Page 101 of Never Besmirch a Wallflower: Dukes and Wallflowers

Levi pursed his lips and climbed into the coach. Once all three men were seated, he slammed the door, leaned back on the bench, and steepled his fingers, glaring at Mr. Braddock.

“Lay out your grievance.”

“You know my complaint.” Mr. Braddock folded his arms and glared at Levi.

“Your sister has denied anything inappropriate occurred between us.” Levi mirrored Mr. Braddock’s stance.

“She lied,” Mr. Braddock replied, leaning forward.

“I task you to prove otherwise.”

Mr. Braddock punched the carriage wall. “You’re going to lose her!”

“As you said,”—Levi shrugged—“she lied.”

Dragging his hand down his face, Mr. Braddock expelled a low curse word. “Are you aware of how dangerous Mr. Drummond truly is?”

“Mr. Drummond?” Levi’s heart stopped, his arms unfolding. “Her fiancé’s name was Humphrey Drummond? Is he of any relation to Miss Selina Drummond?”

“She’s his sister,” Mr. Braddock replied, keeping his eyes locked on Levi. “When she arrived in Wiltshire, she made it her aim to torment Eveline at every turn. And with Miss Drummond’s threat—this very evening—that Humphrey will not only harm Eveline but anyone who stands up to protect her, Eveline chose to run again.”

She was gone!

His world imploded. He’d been foolish and prideful and… The names didn’t matter. This anguish was his doing, and he deserved every moment of it for the way he dismissed Miss Braddock.

Warwick dug his elbow into Levi’s side, pulling him from his paralysis.

“Where did she go?” Levi didn’t recognize the hollow voice coming from his mouth.

“I don’t know,” Mr. Braddock growled. “She told me to enjoy the performance and return home tomorrow morning to await her letter. Then she took my carriage.”

“Why didn’t you stop her?”

“You’ve met my sister, Your Grace.” Mr. Braddock tilted his head. “Could you have stopped her?”

Scowling, Levi ripped open the door and grabbed onto the edge of the coach, craning around the side until he saw his driver. “Take us to Miss Braddock’s house.”

“Whose residence?” Mr. Spencer frowned.

“Miss Rowe’s,” Levi snapped, jerking the door shut.

If they hurried, they’d catch her before she departed… and he’d somehow convince her to remain in Wiltshire.

A moment later, the coach pitched forward, traveling at a rapid speed.

Warwick stretched out his leg, rubbing his knee. “Tell us more about Mr. Drummond. You said he was dangerous. How so?”

“He’s a better fighter than me,” Mr. Braddock said, shifting his eyes to the left.

“I’m a better fighter than you,” Levi murmured, earning another poke from Warwick.

“Have you killed a man?” Mr. Braddock’s quiet question hung in the air.

Levi licked his lips. “It’s not been an experience I’ve had to endure.”

“Mr. Drummond is responsible for two deaths. Both of them occurred without witnesses. Therefore, only his version of the events explained the circumstances.” Mr. Braddock shook his head. “He was acquitted of the crimes.”

“Why would you connect your sister to such a man?” Levi asked, bracing himself as the coach careened around a corner.