Page 71 of A Kiss Of Lies

“I’ll see the guard is kept up. I’ll also be at your house first thing tomorrow morning. I should have put more work into hunting down the perpetrator. William defended you, and I knew, deep down, you were innocent. My father will be mortified when he learns the truth. Christ, we sent you to Canada!”

“Thank you for the apology, but your father loves his daughter. I would have done far worse to anyone I believed had hurt Lily.” He turned and smiled at Serena. “Besides, I would not have met Serena if you’d not shanghaied me.”

“You’re too understanding. If there is anything you ever need from the Barfortes, don’t hesitate to ask us.”

Without further ado, they exited the magistrate’s office and Christian hurried Serena into his carriage. The last thing he needed was for her to be spotted with him. She’d just risked her life in stepping forward to clear his name. To win a case of self-defense when her husband’s brother was a marquis was most definitely not a certainty.

He looked at Hadley and let his fear sharpen his words. “What the hell were you thinking, bringing her here?”

“I was thinking that she’d be worse off with you in jail on a murder charge. You’d be no help to her then.”

He ignored the pained look on Hadley’s face. “Bloody hell, how long do you think it will be before word gets out that she’s in London?”

“You mean that she’s in Londonandshe’s staying with you?”

“Yes.”

Serena looked at both the men in turn. “Stop it. Don’t talk about me as if I’m not here.” She turned to Christian. “We knew this day was coming. At some point I was going to be charged. I can’t clear my name otherwise. It might simply come sooner than we had expected or planned for.”

His grip tightened on her hand. He relaxed his hold at her grimace. He couldn’t bear it if he lost her now. “You should not have risked coming forward until my lawyer advised you to do so.”

Hadley leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “Look, we have perhaps two days to prepare a strategy for her defense. I’ve already sent for Sebastian. I only hope we can delay any trial date so that he makes it back to England in time. He knew Dennett, and his testimony will carry considerable weight. I’m sure we can find others only too keen to rally to our cause. Dennett was a pig of a man.” He reached out and patted Serena’s hand as she clung to Christian’s knee. “We will clear you.”

Her stomach churned at the thought of what was to come, and Hadley’s assurance did nothing to settle it. Christian’s face was grim and Serena wished she could remove his worry lines and make him smile again. He’d been cleared of rape and murder. He should be happy that his name and reputation were restored. Instead she’d burdened him with her own problems.

Once the news broke, his reputation would be tarnished because he was helping her—a murderess. If it became known they were lovers, their position would be even worse. She’d be branded a hussy who’d killed her husband and then taken up with an infamous war hero for suspect motives.

“Perhaps it would be better if I moved out of your house.”

Hadley nodded. “I agree. It does her reputation, and case, no good, labeling her your paramour.”

Christian’s face paled and his voice wavered. “Where do you suggest she go?”

“I’ve already taken care of it. Marisa and Helen have agreed to have her as their guest. I’m sure Sebastian would allow it.”

Serena shook her head. “Absolutely not. They are young debutantes. Think of what accommodating me would do to their reputations.” She bowed her head. “And what about Lily? She’s alone in a new country. She’ll think I’ve deserted her.”

“Their aunt, Lady Alison Coldhurst, is in residence. Sebastian’s aunt is considered a pillar of theton, and if we can convince her to defend Serena, not only will it maintain Serena’s respectability, but it will also ensure that the judge takes her good character into consideration.”

Hope of an acquittal fluttered into life in Serena’s heart. “I was a favorite with Lady Coldhurst during my coming-out season. Perhaps I might be able to persuade her myself.”

Hadley raised an eyebrow at Christian. “It certainly couldn’t hurt to try.”

“God damn, it!” Christian’s despair soaked the carriage. No one knew quite where to look. Christian rapped on the roof. The carriage halted and he gave the driver Sebastian’s address, his decision made. She prayed Lady Coldhurst would see her. She had no idea whom she’d turn to if the lady would not admit her. She only knew she could no longer stay with Christian. It wasn’t fair or safe for him. She didn’t like him having to shoulder her sins. And Lily . . . “What about Lily?”

“I’ll explain everything to Lily and she can come and visit you every day.” Christian’s hand tightened its hold on hers. He raised it to his lips and pressed a firm kiss to her fingers.

“We belong together. If Lady Coldhurst will help us, then I’m happy to be separated from you for a short time.” His hot, possessive gaze met hers. “But you will be my wife. Lily, you, and I will be a family. Never, ever doubt it, my love.”

ChapterSeventeen

Christian arrived home from their meeting with Sebastian’s aunt. It had gone remarkably well. So well, in fact, that Serena had stayed on with her and he’d returned to his townhouse alone. He ordered the maids to pack her things and have them delivered to Sebastian’s house.

In the morning he’d have to have a talk with Lily and explain everything. He hoped Lily would understand the change in Serena’s name and circumstances. Lily had already experienced more changes than any young girl should have had to face. However, Lily had also showed herself to be resilient. Lily would be happy to gain Serena as a stepmother, of that he was sure.

His other thought was that he’d also have to advertise for a new governess. Surely a suitable governess would be easier to find here in London. Perhaps Lady Coldhurst could be persuaded to help in this regard as well.

He walked to his study and, before taking his seat, headed directly for the brandy decanter. He poured himself a large glass. He glanced at the clock. It had been a very long day. Farnham had had arrested him at six the previous morning, and it was now almost two in the morning. He really could do with a bath, but he wanted to collect his thoughts now that he had a bit of peace and quiet.

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