“Mama.” Angeline’s cheek reddened.
“Then we have a deal.” Mrs. Haywood stretched out her hand towards Havisham. “Angeline and I will be out of your life if you stay out of ours.”
Havisham shook her hand. “Finally, you little, insufferable whore.”
Royston strode towards him. “I can’t tolerate such language towards Mrs. Haywood.”
Mrs. Haywood smiled. A sweet, warm smile that caught him off guard. The resemblance to Angeline became striking.
“Thank you for being so gallant, my lord,” she said. “Five, four, three…”
“You’re welcome. Why are you counting?” Royston had barely time to ask before Havisham slumped into his arms.
“Two, one.” Mrs. Haywood looked ten years younger. “Voila’.”
“Goodness.” Angeline clamped a hand over her mouth. “Mama?”
“He’s heavy.” Royston slumped the earl on the sofa and bent over him. “Havisham?” He shook his shoulder. When the earl didn’t reply, Royston slapped his cheek. “Hullo? Angeline, send for the physician.”
“Oh, don’t worry. Stay here, Angeline.” Mrs. Haywood waved him away. “I just drugged him.”
“What?” Angeline and Royston said together.
Mrs. Haywood waved a hand, showing a needle coming out of the ruby of her ring. “Injection. This is my Lucrezia Borgia’s ring. Did you know Lucrezia was the governor of a city called Spoleto? First woman to hold that position.”
“Mama!” Angeline said.
Mrs. Haywood sighed. “I digress. An injection is more effective than a glass of wine. Do not fret. I can guarantee there won’t be any… what was the word again? Right, adverse reactions. I’ve used this potion on Havisham a few times, and theversion I gave him is a diluted one as a precaution. He’s going to be perfectly fine.”
Angeline put a hand on her heaving chest. “Mama, you must stop drugging people.”
“I need to sit.” Royston sat on the armchair, staring at Havisham’s stunned face.
Wide eyes, mouth open, and eyebrows up to the hairline. The look would be comical if not for Royston’s fear the earl might feel sick.
“I had no intention of drugging him. I swear it.” Mrs. Haywood pouted. “I wanted a peaceful resolution to this mess that I, admittedly, started. But he tossed lies about me harming fallen women. I couldn’t let the insult go. After this one time, I promise I’ll retire from my blackmail activity.”
Royston gazed from Mrs. Haywood to the half-unconscious earl and wasn’t able to produce a single thought.
“I agree to receive that allowance, Wharton, or shall I call you Royston? Roy, perhaps. It sounds more charming to me. That means you and Angeline have my blessing. See, I was too proud to accept your financial help, but the recent events made me change my mind. Anyway. Let’s get back to work.”
He remained silent. Perhaps it was all a bad dream. “Mrs. Haywood…” He tried again.
“Later, Roy. I’m busy.” She cleared her voice. “Now, since we’re here and the damage has been done, we’d better take advantage of the situation. I need you two to be very quiet.”
Royston’s healthhad improved since his poisoning.
Mrs. Haywood’s special healing tonic, made with herbs he couldn’t pronounce, had been more effective than hisphysician’s pills. He had to admit Mrs. Haywood possessed a ridiculously vast knowledge of medicinal herbs, which was commendable when applied to good deeds. The fact that she wasn’t against his marriage with Angeline anymore also helped.
Last but not least, his new candidature in the House of Lords by none other than the Earl of Havisham and Lord Redvers was just the icing on the cake.
“Congratulations.” Angeline kissed his cheek. “You’re a member of the House of Lords.”
“I still can’t believe it.” He read the official statement with the Parliamentary seal again. “Drugging Havisham isn’t something I approve of, but your mother was right.”
The poly potion hadn’t had any adverse effects on Havisham. Quite the opposite. Mrs. Haywood had convinced him that championing Royston’s seat was in his and his family’s best interest and that he should enlist Lord Redvers to also champion Royston.
Havisham hadn’t wasted time. He’d made a passionate speech to the other members of the House of Lords, and soon it was done. Royston was one of them.
