Page 67 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“No, she wouldn’t,” Alexander agreed.
“That’s why he wanted you to move faster, isn’t it. Why you were supposed to kill me tonight?”
“He told me he couldn’t risk you getting married. That even though he was certain he’d poisoned the well, he could not be sure.” Mr. Jaspers nodded.
“He did what?” Nigel attempted to leap towards the man. “He poisoned Olivia? I’ll kill him.”
Alexander grabbed Nigel and Dandelion who were both attempting to dive at the footman. He held each away from the man.
“Metaphorically!” Mr. Jaspers held up his hands. “I think, at least. Said he told her something that would ruin your relationship.”
“So that is how she found out.” Nigel wriggled free of Alexander’s grasp and began searching for a coat. “That rat. He told her. I shall… Wring. His. Neck.”
The image of Olivia burst into his mind.I am not dying. I am not cursed. I never was.His anger at his cousin was dwarfed by his relief. By his complete and utter joy.Lord Briston will pay, mark my words.
“You can hardly kill your cousin when you can barely stand.” Alexander pointed out reasonably. “We will send for the magistrates. This… man will testify for us.”
Mr. Jaspers nodded. “I will. But — I don’t mean to question Your Grace’s knowledge — are you sure you will be able to save my sister?” “
“I have extensive botanical knowledge and access to the best physicians in the land. Your sister will be safe as will the rest of your family. Consider them under our protection henceforth. I shall send some of my guards to escort them to Glassley.” Alexander glanced at Nigel.
Nigel nodded, barely paying attention as he found his coat and struggled to put it on. He stuck his head out of the door and yelled, “Guards! Escort Mr. Jaspers to the magistrate.”
There was a moment’s silence before a voice called back, “At once, Your Grace.”
Hastily Nigel scribbled a letter and handed it to the two guards once they had arrived. “Give that to the magistrate and have them send people to my cousin’s house as soon as possible.”
The guards nodded, took Mr. Jaspers between them, and escorted him from the building. Nigel nodded to himself.I am not dying. God, I am a fool. How much time have I wasted?
He left the room, stumbling and cursing as the hall seemed to rock ominously.
“Where are you going?” Alexander called after him, still holding onto Dandelion.
“I am going to make this right!” Nigel caught himself against the wall.
“I thought we just established you couldn’t fight your cousin in this state?” Alexander followed Nigel, carefully putting Dandelion on the ground as he did so.
“Who said anything about him?” Nigel was genuinely confused.
“If you are not going to see your cousin, where on Earth are you going?” Alexander was just behind Nigel, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Nigel gave Alexander a look. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m going to see Olivia, of course!”
Alexander grabbed Nigel’s shoulder and looked him in the eye. “Give me one minute.”
Nigel hesitated but nodded. The seconds felt like hours as he waited for Alexander to return. He was just preparing to leave anyway when a large volume of cold water was poured over him.
Spluttering and gasping, Nigel whirled around to see Alexander holding a now empty jug of water and Dandelion peering round from his legs, her lead in his hand.
“What the hell did you do that for?” Nigel demanded shaking himself.
“To sober you up,” Alexander replied.
“Do you not think learning of my cousin’s murderous plans might have done that?” Nigel glowered at his friend.
Alexander shrugged. “Possibly. But I do not take risks with my sister’s heart. And you have much to put right.”
Nigel swallowed. “I do.”
