Page 87 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
He swallowed as she began to speak. “You will, of course, be given a full pardon by His Majesty. It will be made clear that you have been maligned and that there is no truth to the accusations against you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Adele dropped into a curtsey beside Warner.
“You are lucky that so many people love you so dearly, Duchess Scarfield. Few have such staunch advocates.” Queen Charlotte looked from Adele to Warner to the blood on Warner’s knuckles. “See that your cut is tended to by someone competent. I would not have it sour.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Warner bowed to her.
“You are all dismissed. I think that is quite enough excitement for one day.” Queen Charlotte gestured for them to leave, and everyone obeyed her command.
As soon as the door to the audience chamber shut, there were delighted yells. Warner moved aside, letting the widows and Adele’s sisters fling their arms around her.
A lump formed in his throat as he saw tears roll down her cheek.I nearly lost her.Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Tobias moving away, his shoulders slumped.
“Are you all right, Cousin?” Warner asked.
“No.” Toby shook his head. “But I think that is to be expected.”
“Would you like me to stay with you?” Warner searched his cousin’s face even as his heart tugged him back towards Adele.
Toby gave him a wry smile. “I know who you wish to go to, Cousin. And I will not keep you from her. Not for all the money in the world.”
“But —” Warner began, but Lady Cora and Lady Rowen appeared beside them.
“You two will join us at the townhouse, will you not?” Lady Cora gestured to the thinning crowd.
Toby opened his mouth, and Warner was certain he would make an excuse, but Lady Rowen fixed his cousin with a look. “You have just found out your father killed your brother; you should not be alone.”
“I fear I would be poor company, dear Lady.” Toby swallowed.
“No one is expecting you to be good company. But I am not about to send a man who has just learned what you learned off to be by himself.” Lady Rowen jerked her head towards the waiting crowd. “Adele is family which means you are too. Take an hour before you sit alone with your ghosts.”
“Please, cousin.” Warner put a hand on Toby’s shoulder. “Do not be alone.”
Toby nodded and let Lady Rowen bring him towards the group.
“Do not think you will be able to slip away, Duke.” Lady Cora slipped an arm through his.
“I would not dream of it.” His eyes found Adele’s, and the crushing vice around his chest finally eased.
Thirty-One
“He is over there.” Cora nodded her head towards Adele’s sewing room.
Adele followed the motion with her eyes and caught sight of Warner, standing at the doorway. His face was set in hard lines, his body rigid with tension. The sight of him stirred something in Adele, but she could not make her feet move.
“He is the one who got us all together. I do not think he slept a wink. He hunted down the chemist, he found Martha, and he made sure that we all knew our parts.” Cora gave Adele’s hand a squeeze.
“I do not think I will ever be able to repay him.” Adele’s mouth was dry.
“Would you like my advice?” Cora gave her a sidelong look.
“Yes.” Adele nodded.
“Start with talking to him. I will see that the two of you have some time together, undisturbed. There is nothing Verity likes more than organising a party, and I am more than capable of distracting your sisters.” Cora gave Adele a gentle push.
She stumbled, and Warner turned around. His arms reached for her, steadying her, his fingers warm and firm against her skin. Adele’s heart tumbled around her chest. Then Warner was stepping away from her, and she felt the absence of his hands.
“It seems you are always rescuing me.” Adele could not look away from his blue eyes.
