He went to the parlor, borrowed her from Miss Smith and her son, and led Ruth back to his study.
Wycliff spun her around then embraced her. “It’s over. You were—”
The door burst open.
Nicholas charged at Wycliff with a knife in his hand. “You can’t win, not like this.”
Wycliff’s sjambok was on the desk.
He and Nicholas fought hand-to-hand. He elbowed him, and the knife flew to the floor.
They wrestled for control. Both stretched and claimed the knife’s handle at the same time.
Nickie elbowed him in the throat.
Wycliff couldn’t breathe.
Ruth tossed books. Each hit Nicholas on the head.
The distraction wasn’t enough. Nicholas was wild. He was crazed.
He made the blade slash Wycliff’s cravat. “I need to finish off that gloating voice.”
Wham.
Ruth broke the bride sculpture over Nicholas’s head. It split in two.
Nicholas fell back. “You witch.”
That was enough for Wycliff to catch a full breath. He overpowered his cousin and drove the knife deep into Nicholas’s gut.
He twisted it for good measure. “That’s for Ruth.”
Lawden came running. “My lord, is all well? Wilkinson stabbed Marks.”
“A little late, Lawden, but my wife, my dear wife, was on time.
Lawden helped him up. “I have Marks. The bleeding is under control.”
Ruth was silent and pale, but her spectacles were on her face. She’d seen it all.
Wycliff took off his tailcoat and dropped it onto Nickie. “Ruth, it is truly over.”
She clasped Wycliff’s hand. “I’m going to check on my guests for tea. I’ll keep them occupied until Blaren House is clean.”
Mr. Marks came back inside. “Ruth. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for so much.”
She nodded, glanced down one more time, then left.
The barrister dropped into a chair. “Lord Wycliff, I’m sorry, too. He grabbed my knife.”
“Lawden’s good at patching things up, but we’ll send for a physician.”
“And I’ll stay for the coroner’s inquest. It’s the least I can do for you, clearing up these crimes. Consider it a wedding present for Mrs. Wilky.”
Wycliff nodded and sat on top of his desk. He put his boot on the broken statue. “Thank you. You need a brandy, Marks?”
“No, but I wish you and Ruth every happiness. She’s a special woman.”
