Janice Preston - Saved By Scandal's Heir

‘Well, yes and no, I should say, sir.’

Benedict bit down the urge to bark, Get on with it, man. ‘I’m waiting, Cooper.’

‘Well, she seemed happy enough to go, but she wanted to go back to London, she said. Only his lordship wouldn’t budge, even when her ladyship pleaded with him. He said as how she was to come home with him and explain herself properly if she knew what was good for her.’

What was good for her? She’s his stepmother, for God’s sake. What the blazes did he mean by that?

‘And then he said as how he would stop her allowance if she didn’t do what he said.’

‘And so she went with him?’

‘Yes, sir. But she wasn’t happy.’

Benedict told himself it was for the best. He told himself it was a relief, but then why did his throat ache and why had his stomach twisted into knots?

‘Thank you, Cooper. That will be all.’

Benedict levered himself away from the wall and headed towards the back stairs on decidedly unsteady legs.

‘Please inform Sir Malcolm I am unwell and unable to pay him my usual visit. I am going to bed.’ He flung the words over his shoulder at the footman.

‘Her ladyship found your hat, sir.’ Cooper’s words floated up the back stairs after Benedict. ‘Mr Crabtree brushed it and put it away.’

His hat! A vague memory surfaced of Harriet dislodging it during that kiss. Benedict stumbled as he reached the top of the stairs and turned in the direction of his bedchamber. He cursed under his breath, praying he would not meet any other servants in his current state.

Never again would he touch the ale at the Crossways. It was clearly tainted.

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