“You in a coffin six feet under,” Keith gritted out.
The air between them snapped like a rope pulled tightly.
“Unless,” Nigel said with a charming smile that was a stark contrast to his tone, “there was no danger to start with and the whole incident was made up.”
Keith took his time pondering all reasons why he should stay silent and not argue with Nigel in front of everyone. The list was rather short.
Violante touched his arm again. “My husband is very eager to fight the rising criminality in the streets.”
“A useless fight. Lord Ashford can’t win against crime,” Nigel said.
“Crime is a rigid, unbending master, against whom no one can be strong except by total rebellion,” Violante said.
The count brightened in a moment. “This is a quote fromThe Betrothedby Alessandro Manzoni.”
Violante blushed. “Manzoni is my favourite Italian author.”
“Heavens, I hate him.” The countess huffed. “Flowery prose and preachy monologues.”
“One of the advantages of this life is that you can hate someone without knowing him. Manzoni again,” Violante said.
The count burst out laughing. “I love Manzoni, and I love the fact the viscountess knows him so well.” He clapped both Keith’s and Nigel’s shoulders. “Do not worry, gentlemen. We’ll have plenty of time to discuss the details of your projects. You must be hungry after the trip. Let’s have dinner.”
