Page 129 of Never Beguile a Duke

“However,” Mansfield continued, as though he hadn’t just remarked upon Silas’ parenting approach, “she did witness the attack on her mother. If you’d like to interrogate Miss Juliette, we can summon her.”

“There’s no need,” Mr. Hughes replied, folding the parchment and tucking the piece back into his pocket. “His Grace’s account holds enough merit to attach the crime to Mr. Curtis. If you have nothing further, I wish you all a pleasant evening, and I thank you to stop discovering dead bodies in your houses.”

Roxburghe nearly fell out of his chair laughing.

“Despite his body’s removal,” Lennox said, strolling across the parlor and snagging the decanter of whiskey from Warwick, “I’m curious to learn if Mr. Curtis’ spirit departed from the Webb residence.”

“Along with Mr. Hollingsworth’s.” Warwick tapped the rim of his glass against Lennox’s and winked.

“That’s not a factor,” Silas said, waving off their concern. “Miss Fernsby-Webb isn’t returning to her mother’s house after this week’s end. She and her sister will continue their stay with Miss Braddock.”

“And,”—Roxburghe shoved his glass toward Lennox, gesturing for a refill—“the three of us should be able to determine a method for distracting Miss Braddock’s ever-present brother.”

“Your Grace.” Mr. Aylett appeared in the doorway, clutching a letter. “The Duke of Cranbrook’s valet delivered this missive as Mr. Hughes was departing.”

Silas strode toward Mr. Aylett, but the older man shook his head and held the letter out to Grisham.

“It’s addressed to ‘the first to fall’,” Mr. Aylett said as Grisham rose and accepted the missive.

After sliding his finger beneath the thick red seal, Grisham opened the letter, skimmed the page, and snorted.

Then, he cleared his throat and read aloud.

“My dear friends, it became evident during his recent visit that the Duke of Roxburghe had been infected by the same affliction that claimed the Duke of Grisham last year. A quite contagious affliction, apparently, as it has also passed to the Duke of Lennox.”

Returning to his chair, Lennox stopped beside Grisham and clapped him on the back. “I don’t fault you for my attraction to Miss Braddock. I blame Roxburghe.”

Eyes narrowing, Roxburghe half-rose, bumping the table with his knee. “Shouldn’t you thank me for helping you realize what your foolishness would cost you?”

“I will if you give me your wedding date.” Lennox wiggled his eyebrows.

“Still no,” Roxburghe replied, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair.

“My expectation,” Grisham said, reading the Duke of Cranbrook’s next words in a stern voice, “is that the remaining three of you will topple before this year is through.”

Warwick chortled, but his laugh wasn’t one of mirth. It was harsh and bitter, the derision of a man without hope.

“Don’t discount yourself,” Silas said, favoring Warwick with a kind smile. “None of us expected Roxburghe, cantankerous as he is, to find a match.”

“Roxburghe is a whole person,” Warwick replied, stabbing the floor with the tip of his cane.

“As are you.” Silas’ gaze shifted around the room, seeking support for his argument.

Roxburghe spoke first. “You think me more disagreeable than Warwick?”

“Warwick only recently developed his acerbic tendencies,” Silas replied and lifted his glass, saluting Roxburghe. “You’ve been ill-natured for the whole of your life.”

“Come now,” Lennox interrupted the brewing argument. “In his youth, Roxburghe was quite a charming boy.”

“What changed?” Silas quipped.

“I became titled,” Roxburghe replied over the burst of laughter that ricocheted around the room.

Silas stroked his chin, making a show of considering Roxburghe’s words, then slowly shook his head. “If that were the case, all of our personalities would have been altered, not just yours.”

“Mansfield is intimidating as well.” Roxburghe slashed an arm in their friend’s direction. “Why have you not spoken about his attitude?”

“Because Mansfield knows his presence can terrify, and he attempts to soften himself.” Silas grinned as Roxburghe’s face darkened. “You, however, enjoy your imposing reputation.”