Page 87 of The Duke and the Temporary Bride

“How should I know?”

“You were just there.” Benedict laughed. “Obviously, Edmund. But what he means is, he was not drinking while abroad. So, he did not have time to sample the vintages. Is that not right, Brother?”

“Yes, I suppose so,” Edmund sighed.

“You were in Paris, yes?” Lord Burrow jumped into the conversation. “I was there just last year. Tell me, have they finally finished the construction of the eastern wing of Notre Dame? I was so upset when I was there, for I had been told it would be completed by that time.”

Edmund shrugged. “I did not see it.”

“Oh.” Lord Burrow blinked. “You did not visit Notre Dame, you mean?”

“Yes.”

“Do not bother him with such questions,” Benedict interjected. “I have been at him all day already, and surely he is sick to death of answering them.”

He was becoming flustered, for it felt as if he was trying to stamp out a million little fires, each one sparking faster than he was able to put it out. The evening was almost over, they were nearly there, but this constant pestering of his brother, not to mention his brother’s sullen attitude, was threatening to undo the entire ruse!

“Let us speak of something else,” Benedict announced with a chuckle. “My brother has traveled long and hard these last few days.” He widened his eyes at him in warning. “And I am beginning to suspect that all this travel has caught up with him.”

“I have a question.” It was Lord Langham, who was sitting halfway down the table, leaning forward and holding up his hand as if waiting for permission to speak. “If you do not mind, Your Grace.”

Benedict could sense that something was not right. And the way the Dowager Viscountess caught her breath confirmed it. But half the table was watching, and he could not dismiss him, for that would appear even more bizarre.

“Of course, Lord Langham.” He made sure to stare the man down as if to warn him off. “This is a dinner party. You do not need permission.”

His eyes flicked to Selina, who, for the first time, was sitting up, apparently intrigued by what her uncle may or may not ask.

“I was just curious—and please, correct me if I am wrong here,” Lord Langham began, making sure to pitch his voice so that the entire table could hear. “Your brother was overseas at the time of your wedding?”

“That is correct.”

“I find that most interesting, Your Grace, because I have a dear friend who claims that he saw your brother in Manchester after the wedding ceremony. Surely, that is a mistake?”

Benedict balked, feeling his stomach drop as he scrambled for a response. “Not at all, Lord Langham. In fact, I am not surprised in the least by what your friend claims to have seen.”

“Oh?”

“Edmund had indeed traveled overseas…” He forced out a laugh and shook his head in his brother’s direction. “But he was a little tardy in leaving. It would have been a week after that he left properly. Is that not right, Edmund?”

Edmund did not respond. He curled his lip in apparent disgust and shook his head at Benedict.

“Most curious,” Lord Langham continued with a wicked smile. “And still, he did not attend the wedding ceremony.”

“As I have explained, he was supposed to have left for France, and had I known that he had not, I would have insisted that he return.” Benedict grimaced apologetically. “Forgive me, but I thought it an easier explanation than the truth.”

“And yet another friend of mine claims to have seen him the following week, this time in Bath. Your brother certainly enjoys traveling. Everywhere but France, that is.”

Benedict’s jaw tightened. “Your friend is mistaken.”

“Perhaps.” Lord Langham shrugged. “I was merely asking the question.”

“Well, don’t,” Benedict snapped angrily, his temper finally flaring. “And I do not appreciate the implication.”

“No implication, You Grace. I was just curious.”

“Oh, will you stop with the questions, Leopold,” Lady Langham sighed. “His Grace has explained the matter, and that should be enough.”

“I wonder if he even traveled to France at all,” Lord Langham continued. “Surely, that is the truth, at least.”

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