‘My ward,’ Christian repeated firmly.
‘Your French ward?’ The Duke of Worthing arched questioning brows.
‘As I said.’ The other man nodded stiffly.
Lisette now found herself the focus of Marcus Wilding’s narrowed gaze as he obviously tried to make sense of Christian’s announcement. ‘I am—I was—I am travelling to visit my relatives in England, monsieur, and His Grace was kind enough to offer to act as my guardian for the duration of the voyage.’ A guilty blush coloured her cheeks even as she spoke the lie.
‘Really?’ Those dark brows arched even higher. ‘She speaks no English at all, Christian?’ He addressed the other man in that language.
Christian’s jaw tightened at the almost accusatory tone he could hear in his brother-in-law’s voice. ‘I will explain all later, Marcus.’
‘I am not the one you will need to explain yourself to,’ the other man assured him ruefully.
‘Maystone—’
‘I was thinking more of Julianna, actually,’ Marcus drawled mockingly. ‘Although I am sure Maystone will be interested in this...development too.’
Christian frowned at thoughts of both Julianna and Maystone. But the die had been cast now, his claim made, and he had no intention of abandoning Lisette to interrogation by either Maystone or Julianna.
‘Care to explain the reason why you’re currently...incapacitated?’ His brother-in-law indicated his injured thigh.
‘Again, not now,’ Christian answered tightly.
Amusement darkened Marcus’s eyes. ‘The hellion did not shoot you, did she?’
Christian’s eyes narrowed. ‘No.’
‘Then perhaps one of her outraged relatives?’
That question was far too close to the truth for Christian’s liking. ‘Stop enjoying yourself at my expense, Marcus, and tell me—is Julianna well?’ He was fully aware this was the easiest way in which to divert Marcus; the other man enjoyed nothing more than talking of the wife he adored.
‘Very.’ Marcus instantly beamed.
‘My sister is enceinte, Lisette.’ Christian included her in the conversation as she looked at them both curiously.
‘Mon félicitations, monsieur,’ she offered warmly.
‘Merci, madamoiselle. You really must do something about this only speaking French, Christian.’ Marcus frowned. ‘It will not go down well in some quarters.’
‘I intend to do so.’ In truth, it seemed that Lisette had already acquired a smattering of English; several of the names she had called him earlier—in heavily accented English—were worthy of a dockside sailor. Which, no doubt, was exactly from whom she had heard them!
‘The two of you seemed to be having...some sort of disagreement when I arrived?’ Marcus glanced at him questioningly.
‘A difference of opinion, that is all,’ Christian dismissed.
Marcus’s brows rose. ‘Sounded a bit more than that to me, old chap.’
‘Well, no doubt as a married man you would know more about such differences of opinion than I!’ Christian came back tersely.
‘Not so, Christian. Julianna and I rarely, if ever, differ in opinion,’ the other man dismissed loftily.
‘That is because Julianna thinks you are a conceited ass and you know that you are!’
‘Something like that.’ Marcus grinned unabashedly before sobering. ‘You realise Maystone will have to be informed of both your return and your injury.’
‘But not immediately.’ He would much prefer it if he was not at a disadvantage, caused by his wound, when he spoke with the older man.
Marcus shrugged. ‘Not sure how that’s going to be possible, Christian. We were not the only ones awaiting word of your return, and the moment he learned you had sent for your carriage, Maystone dispatched me here to meet you and accompany you back to London. He wishes you to report to him immediately as to your findings.’
Christian deeply regretted having sent for his carriage at all, if that was the case. ‘That is obviously not possible in my present condition.’ He grimaced.
‘Obviously.’ His friend nodded. ‘What do you want me to tell Maystone when I return to London later today?’
Christian felt no surprise at hearing Marcus intended to return to the capital today, with or without him. Previously a profligate rake, Marcus was now totally devoted to Julianna and the baby they were expecting; no doubt he could not bear the thought of being separated from her, even for a single night. It pleased Christian that his sister and his friend had found such happiness together.
At the same time it in no way helped him to find a solution to this present dilemma. ‘You could always tell Maystone I have not arrived as yet?’