The Devil You Know (The Devil DeVere #3)(38)

“Now, I think it only appropriate to call an end to the festivities.”





Chapter Twelve


The party broke up almost immediately upon Diana and DeVere’s return. The only guests remaining were either directly involved in the questioning, or were those who lingered simply out of morbid fascination. Ludovic noted the Duchess of Beauclerc among the latter group.

“What are you still doing here, Caroline?” he demanded. “I thought you would have left with March.”

“But what would I possibly want with him when I have you?”

she purred.

DeVere stifled a curse. “This matter has passed well beyond tedious, Caroline. Although it was never my intention to humiliate you, you appear to be doing an excellent job on your own. It’s finished between us. I don’t know how to make myself any clearer.”

“But there you are wrong, my love. It’s only over if and when I say it’s over. And I have not finished with you. Indeed, I think I should like to be your wife, Ludovic.”

“Do you now? I never before thought you dull-witted. How do you propose to become my wife when I have no wish to wed you or anyone else?”

She chuckled low and long. “But darling, you only need proper motivation.”

“Motivation? There is nothing on earth that would move me to join my name with yours.”

“No? How about to avoid the scaffold? Many men have been moved to far worse fates to save their skins.”

He seized her silk and lace-clad arm. “What the devil are you talking about?”

She raised her chin defiantly. “I speak of the murder of the Baron Palmerston-Wriothesley, of course.”

“That’s a ridiculous and groundless speculation,” he snarled.

“Were you a man, I would call you out on the spot.”

“Groundless? Oh I think not! For who stood to gain more by the Baron’s death than you? Unless it’s the poor, grieving widow who is now left penniless? But what if the two of you had confederated?

What a wicked, wicked notion that is!” she cackled.

“You really think I would resort to killing a man to get what I want?”

“I think you are capable of almost anything. After all, darling, I know the underhanded means by which you came into your title, putting it about that your father is dead when we both know you have him locked away.”

“There were extenuating circumstances that you know nothing about!”

“Does Hewett know that his father yet lives?” she asked.

His grip on her arm convulsively tightened. “Leave Hew out of this.”“Whatever you say, my love,” she answered sweetly. “My point was only that I know you to be coldblooded and ruthless when it suits your purpose. And you are the one who holds the deed to Lord Reggie’s lands, the deed you would have had to sacrifice had he won the race. Moreover, you and the baroness are guilty of adultery. Don’t deny it, Ludovic. I know that he intended to file suit against you for it.” “And you think I killed him? Your insinuation is crass and base-less.”

“Is it? Lord Reggie had already obtained signed affidavits from the servants. I have copies in my possession. Sad, isn’t it, how difficult it is to buy loyalty these days?”

“You think a court of law would uphold a servant’s word against mine?”

“You are right, of course, but then again, a ducal coronet would bear considerably more weight in a witness box. I saw you with her, Ludovic. A married woman alone with a man of your reputation?

There can be no other interpretation.”

“Your word against mine, then.” He emitted a mirthless laugh.

“Hell hath no fury like a duchess scorned.”

She gave him a venomous smile. “And I will teach you that my fury is to be feared.”

“Caroline, you may drag me through the mud if you wish, but there is no possibility that I would ever be convicted of such a crime.

I am a peer of the realm, and there are no witnesses who can place me at the scene.”

“But even to be connected to this. Imagine the scandal, Ludovic!

Your name besmirched in all the broadsheets, your person avoided and ostracized by anyone of quality.”

“Yet as a man, I would come out much cleaner than you as my accuser. I have little to fear from any woman of your sullied repute.”

“Is that so? Then if you would not spare yourself the scandal and dishonor, what of your penniless and newly widowed baroness?”

His eyes narrowed. “What of the baroness?”

“Unless you desist your relations with her, my love, I promise to destroy her.”

“An entirely

***

gruesome business, this.” Sir John shuddered and accepted the stiff drink proffered by DeVere’s footman. “I suppose we must try to piece this mess together. The sooner the dead man is laid to rest, the better, I say.” He downed the glass of port in one long draft and beckoned for another. “When was the deceased last seen?

And by whom?”

Edward answered. “Lord Reginald had joined Annalee, Diana, and me in the stands immediately prior to the first race but then departed to investigate when his horse did not appear.”

“Then his horse was supposed to have run in the first race?”