Page 16 of Fit for a Duke
‘I see,’ she said, looking up at him through sparkling eyes full of curiosity. ‘Do tell me more.’
‘Let us just say that he pressed his attentions where they were unwelcome on more than one occasion and got away with it. As I say, the spoils of war are not always honourable. When men are confronted with the very real possibility of giving their lives in the cause of king and country, they…well, they become reckless in their pursuit of pleasure.’
‘Eat, drink and be merry,’ she murmured.
‘You know your bible. However, Salford went too far, and forced himself upon the daughter of an important village elder in Spain whom he must have known was off limits. It almost caused a diplomatic incident. I was obliged to report his behaviour to your father, but Salford denied it outright. It was his word against mine.’
Miss Benton stopped walking. ‘And my father doubted yours?’ she asked, looking shocked.
‘He wanted independent proof.’
‘I suppose he would. The military love their procedures. Besides, even if he accepted that you spoke the truth, he wouldn’t want his favourite cashiered. It would reflect badly upon him too, and Papa was a career soldier first and foremost, and set a great deal of stock by his standing and reputation.’
Ezra nodded, impressed by her astute grasp of the situation. ‘Anyway, there was no independent proof to be had. The girl had been taken into seclusion and no one was permitted to question her. Only Godfrey, my man whom you met earlier, could verify my account. He acted as my batman during the conflict and observed the incident, but Salford demanded that he not be questioned since he was loyal to me and would therefore say whatever I told him to.’
Miss Benton pulled her lower lip between her teeth in a considering fashion. ‘And to a man of honour, whose word is his bond, that must have rankled.’
‘More than rankled, but thank you for believing me.’
Actually,’ she replied, walking on once more, ‘you have just vindicated my distrust of Captain Salford. I have never really liked him but if pressed could not have said why. He somehow made my aunt believe that an understanding exists between us, thereby securing an invitation to this party, presumably with the intention of persuading me into an engagement. I knew nothing about his impending arrival. I suspect he asked my aunt to keep it a secret because he wanted to surprise me. He is a master manipulator and that is just the sort of ruse that my soft-hearted aunt would fall for. But here’s the thing; I cannot for the life of me think why he has fixed his interest on me.’
‘Your modesty does you credit. Despite being outspoken, opinionated and downright disrespectful, you are not unattractive.’
‘Bah!’
‘And you are, if you’ll excuse me, well situated.’
‘You think he is after my fortune?’ She nodded emphatically. ‘Very likely. The hypocrite just now warned me that the fortune hunters would gather and that I would need him to protect me from them.’ She rippled her shoulders indignantly. ‘This is such a bother!’
‘It need not be. I shall not permit him to make a nuisance of himself.’
‘Thank you, your grace, but this is not your battle.’
‘I intend to make it so.’
She stopped walking again and turned to face him. ‘Why? I have already assured you that your secret is safe with me. You owe me nothing.’
Unable to prevent himself, he placed his index finger beneath her chin and tilted her head backwards until their gazes clashed. And held. ‘I am becoming accustomed to being in your debt,’ he said softly, running the pad of his thumb across her plump lips. ‘And I confess to enjoying the experience.’
She swallowed, suddenly looking as young and inexperienced as she actually was. Ezra adjured himself to behave, but his heart and head appeared not to be on speaking terms. ‘You cannot…’
‘Clio! Clio, are you there?’
‘Damn!’ Ezra stepped back and placed her hand on his sleeve, unsure whether to be glad of the timely interruption or to resent it. ‘Time to give the rogue his first lesson,’ he said, winking at her.
‘Clio, I say…’ Salford stumbled upon them and stopped dead in his tracks. ‘Oh, Wickham, it’s you.’
Ezra fixed the captain with a quelling look. ‘Something I can do for you, Salford?’ he asked in a haughty tone.
‘I came in search of Miss Benton. Thank you for biding her company, Wickham, but I have her now.’
‘I am not a parcel, Captain Salford,’ Miss Benton said, matching Ezra’s haughty tone. ‘And I am perfectly at ease in the duke’s company.’ She smiled up at Ezra. ‘Thank you for enlightening me, your grace.’
‘Enlightening you about what?’ Salford asked, an edge to his voice.
Ezra and Miss Benton both ignored him.
‘Would you like to return to the drawing room?’ Ezra asked politely.
