Page 102 of Never Besmirch a Wallflower: Dukes and Wallflowers

“I didn’t know his history.” Mr. Braddock sighed, his eyes sliding to the flicking lantern flame. “I felt fortunate. A great man such as Humphrey Drummond requested my opinionated sister’s hand.”

Warwick snorted. “Intimidation isn’t greatness.”

“I had no man to compare him to.” As if remembering himself, Mr. Braddock twisted in his seat, then bowed. “Forgive me, Your Grace, present company excluded.”

Waving his hand, Warwick shifted on the bench. “When did your opinion of him change?”

Mr. Braddock’s eyes returned to the lantern.

“I returned late from a dinner,” he said after a long moment of silence. “The house was dark, as I expected, but something felt wrong, like a chill settled over the residence. I called for Eveline, searching first the library, then the parlor.”

His eyes closed, pain flashing across his features. “A chair was upended, a vase smashed, and, near the fireplace, a small pool of blood glistened. Yelling, I raced through the house, waking all the servants, but Eveline was nowhere to be found.”

“You must have been frantic,” Levi said.

As was he.

Twitching aside the curtains, Levi peered at the quiet street.

How far were they from Miss Braddock’s residence?

“I instantly thought of Humphrey.” Mr. Braddock opened his eyes and returned his attention to Levi. “I sought him out and accused him of harming Eveline.”

“Had he?” Warwick asked, a hard edge in his voice.

“By his definition, no.”

“By any other man’s?” Warwick pressed, his face darkening.

“He explained to me—with his fists—that Eveline struck him without cause, and when he regained consciousness, she was gone with his ring.” Mr. Braddock reddened and glanced down. “He left me ‘sleeping’ on the floor of his study as punishment for my accusation.”

“You encouraged her to run tonight,” Levi said, the realization stealing his breath.

Mr. Braddock grimaced. “I can’t protect her, Your Grace, and I know of no man willing to risk his life.”

“I am.”

A grin exploded across Warwick’s face, but before he could expound upon his glee, Levi added, “I know. I’m a fool.”

“The largest possible kind.” Warwick’s mouth stretched wider.

“I’m attempting to rectify that error,” Levi said as the coach slowed.

Grabbing the door handle, Levi shoved the door open and leaped from the carriage before it stopped. He landed in a snowbank, sinking to his knees, but maintained his balance. Slogging toward Miss Braddock’s house, his gaze landed on a faint black speck in the distance.

Eveline’s coach.

“Mr. Braddock!” Levi stumbled toward the street, hopping from one foot to the other as the frigid slush seeped through the legs of his trousers.

When Mr. Braddock’s blond head appeared in the cabin’s doorway, Levi pointed at the dot as he ran. “Is that your coach?”

“Damn! She must have finished packing her trunk.”

“We need to stop her.” Levi climbed onto the step and shouted for Mr. Spencer to follow Miss Braddock before diving into the cabin.

Mr. Spencer swung his whip, and the team of horses leaped forward, causing Mr. Braddock to fall from his bench. He scrambled back into his seat and braced his hands on both walls.

“Did she give any information regarding her destination?” Levi asked, needing the distraction of conversation to keep his negative thoughts at bay.