Page 7 of Bound to a Wicked Duke

“I do not know what you imply, Your Grace,” Herbert replied through gritted teeth, “but it is sorely mistaken! The lady and I are to be married. If anyone has a right to be alone with her it isme.”

“Liar!”

The word squeaked from her lips like a shrill cry of a mouse before she could help it.

Not looking, Percy reached back for her, and he pressed a quelling hand into her lower belly. She was sure he did not intend for such a hand placement, but through her fury and fear, she felt the warmth of his touch singe through her dress, and she stopped herself from speaking another word.

“I have heard of no wedding announcement from the church,” Percy replied, his tone suddenly bored. “And the lady claims you lie. Therefore, I combat your theory and refuse your claim.”

“She has no say!” Herbert hissed back, raising his hand to point an incriminating finger at Madeleine.

“You will be my wife, Madeleine, one way or another.”

The intensity of which Herbert made his statement sent a tremble down Madeleine’s body, but before she could open her mouth to speak, Percy’s hand was snaking through the air, latching on to Herbert’s pointed finger, and bending it an odd angle.

A squelched grunt of pain left Herbert’s throat as Percy used the hold to bring him to his knees, and Madeleine felt a brief moment of pure satisfaction as she watched his rounded face turn purple with pain and embarrassment.

“Unless you want this broken, I suggest you get ahold of yourself and go inside, old boy,” Percy suggested, his tone eerily calm as Herbert struggled to get away from him. “The Lady is my best friend’s sister and as appealing as she may be to you, I cannot allow you to treat her this way.”

“Let… go… of me…” Herbert hissed through gritted teeth, his free hand now clawing at Percy’s grip.

“Leave the Lady alone?” Percy asked, his brow arching.

For a moment, Herbert only glared back at him as bits of spittle dropped from his gritted teeth.

“Fine,”he growled at last, his eyes full of pure hatred.

“Good boy,” Percy praised mockingly.

Herbert then let out a hiss of pain, as if Percy had twisted his finger once more in warning, and then he was let go, and he fell onto his backside.

“Cecil will hear about this,” Mowbray growled, cradling his pained hand close to chest. “I shall tell him that you ruined his sister’s last chance at a respectable marriage.”

“That is a matter of opinion,” Percy quipped as he shrugged his shoulders carelessly. “However, I suggest younotspeak of this to anyone, Mowbray,” Percy suggested, studying his nails with boredom as the other man struggled to pick himself up.

“And why would I not?” Herbert sneered back, getting back on his feet.

“Because my reach goesmuchfurther that yours,” Percy replied simply, dropping his hand as he flicked his eyes back to Herbert. “And I am not a helpless lady. Iwillcome for you, Mowbray. You have heard the rumors about me. You know that it is true.”

Madeleine watched from behind him as he cocked his head slightly, and she could sense the wicked smile forming on his face again. Herbert, though, grew pale as he heard the threat.

“Shall we put it to the test?”

A tense silence filled the air as Herbert tried to step around Percy to get to Madeleine, but like her shadow, Percy moved with her, blocking any chance of the man meeting her eyes.

“Our fathers and I will discuss this,” he warned. “Like it or not, you will be mine. And Iwillbe teaching you those manners you so sorely lack.”

Percy took a quick step toward Herbert, and the man bared his teeth as he took two steps back. Without another word, Herbert fixed his jacket, ran a hand through his thinning hair, and then finally walked away.

Madeleine drew in a sharp breath as he disappeared, and her shivering intensified. As if they were part of some play, the older women that had disappeared were now back and were twittering amongst themselves by the conservatory door, ignorant of what had just unfolded.

Madeleine’s cheeks flushed from the mortification of her situation. Her father would hear of her encounter with Herbert; there could be no doubt on the matter. Panic continued to grip her heart.

“Madeleine,” Percy’s voice broke through the haze of her mind. Not stern, but… agitated? “You are trembling.” He took her hand and led her over to a stone bench by the railing. She eased herself down onto the smooth, cool surface and allowed herself to breathe deeply of the rose-scented air.

“My apologies,” she whispered breathlessly, unable to yet call forth a wittier response. “I was… not properly prepared.”

“It is not you that should apologize,” he hissed, making her jump.

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