She cupped his cheek. “Send him my apologies.”
“As I have no intention of sharing what happened between us with anyone, I’ll only make apologies for myself.” He studied her beautiful face. “Did he hit you often?”
She went still. “It hardly matters now.”
“Then he did.” Julian set his jaw. “I’m actually disappointed he’s already dead, because I can’t kill him myself.”
“He’s not worth it, Julian,” Carenza said softly. “We both know that.”
“You are a far better person than I will ever be, my dear, because I disagree. I was supposed to be his best friend, but I made very little attempt to curb his excesses until it was too late.”
He wanted to say more, but their current conversation was not meant to be about him but about what Hector had done to Carenza.
“You should go,” Carenza said.
He wanted to suggest he take her to bed, but he already knew she wouldn’t countenance such behavior in her father’s house.
“You could come with me?” he suggested. “My bed is very comfortable.”
“I know it is.” She smiled. “Don’t tempt me when I have things to do.”
“Are they as important as spending the afternoon with me?”
She visibly sought for her composure. “Unfortunately, on this occasion, yes. We’ve decided to organize a ball to show our support for the Cartwrights and Mrs. Mountjoy.”
“We?”
“Olivia, Allegra, and myself.”
Julian frowned. “What brought this on?”
She didn’t react to his change of tone. “Percival is now suggesting that the Cartwrights exist solely to deal with all your bastard offspring.”
“The devil they do.” Julian set his jaw. “I’m of a mind to seek out Percival and make this matter very personal indeed.”
“Please don’t do that.” Carenza touched his arm. “Will you simply allow us to help you for once?”
He hated the very idea. “If I must.”
“Then good.” She nodded. “Hold your fire and let us deal with Percival Walcott. I can assure you that we don’t want him to get away with anything.”
CHAPTER19
“Ladies.” Aragon strode into the drawing room and bowed. “How may I help you?”
Carenza glanced at Olivia, who nodded for her to continue. “We need your help.”
“Mine?” Aragon looked absurdly pleased. “Are you certain you don’t mean my brother’s?”
Carenza gestured to a seat. “As this matter concerns your brother, we think you are the best person to help us.”
“I’ll do my best.” Aragon sat down. “Does this have something to do with that pesky Walcott fellow?”
Olivia and Carenza exchanged a startled glance.
“Has Julian spoken to you about him?” Olivia asked.
“I spoke to him. I offered to go and have a word with Walcott to set matters straight, but Julian wasn’t very keen on the idea.” Aragon paused. “To put it bluntly, he thinks I’m too stupid to pull it off.”
