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“I shall keep doing that for every sentence you utter,” Simon warned. Blood trickled down the corner of Albert’s mouth.
In disgust, Edwina finally turned away, looking at the men that had saved her. “What took you all so long?” she asked, rubbing the tender skin on her neck. She flinched when she touched a more sensitive spot, already swelling underneath her fingers.
Simon gave her a pitying look. “I am so sorry, Your Grace.”
“We did not expect the horse to spook,” Father apologized. He made to shove his pistol into the waistband of his pants, but Bertie caught him.
“Uncock the gun first!” Bertie cried in frantic disbelief, taking the weapon from him. “How about I hold on to this?”
Father looked sheepish as he wrapped his arm around Edwina. “Let us get this man to the constable and get you home.”
“Take the carriage,” Edwina suggested. “Some of you go with him; the rest of you walk with me home.”
Simon pulled Albert to his feet, but he thrashed against him. Francis and Bertie grabbed hold of Albert’s other arm and shoulder, forcing him toward the carriage. The butler grabbed the carriage door, helping to force Albert to duck to climb inside.
“Are you sure you want to walk back?” Father asked, concerned. “You look terribly shaken up.”
“Better than riding in the same carriage as him,” she explained, jutting her head toward Albert.
“I shall go with Lord Somersby to the constable,” Simon offered. He looked to Bertie. “Will you assist me?”
Bertie agreed willingly, and the two of them climbed into the carriage after Albert. Francis climbed up into the driver’s box, and Edwina’s father and the butler fell into step beside her.
Putting her arm on her father’s, Edwina told them, “Let us get home and get the other carriage. I want to go at once to the gaol and make sure they release His Grace.”
“It is terribly late at night,” Father protested.
“I do not want to leave Fergus in prison any longer than necessary,” Edwina explained, shaking her head. “You remember how it was, Papa.”
He sighed and patted her hand. “I do. Let us hope that they believe your story and will let him go,” he said then his eyes fell to her neck. “You are not going to be able to hide those marks from your husband.”
Shame and regret filled her chest, along with the pain and fear. She shook her head as well. “His Grace will have to understand. I think we will need each other more than ever now after this whole experience.”
