“A runner is escorting him to Bow Street. I fear he’ll claim privilege of peerage. As we cannot testify to the whole story without ruining Violet’s reputation, I fear he won’t be punished for shooting Edgerton.”
“He’ll face no punishment?” Violet asked, her voice rising. “How can that be?”
Alesbury shook his head. “Carlisle is ruined. Once word of his ruination spreads, I doubt even Sir Putnam would allow his daughter to marry him. I won’t be surprised if Carlisle and his sister decide a trip to the Continent is in order.”
The surgeon entered the parlor. “How is my son?” Lavinia asked.
“He’s resting comfortably now. I’ve cleaned and bandaged the wound and given him laudanum for the pain. He needs rest. Lady Edgerton is with him.”
Alesbury extended his hand. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”
The surgeon nodded. “I’ll check on him again tomorrow. If he develops a fever, send for me right away. Good evening,” he said, leaving the townhouse.
Alesbury turned to Violet and picked up her hand. “My darling, I’ll leave you now but will return tomorrow,” he said, kissing her knuckles. “You’ve had a terrible shock this evening and need rest as well.”
Violet threw herself into his arms, aware of her mother’s disapproval at such a wanton display of affection. “Thank you again, my love. I can hardly wait to start planning our wedding,” she whispered in his ear.
“Neither can I.” Alesbury stepped back and briefly bowed. “Miss Bainbridge, Lady Edgerton, good evening.”
When Alesbury left, Violet went to her mother and sat next to her on the sofa. Lavinia pulled her into her arms and hugged her. “Oh my darling girl, what a terrible ordeal you’ve suffered. Are you sure you’re unharmed?”
“Yes, thanks to the bravery of Alesbury and Charles,” Violet said, sitting back.
“I don’t know what I would have done if you’d been harmed. It’s too dreadful to think about. Thank goodness Lord Alesbury knew where to find you.”
Violet nodded. “Mama, he’s the very best of men. I love him and cannot wait until we can marry. He’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of in a husband. Can you learn to accept him as well?”
Lavinia stood, drawing Violet up with her. “I think we could all use a good night’s sleep before we start planning a wedding, don’t you?”
A smile spread across Violet’s face as she linked her arm with her mother’s. “Of course, Mama. Thank you for your blessing.”
“I only wish for your happiness, my darling. Come, let us retire now and get some much-needed sleep.”
Chapter 19
THE NEXT MORNING, ALESBURY WASsitting in the outer office of William Jeffries, the Home Office Director, waiting for an audience so he could relay the events of the previous night.
“The director will see you now,” the clerk said.
When Alesbury walked into the office, Jeffries was sitting at his desk reading a report from Bow Street. “What a mess!”
“I can only assume you mean the nasty business with Carlisle.”
“What the hell happened last night?”
Alesbury spent the next few minutes telling Jeffries everything. “We had no idea Carlisle had a pistol, although I don’t see how we could have done anything differently.”
“How is Edgerton?”
“He was in quite a bit of pain last night. The surgeon gave him some laudanum to help him sleep. I’ll see him after we’re finished here.”
“Unless Edgerton presses charges against Carlisle, Bow Street will have to release him.”
“He understands that, and I agree. Neither of us wants the events of last night to become public, but Carlisle must be held accountable somehow.”
“Without finding any illegal goods in his possession, the Crown cannot convict him of smuggling, but a discreet word here and there in thetonwill see him ruined. That will have to do.”
“I would also suggest sending a note around to Sir Putnam. I understand Carlisle was courting his daughter, most probably for her sizeable dowry.”
