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“No, Ambrose was in Italy, living in a villa. That’s where he met Granby. During a swordfight outside of Venice.”
“A duel?” Given Haven’s temper, she could imagine him brandishing a sword as someone mistakenly insulted him.
“Oh, no.” Jacinda shook her head. “HesavedGranby whowasin a swordfight.” Jacinda rubbed her finger over the bridge of her nose. “That’s why Ambrose has the bump there. Granby was swinging at someone during the fight, and my brother was trying to help him. Granby elbowed Ambrose in the nose. My brother often says had he only let that Italian count skewer Granby, he’d still have a perfect nose.” Jacinda gave a soft laugh. “Or if Blythe knew how to wield a weapon properly. But Ambrose saved him anyway.”
Haven had come to the aid of Granby and Blythe during a swordfight. How noble of him. Something stirred inside her as she imagined Haven with a sword, jumping into the fray to come to the rescue of his friends. A very dashing thing to do.
Even so, my anger has not yet cooled.
“What was your brother even doing in Italy?” Haven hadn’t been very forthcoming about his adventures. “He’s already told me he knows nothing of art, and that’s why most people go there, besides the weather.” Theo hated to admit that a part of her wondered if he’d gone for a woman.
“Ambrose hasn’t a clue about paintings and such. Which is why I find it ironic he’s married an artist. I was far more upset when my father and uncle stripped the walls than he was.”
It pained Theo to know Jacinda had witnessed such a thing.
“It was the argument with my father which made him leave. About the drinking and—” Jacinda plucked at her skirts. “All the gambling. My father was so in his cups he didn’t even remember Ambrose being here that day or what they fought about. He was terribly upset Ambrose was gone. Uncle Erasmus says if he had been here at the time, he would have tried to stop them from parting in anger.” She looked up at Theo, anguish shadowing her eyes. “Ancient history. We should go down. I think it must be time for tea.”
