Page 56 of To Redeem an Earl

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Richard placedhis wife and Lady Wood in a carriage to return to the Woods’ residence, promising to follow the two women later.

Then he dispatched footmen to dig Perry out of whichever club or hell he was gambling in that evening in his bid to gather intelligence.

Finally, Richard sent for the authorities.

When the Bow Street Runners arrived, he informed the grim-faced strangers that Lord Wood and himself had been playing cards together the day before and that Lord Wood had shown up that evening to accuse him of cheating before attempting to shoot him. Richard had been forced to wrestle him for his pistol, and the man was killed in the ensuing struggle.

Fortunately, Richard outranked the dead peer who had a reputation for drinking, an irascible temper, and violence with his fists. He recalled hearing of the man brandishing a pistol at a prize fight sometime in the past year, so he had high hopes that his version of events would protect Evaline over the coming days.

Radcliffe told the same story, forgoing any mention that the two women had been present and altering the accusations the lord had thrown to mumblings about a game of cards. Richard knew he could trust the longtime family servant to never speak on the matter.

The shorter John had been unconscious from the moment Lord Wood knocked him out with a crack to the head with the pistol the peer brandished after the couple had gained entry to the entrance hall. When the runners questioned the undercover guardsman, he corroborated that Lord Wood had been out of control upon gaining entrance to Balfour Terrace.

Richard worried if his story was weak, only having had a half hour to prepare it and gain Radcliffe’s cooperation, but the runners appeared to accept what he said. Apparently, they were aware that Lord Wood was infamous for routing and fighting. The decoy tale was the least he could do to aid Lady Wood.

Perry arrived moments before the coroner. His brother was pale when he stepped through the front door, his eyes resting on the corpse before he strode over to Richard and grabbed him into a firm embrace.

“Thank God! You daft arse, you nearly got yourself killed!” His younger brother’s sardonic ennui was not in evidence, his voice gruff with distress.

“Just think, you could have inherited an earldom tonight.” Richard’s jest was halfhearted, his tone sounding thick to his ears.

“Fuck, that would have been awful! Please promise me you will sire an heir soon. I have no wish to shoulder the responsibilities you carry. How will I find time to spend my allowance and frolic my days away?”

Richard chuckled, releasing his brother. “I am working on it.”

They sat on the stairs while the coroner investigated the scene. Richard answered his questions and then, finally, the body was removed and his brother joined him in the study.

Perry made for the sideboard, poured two drinks, and walked back to where Richard sat in one of the plump armchairs to stare sightlessly into the hearth.

“Here, drink this.”

“No, I am no longer drinking.”

“Make an exception. You just killed a man and you look like hell.”

Richard hung his head, bringing up a hand to rub his face in despair. “I killed a man.”

“Drink, brother. You are in shock.”

Richard took the tumbler and downed the brandy in a few gulps. Warmth spread through his chilled body, and he noticed Perry was correct. Shock had rendered his limbs cold and sweaty, while his pulse fired too rapidly and his breathing was too shallow. As the spirits spread through his system, his body eased and he became more aware of his surroundings.

“I killed a man,” he whispered.

“I only pointed that out so you would accept the liquor. I think you should focus on the fact that you saved someone’s life tonight. That bullet was inevitably going to find its way into one of the people present. All things considered, the right person was on the receiving end of that shot.”

“I doubt his wife would agree.”

“I am certain his wife would agree. Lord Wood was infamous for using his fists to win his arguments. Do you not think his wife was included in his violence? Nay, I think she strayed with you last year for a reason and you freed the tragic woman from the confines of a hellish marriage. Now the important question—is the threat over? Was he the source of these recent attacks?”

Richard’s hopes soared at the possibility before sinking like a stone into a pond.

“Nay, when I first arrived on the scene, he ranted that a friend informed him they saw me sneaking into his residence last night.”

Perry snorted. “He claimed you are currently having an affair? Good Lord! I hardly see you out of your bedchamber, or even leaving Balfour Terrace, since you married the countess. I am most impressed with Lady Saunton’s stamina. Any other woman would be worn out by now.”

Richard glared at his brother, who threw up his hands in surrender. “I shall not mention the countess and her bedchamber again, but clearly your hidden villain has struck once more. What are we doing to end this living nightmare?”

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