seat across from them his forehead creased with worry as he studied Sarah.
Sarah’s smile wobbled, then she smiled and sat up straight. “I hope Mama didn’t hear the commotion. I’m so very relieved it’s over.”
Mr. Beaufort nodded but made no comment. Lucy also refrained from commenting. A little shocked by the violence the young lord had displayed, she considered her dear friend certainly had a fortunate escape. Did Lord Cardew now believe there was no future for him and Sarah? Lucy hoped he would come to accept it. She’d been struck by the difference between the two men. Lord Cardew was like an overgrown, spoiled, and bad-tempered boy, whereas Mr. Beaufort was very much a gentleman, in complete control of his emotions. And she hadn’t missed the way he was looking at Sarah now. The yearning expression in his eyes showed how much he cared for her. Shehoped Sarah would come to realize how fortunate she would be if they married.
Shortly afterward, Lucy accepted Sarah’s offer to send for a carriage to take her home. She wished to arrive before Aunt Mary found a reason to scold her.
Mr. Beaufort also took his leave. Lucy hoped that without Lord Cardew in the picture, they might discover much in common. Perhaps Sarah would fall in love with him. Lucy liked Mr. Beaufort very much and believed he would be perfect for Sarah, strong, and protective.As Lord Dorchester would be.She sighed.
*
Hugh’s coach reachedLondon after an absence of more than three weeks. He and Wickstaff were pleased to be back on their feet and free of being cloistered in a rocking coach for hours on end. Hugh collected his mail and inquired of the housekeeper, Mrs. Cruikshank, as to the state of his mother’s health. She informed him his mother had left her bed and sat in the morning room, where she worked on her tapestry.
He hurried in to greet her and was relieved to find her color so much improved. “How well you look, Mama.”
She smiled as he kissed her cheek. “I am feeling more like my old self. Did you have a good trip?”
