Victoria’s eyes widened and Benedick picked up the knife he had set aside when he retrieved Victoria from downstairs.
“Stay here!” he ordered then slipped out of the room.
Seven
She most certainly was not going to wait when he could be walking into danger.
Victoria slipped from the bed, padded across the floor and paused in the corridor. She could follow Benedick to the upper level, which was nothing but storage, or she could alert one of her footmen.
Since she would likely be of little help if Benedick found himself in a confrontation, she hurried down the stairs and went to Hank, who was sitting on a chair at the entrance to her home.
No doubt he had seen Benedick carry her upstairs but she did not want to take the time to explain to save her reputation. Not when Benedick could be facing a dire fate.
“We heard someone on the upper floor,” she told him.
Hank immediately came alert.
“Mr. Valentine has gone up to investigate and I would feel better if he were not alone.”
Hank marched for the stairs, another footman set to follow.
“You, stay here and keep guard on the door,” Hank ordered then took the stairs two at a time.
Victoria hurried after him because she needed to be there in case something happened, though she still hoped that it was the storm.
Except, as soon as she reached the foot of the stairs that led to the attic, there was no mistaking the scuffling of feet and grunts from those above.
“Oh, dear.”
Victoria started to hurry up the stairs but quickly retreated back as two bodies, locked in a struggle, came rolling toward her. The fight continued once they landed in the corridor. Hank followed quickly to assist, but it appeared that Benedick had matters well in hand as soon as he had the assailant who had attacked her on his back and was pummeling him with his fist. All the man could do was try to push Benedick away, no longer trying to defend himself.
“This is what happens when you strike or bruise a woman,” Benedick ground out. “I should kill you for leaving bruises on Victoria,” he said as he stopped hitting the man who was now limp, though still alert and groaning.
“Hank, get your friends,” Benedick ordered. “Bring them up here and you will be in charge of keeping him locked away, or tied to a chair, I really do not care, until we can summon Bow Street in the morning.”
Hank nodded and hurried away. And even though the man was incapacitated, Benedick still sat on him ready to hit him again if he attempted to fight.
The man’s face was bloodied and his eyes would probably swell shut. Benedick was battered as well. There was a bit of blood beneath his nose and a bruise forming on his jaw.
Victoria hurried away to gather washcloths, fresh water and bandages.
Not for the man on the floor but for the man she loved.
Benedick stared down at the man who had the audacity to think he could touch Victoria, let alone bruise her. His hands hurt, his jaw ached and he would probably awaken tomorrow with every part of his body hurting from this fight, but Benedick had never felt better in his life.
Invigorated.
Maybe he should even thank the scoundrel for bringing him back to Victoria, but he didn’t want to think about that man having any part in his reunion.
Hank returned with Charlie and Jimmy, and only then did Benedick get off the man.
“How did he get in?” Jimmy asked, holding onto the man’s arm so hard that he winced.
“I can only assume he broke in earlier,” Benedick said. “And was waiting until he hoped Lady Victoria was asleep.”
The man glared at him and Benedick knew that he was right.
“As soon as this storm is over and it is light out, go for a Runner. Until then, keep an eye on him,” Benedick instructed.
