Page 87 of How to Best a Marquess

Hours later, Hugh found himself back in Lord Castleton’s study. Hugh had sent for the constable, and Baron Willoughby’s body had been taken away.

After a lengthy talk with the constable, Hugh had explained that the baron had gone mad and blamed Lady Ellie—the sister of the Earl of Castleton—for his wife’s disappearance because the women had been acquaintances. It was an unfounded accusation. The baron had previously shown up at the Raven Club and had accosted Ellie about the whereabouts of his wayward wife. Even though Lady Ellie had insisted she had nothing to do with his wife’s disappearance and had no idea of her whereabouts, Baron Willoughby refused to believe her.

As a result, Baron Willoughby abducted Ellie and forced her into the back alley of the jeweler’s shop, where he demanded that she tell him where his wife was hidden. When Ellie continued to insist that she did not know, the baron attacked her. The constable had been alarmed by the red marks on Lady Ellie’s throat. Lady Ellie had no choice but to defend herself from the madman, but it was Hugh’s punch that had caused the baron to trip and fall and kill himself.

No doubt, the testimony of the Marquess of Deveril had helped satisfy the constable. Hugh claimed they never had knowledge of Lady Willoughby’s whereabouts, and as a result, Samantha would remain safely hidden in the country.

Hugh had told Lord Castleton what had transpired. Ian had been astonished at first, but he’d been grateful for how Hugh had handled the messy affair. Thereafter, Ian had been distracted by his wife’s increased labor.

Now, Hugh waited, pacing the study.

A slight sound drew his attention to the doorway to find Olivia standing there. She entered the study and halted before him. “Thank you for saving my sister.”

He nodded. “And Ellie? Is she well?”

“She is with Grace and the midwife. Ian is in the room as well.”

He’d never heard of a husband sitting alongside his wife during labor. But then again, nothing about Ellie or the earl’s household followed propriety. Wasn’t that why he’d been drawn to her?

“I need to speak with your sister.”

“Soon,” Olivia said. “You must be patient. Grace asked for Ellie to remain by her bedside until the end. Ellie won’t leave her.” Olivia departed and left him alone to wait.

Hugh resumed his pacing. He longingly eyed the sideboard and the decanters filled with amber-colored alcohol, then pushed the craving aside. He’d been drinking too much. He needed to stay sober.

He needed to see Ellie. He needed to set things right. He didn’t know how much longer he could stay in this room, knowing she was just upstairs, and not profess his feelings.

Then, blessedly, he heard the sound of a baby crying.