The Last Duchess (The Lennox Series)(40)

“Blast! I’d forgotten. We thought she was overset and missed her aim, but by God, she didn’t, did she?”

“I’d say she was right on target.” He pushed away from the column. “As for finishing the task, I believe, as her husband, it’s my right to do so. I’d ask your forfeit of any right, Sherbourne, and allow me to gain satisfaction.”

“You’ll have a fight on your hands from my sons. Dashed fond of Jane, they are.”

“Yes, quite. However, I’d not recommend they ever be the wiser, Sherbourne. This is a matter of pride to Jane, and I’ll not have her ashamed before her brothers. You are her father, and it’s important she have your respect and regard, that she understands she is not at fault, and you take responsibility for failing to protect her. As for her brothers, other than Julian’s initial visit at the very beginning, they didn’t take it upon themselves to travel to Scotland either, did they?”

“No,” he said, shoulders slumping as he walked toward the house with Michael. “Her mother would be heartbroken and mad enough at me, she’d no doubt pull out her father’s broadsword and make mincemeat of my liver. Damned if I wouldn’t deserve it.” He slowed and looked at Michael. “I’ve failed her, Blixford, and I don’t mind telling you it’s a pain from which I’ll never recover.”

“Sir, if you’ll allow me to be blunt, your pain is not at issue here. Your daughter needs to know you approve of her marriage, that she remains in your affections, regardless of what has happened. She was most emphatic that I not say a word, because she was afraid you would kill the man, but I suspect she frets you will find fault with her, that this will lower her in your esteem.”

“Ridiculous!”

“Yes, but what else might she think if you say nothing? You’ve made it clear you disapprove of me, yet no one questioned her reasons for shooting a man in his bollocks.”

“I will speak to her, Blixford.” He stopped and extended his hand. “It would appear I’ve misjudged you, sir, and I offer my apologies. I wonder what manner of man you are, after all? Not many would have gone through with the wedding.”

Michael returned his handshake and lifted one brow. “Not many would have offered in the first place, Sherbourne, but I am not a man of many.” They turned to walk again. “Perhaps you should wait until our return from Kent to speak with her. I don’t doubt today’s events have taken a toll on her, and it might not be the best time to broach a sensitive subject.”

“Worried she’ll realize you’ve broken her confidence?”

“Not at all, for I have not. I mentioned that I thought it odd she didn’t marry anyone in Scotland, and that she met me in the park at first light on a matter of great importance, something that occurred in Scotland, and you drew your own conclusions. I sincerely hope you will stress to her that I did not, in fact betray her confidence?”

“Absolutely.” Sherbourne slapped him on the back. “Have a restful sojourn in Kent, Blixford, and I’ll look forward to having you and Jane for dinner, as soon as you’ve returned.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, suppose I at least tell her I’ve decided not to kill you, after all?”

“Excellent notion, Sherbourne. Not killing her husband will go a long way to strengthening the familial bond.”

As they passed through the garden door and stepped into the small conservatory, Sherbourne glanced at him with a gleam of anticipation. “Much for pheasant hunting, Blix?”

“On occasion, yes. Perhaps you’ll visit Eastchase Hall in autumn and we might go out a bit. My steward tells me we should have an adequate population by fall.”

“Yes, I’ll plan on it, thank you.”

They made their way to the front hall, only to find it empty. Rothschild moved close and nodded to Michael. “Her Grace awaits you in the study.”

“Miss Wendover?”

“Has only just left,” the butler said without expression.

“She left? Are you certain?”

“Very certain. I might add she appeared well pleased after a brief visit with Her Grace.”

“The devil you say.”

“Yes, Your Grace. Quite.”

Striding toward the pocket doors, he slid them open and stepped inside, noting his bride stood close to the window, gazing out at the street. Without turning, she said, “Have you and Sherbourne come to blows?”

“Nothing of the sort,” her father replied before Michael could, smiling as she turned a startled look toward him. He went to her and swept her into a protracted embrace. “As usual, your good sense has led you to a wise decision. I believe I shall approve of Blixford, after all.”