“Lord Neville will renounce any claims on the title?—”
“Because Perry cheated,” Uncle Neville said. “Sir James is a bumbling idiot, and you bribed him.”
“Why don’t you intervene when Lord Neville talks, Simmons?” Oliver asked.
Simmons exhaled. “As I was saying, Lord Neville will renounce his claims, and Lord Ravenscroft will withdraw the charges of attempted murder.”
Not good enough. “What about my other requests?” Perry asked.
Simmons exchanged a glance with Uncle Neville. “My client will leave London permanently and live with his allowance. Although Lord Neville asks for a small raise to marry Miss Ferguson.”
Perry chuckled. “No raise. Uncle Neville and Miss Ferguson will learn to live modestly. The allowance is substantial as it is.”
“Cheapskate,” Uncle Neville said.
Perry leant forwards. “Forgive me, Uncle, but I tend not to be generous towards someone who tried to kill me.”
He gave a little shrug. “Don’t be ridiculous. I never wanted to kill you, just spare you from the humiliation of showing everyone your madness.”
“He’s a better man than you’d ever be,” Edith said.
“He’s insane,” Miss Ferguson said, regaining some colour. “Just like you. Your fear of water and his convulsions make a good pair out of you.”
Enough. Perry wouldn’t sit there and listen to two criminals insult his bride-to-be. He stood up. “It’s settled then. Uncle, leave London immediately and never come back. Marry whomever you want and leave my countess and me alone.”
Oliver rose as well. “And if we see you here, we’ll warn the police.”
Miss Ferguson tilted her chin up. “Edith, I’m sorry we part this way?—”
“No, you aren’t,” Edith said. “Now leave.”
Simmons collected his documents, leaving copies for Perry. “Lord Ravenscroft, it’s been a pleasure to deal with you.” He paused. “If Mr. York needs legal advice on his situation, I’ll be happy to provide it.”
“Thank you. How kind,” Oliver said.
Perry and Edith turned towards him with matching frowns.
The moment the solicitor and his clients left the room, Perry cheered, Edith hugged him, and Oliver smiled widely.
“I’m the physician of an earl,” he said. “Well, after I have my hearing with the Royal Medical Society, my name is cleared, my licence reinstated, and the scandal is behind me.” He sighed. “Oh, dear.”
Edith patted his shoulder. “My father will do his best, and even Sir James promised to help.”
Oliver exhaled dramatically. “I fully trust your father, and I’m sure everything will be fine, but I’m a little disappointed.”
“Disappointed,” Perry said at the same time as Edith said, “Why?”
Oliver shrugged. “The thrill, the tension, the excitement of the unknown. The experience brought me a sense of danger I didn’t know I needed, and now it’s almost over. It’s somewhat sad.”
Edith stared at him. “I don’t fully follow you, Dr. York.”
“Welcome into my world, darling,” Perry said.
