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He left Melina’s side, taking a step towards Daphne. His words were stone hard. ‘Yes, I am different. I was faithful to Cassandra—against my better judgement. I am a widower now and I am free to do as I wish.’
‘An earl doesn’t dally with the servants.’
He stood directly in front of Daphne, towering over her. ‘Daphne—you could close your eyes to my wife prancing around with another man while I lay ill and you dare find fault with my behaviour. Nor can you disparage Melina. She has the peerage in her family history.’
Daphne scowled disagreement. ‘You and Cass were made for each other. I was going to tell you, but now I won’t. I couldn’t tell you before because I didn’t want you to know that I knew. I knew, but by the time I found out, it was too late.’ She turned, her skirts flying around her feet as she rushed out.
Warrington went to the door and kicked it shut, swearing. The slam caused Melina to jump.
‘So I misjudged Daphne, as well.’ He whirled to face Melina. ‘She’s a traitor to our friendship. She knows who I’m searching for. I cannot believe she would not tell me. Well, perhaps I can. She is Cassandra’s blood.’
‘She loved her sister long before she cared for you.’
‘And Daphne always protected Cass. Everyone in her family protected Cass. And to listen to my wife—how I hate that word... To listen to Cass she was misunderstood and never given her due. She didn’t even believe she should have to share the stars.’
Sighing, he made a sweeping motion with his hand. ‘It doesn’t matter that Daphne won’t tell me.’ He walked to the decanter and arranged the glasses neatly, and didn’t refill. ‘Just wait with me, Melina, and let me have the silence to collect my thoughts. Before the night is out, I expect to have my question answered.
He sat on the sofa, his body in a relaxed pose of his arm along the back, his feet apart and his fingers tapping.
* * *
Within an hour, clumping footsteps sounded on the stairs.
‘Broomer’s not one to tiptoe.’ Warrington’s face changed, hard and dark. ‘He’s not much of a butler, but that face of his can smile and words just tumble out of people. Me included. And he can break bones and describe the snap like a musician describes the sound of the pianoforte. A good man indeed.’
Warrington walked to the door and Broomer bounded into the room, stopping by grabbing the facings.
‘I don’t know if it’s the truth...’ Broomer’s words tumbled out, between his gasps for breath ‘...but I’ve been told every servant in that house believes it’s one man who was dallying with the fair-haired woman.’
‘Speak.’ War near bit the word in two.
‘Ludgate.’
The small lines at the sides of Warrington’s eyes tightened and his face moved forward, as if he needed to hear the word again. ‘Ludgate?’ he repeated. He reached to his boot and pulled out the knife. ‘Ludgate was not the one who dropped this at my feet.’
‘Can’t explain that.’ Broomer’s breath slowed to normal. ‘But around that time, enough crockery was flying in that house to keep the servants sweeping up for weeks. The man sleeps with his door locked, if he stays at the home. They’re married, but they keep out of each other’s sight most of the time. Was a rare thing for them to go out together like they did tonight. The maids considered it odd.’
Warrington stood perfectly still. ‘I won’t need you again just now. I’ll see you are rewarded for your efforts. However, do not drink overmuch until after we have discussed this again. I suspect you may be needed.’
Broomer smiled, gave a tilt of his head and then the most proper bow. ‘Whatever your lordship needs done.’ Then his large form turned and he left, each footstep soft.
Warrington strode to the door, but Melina caught his coat sleeve in her hand, moving forward, putting herself in his view.
‘Leave it, Melina.’ He tried to shake her away.
‘I’m going with you. You won’t kill him with me present.’
His voice held irony. ‘I would not bet a farthing on that. I fed him drink until he was sotted. Then I mistakenly helped him down the stairs so he wouldn’t go head first.’
‘At least wait until daybreak.’
Melina felt the cessation of movements in his body, so sudden it seemed more of a jerk than stillness.
‘Enough. It’s a singular betrayal, Melina. And duelling is outlawed. I see no reason to break two laws. One would suffice for this matter.’
