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“And if he did offer?” I asked. “Would you give up your clubs and the racecourse? Could you give up the excitement of roistering with your friends for the calm contentment of home and family? Or would you chafe at the bonds and resent those who held you in thrall?”

“I-I do not know. But I would try, if I knew that one day you might open your heart to love me.”

Dazed by his declaration and unsure of how to answer, I scrambled to my feet, grabbed Buff, and ran from the room. Once in my bedchamber, I threw myself down and cried.

Ralph

I reached for the small silver bell next to my bed and rang for a footman. Robert arrived with a palliative dose of laudanum. I was taking less, but still needed drops several times a day.

I do not know how long I slept before my door creaked open. Soft footsteps heralded the arrival of Margaret. My eyes popped open when she shook my shoulder. I had been lying there in half dress, my banyan over everything. Embarrassed and puffing with the effort, I struggled to my feet.

“Ralph …” Her voice was strained. “Your declaration took me unawares.”

I fidgeted. “How do you feel now?”

“Like a walk,” she said, brightening. “Perhaps we could visit the stables. You could suggest a suitable mount.”

“A delightful idea. I have been missing the stud—and the dogs. Promise me, though, you will not bring Buff. He is too small to be amongst the other animals.”

She threw an arm across her face. “Very well. He will not come with us.”

“Fetch Robert, so I may dress.”

Robert helped me into a semblance of respectability. Leaning more heavily on my stick than I would have liked, I limped into the drawing room. Margaret took my unencumbered arm. “We are going to visit the horses,” she announced.

We stood leaning over the paddock, watching the animals gambol.

Emperor, the bay, came over to the fence and nosed against my arm, begging for a treat.

I reached into my pocket for a lump of sugar just as a commotion reached my ears.

Emperor shied at the noise as shouts from several male voices rose higher and higher.

Lord Merrivale appeared, Spencer hot on his heels, my cousin’s shouts drowned out by the angry threats from Merrivale. Farther back, I could see the Countess and Robert hovering.

I turned to face him. Merrivale stopped, staring at my cane. Margaret tried to edge around me but fell with a small cry. Merrivale ignored her while Spencer helped her to her feet.

Spencer’s lips twisted. “You stink of drink, Merrivale.”

With bad grace, Merrivale said, “I heard about the attack and am distressed to see you so ill done by.” Insincerity oozed from every pore. “Have you uncovered the miscreants?”

I shook my head. “They melted away into the rain and darkness when my friends rescued me. Footpads, I assume.” Regarding him, my mouth twisted sourly.

“You have finally arrived to inspect my horses and dogs, then, Merrivale?” Drained of energy, I leaned against the rail, my stick adding extra support.

He stiffened at my cool reply. “I have arrived so you may discharge your debt, yes.”

Spencer broke in, “The cuff links were not recompense enough, Merrivale? The emeralds and setting are quite valuable.”

“Valuable, yes, but not sufficient to cover the debt, I’m afraid. And there is interest accrued.” The accompanying crocodile smile produced a tremor. My fingers felt icy, and I fancied the sky darkened briefly at his words.

Margaret, who stood next to the Countess, cried out in a thin shriek, “You are a terrible man.”

The brute snarled, “My dear young lady, control yourself. Your opinion is unnecessary and unwanted.” He turned back to my cousin. “Can you not control the women of your household, Altheney?”

Spencer, as always, remained calm, his words measured.

“These ladies are guests. I have no remit to control them. And I am disinclined to do so in any event. My cousin informed me you intended to visit the stables, but I assumed you would have the courtesy to ask for a convenient time rather than storming into my house unannounced.”

Merrivale huffed and regarded us with narrowed eyes. “Shall we go inside, gentlemen?” His rudeness knew no bounds.

Disinclined to continue the conversation outside, Spencer agreed. “Come into the drawing room, Merrivale. Bishop, arrange for tea and coffee.”

Robert and Margaret helped me slowly follow the others.

Merrivale stood in the middle of the floor as if he was the master of the house, retailing scandal about members the ton.

Margaret’s eyes widened at his scurrilous comments.

This was not a world with which she had much familiarity.

Spencer’s fingers whitened with suppressed emotion.

The Countess maintained an air of complete disinterest and sipped her tea politely.

No one commented. His voice dribbled to a stop.

Spencer said, “Merrivale and I have come to an agreement. He will choose one horse and one dog and return your father’s cuff links. I will then pay the balance of your debt.”

My head spun.

Spencer continued, “You and I will discuss my terms for this payment later and in private, cousin. For now, you can rest easy the account with Merrivale will be closed.”

Merrivale and his groom arranged for delivery of a sleek gray thoroughbred and a promising brindled pup, then left. My limbs trembled with relief as we celebrated the conclusion with wine.