Page 104 of The Duelist for the Ton
He frowned. “Surely you don’t think I’d be so foolish as to tellhimof your antics? Good Lord, no—but it’s in the past, so is best forgotten. What he doesn’t know won’t harm him.”
“B-but…”
“But what?” he said, his voice sharpening.
“I-I thought…”
“Best not to think, Portia,” he said. “And we must keep this between ourselves. Nerissa can be trusted. As to the man who shot you, though I wish very much to know who he is, it’s best if you don’t tell me.”
She nodded. “Because you already know who he is.”
“No, sister,” he said, his voice cold and steady. “It’s because if I ever discover who he is, I’ll deal with him myself. Permanently.”
Ice-cold fingers clung to her heart at the grim determination in his eyes.
Then he patted her hand and rose. “I’ll leave you to your breakfast,” he said. “You might wear long sleeves today. We wouldn’t want the colonel to see your arm.”
In that, her brother was right—for if Stephen’s role in her injury became known, he was a dead man.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Soft footsteps approachedStephen’s study in a tentative, timid gait. Then they stopped.
He looked up from his desk. “Come in, Angela.”
The door opened to reveal his sister, her eyes almost black in her pale face. “Brother, I—”
“Speak no more,” he said. “The matter is settled.”
“Did Sir Hea—”
“I’d advise you not to mention that man in my presence.”
Her cheeks stained pink and her lip wobbled. “I-is he…?”
“He’s alive, if that’s what you’re asking. Do you care for his welfare?”
“No, I care foryours.”
“You’re best off tending to your own wellbeing,” he said. “Not to mention your reputation.”
She winced. “Am I ruined?”
“Perhaps.”
The hope in her eyes died.
“If you’re seeking reassurance, Angela, you’re best avoiding questions that require me to speak the truth.”
A tear splashed onto her cheek.
Stephen gestured to the chair across the desk, and she slid into the seat and placed both hands on her lap.
“I’m not angry with you,” he said.
She curled her hands into fists, gathering the material of her skirts.
“You’ll ruin your dress,” he said quietly.
