Page 122 of Never Besmirch a Wallflower: Dukes and Wallflowers

“Mr. Drummond,” Levi said, resuming his pacing, “is due to arrive tonight.”

Grisham’s eyes flicked to the closed door, a silent question burning in them.

“She’s currently in the care of her brother, and our friends generously lent their support until this matter is resolved.” Levi sat in the chair, fixing his gaze on Grisham. “Mr. Drummond is dangerous, as is his sister. Do not leave Miss Philbert with either of them.”

Grisham’s hand clenched. “Miss Drummond is related to our host. Is he involved in this situation?”

Levi shook his head. “From what I’ve learned, only Miss Drummond and her brother are responsible for tormenting Miss Braddock.”

“I appreciate the warning,” Grisham said, rising.

“There is one other urgent matter I need to address,” Levi said, gesturing at the empty chair. “It involves Roxburghe.”

Sinking onto the edge of the seat, Grisham released a heavy sigh. “What has he done?”

“He refused my request to exchange wedding dates.”

Grisham stared at Levi for a long moment.

“You cannot have mine,” Grisham declared as he stood, fire flashing through his eyes. “I was engaged first.”

“You never wanted to marry!” Levi flung up his arms.

“Neither did you,” Grisham snarled. “And I didn’t set a wager with my friends to avoid the situation altogether.”

They scowled at each other, chests heaving.

A woman’s scream broke the silence, the sound shattering Levi’s heart. With Grisham half a beat behind him, he raced across the study, ran into the foyer, and skidded to a stop.

In the center of the floor, blood seeping from her skull, lay the twisted body of Miss Drummond, and beside her, his hand covered in blood, crouched Mr. Braddock.

“I didn’t do this,” he said and pointed toward the front door. “While I was outside smoking, I heard a scream. I thought it was Eveline and raced inside. I came upon Miss Drummond a moment before you discovered us.”

“Did you see anyone?” Levi asked, striding forward and kneeling on the other side of Miss Drummond.

Mr. Braddock shook his head. “I’m surprised you heard her yell. The music in the ballroom is quite loud.”

“We were in the study,” Grisham said as he circled the gruesome scene. “It’s quite cold this evening. Why were you outside?”

Glancing at Levi, Mr. Braddock said, “Mr. Drummond is expected this evening. Smoking was my excuse to catch him before he entered the ball.”

Levi groaned. “Were you going to address him alone?”

“Yes.” A slight shudder rippled down Mr. Braddock’s spine. “This predicament is my doing and my responsibility.”

“I admire your courage,” Grisham said, then indicated Miss Drummond with his head. “However, there’s no need to act rashly.”

Irritation poured from Mr. Braddock. “As I previously claimed, Your Grace. This wasn’t my doing.”

Grisham folded his arms across his chest. “I see no other suspects.”

Leaning back, Levi studied the banister above them, then rose and walked to the base of the staircase. Before he climbed the steps, he glanced over at Grisham.

“If you knew Mr. Braddock’s character as I did, you’d understand why that statement is incorrect.”

“You’ve known him less than a week.” Grisham frowned.

“I’ve known Miss Braddock longer, and like her brother, neither is capable of violence… or defense.” Levi’s eyes flicked to Mr. Braddock. “Thus, the importance of matching your sisters to men of strength.”