“Does anyone want a bonbon?” Verity rushed towards Quentin and Annabelle but tripped on the carpet and fell forwards. The bonbons flew in the air and landed on Annabelle’s head and Quentin’s white jacket.
Annabelle raked a hand through her hair, smearing the chocolate on her curls, while a stain of mint cream splattered on Quentin’s chest.
Verity clamped her hands over her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”
Hector chewed his bottom lip. All that delicious food wasted.
“Miss Verity…” Clenching his teeth, Quentin brushed bits of chocolate from his clothes, making a mess.
“Let me help.” Verity went to use her handkerchief on the green stain on Quentin’s chest, but he took her wrist, blocking her.
“I believe you’ve done enough, silly girl.”
Mr. Merriweather sucked in a breath. “You don’t talk to my bride-to-be in that tone.”
Quentin tried to clean his jacket with his own handkerchief. “You and Miss Verity deserve each other. Troublemakers and stupid.”
“That’s enough!” Mr. Merriweather marched towards Quentin who shot forwards too.
Hector reacted on impulse. He placed himself between the solicitor and Quentin but put too much strength in the process, ending up shoving both of them. Mr. Merriweather staggered backwards, and Quentin bumped into Annabelle. They both tumbled on the floor in a froth of petticoats and silk. The scene would be comical if not for Maddie’s horrified face.
Quentin shot a burning stare at Hector. He was surprised he didn’t catch fire.
“I didn’t mean to push you.” Hector offered his hand to Quentin who ignored it and picked himself up, helping Annabelle.
She wiped smeared chocolate from her face. “You were right, Quentin. Your cousin is wild indeed.”
Quentin tugged at his jacket and brushed his dishevelled hair back. “There’s a reason if the newspapers call him the Savage Duke.”
“That’s unfair,” Maddie said. “Hector is a perfect gentleman.”
He wasn’t sure about that and judging by Quentin’s pitched expression, he agreed.
“We should leave, Quentin.” Annabelle took Quentin’s hand, keeping her wide gaze on Hector.
“I agree.” Quentin stomped out of the parlour, followed by Annabelle. She lingered a moment to glance at Verity before shutting the door behind her.
Maddie exhaled when the two left. “Oh, bother.”
He turned towards her and frowned at her pale face.
“I’m sorry.” Verity picked up the empty box of bonbons. “What a disaster.”
“Yes, all those delicious bonbons.” He clicked his tongue, searching for a piece that could be salvaged.
“Not the sweets, Hector.” Maddie rubbed her forehead. “Lord Quentin is going to use this incident against you, and Annabelle is his witness.”
The bonbons were scattered on the floor, and Mr. Merriweather gathered them, muttering something Hector didn’t grasp.
“It’s done,” Mr. Merriweather said. “It’s no one’s fault. Lord Hector is a tad stronger than he looks.” He massaged his chest. “Definitely stronger. With due respect, you punched the air out of me with that shove.”
Maddie exhaled. “Even Lord Quentin seemed breathless.”
“I disappointed you.” He dared to close his fingers around Maddie’s hand.
“No, you didn’t. Really. Let’s think of our goal, which is to help those people.”
“And you.” He squeezed her hand. “Once I’m the Duke of Blackburn, I’ll help you realise your dream and become a painter.”
