Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(63)

“No, no thank you. I’ve come to see Nash, but I understand he is not at home?”

“That’s correct. I’m not sure when to expect him. Is there anything I can do or any message I can pass along?”

“It’s about an investment portfolio. I’ve decided to have it transferred back to me. Nash is holding it now. Just let him know that Avery will be visiting him in bad humour about it.” Wilson looked up at Penelope for the first time since entering the library and furrowed his brow. “You seem distressed, Your Grace. How can I help you?”

She frowned. “I’m sorry. You caught me at a bad moment. I’ll be fine, thank you.”

“It’s Henry Stanton, isn’t it?”

Penelope nodded but said nothing.

“Nash says Henry is bothersome to you. Has he done something?”

“No. I think I’ve put the whole thing to rest.” Penelope swatted the air. “I’m being silly. It will all work out.”

“Well, if I –”

A knock came on the door.

Penelope looked at Wilson. “Excuse me.”

He nodded.

“Come in.”

Coleman entered. “The Duke of Somerset has come to see the Duke. In his absence, he would like to meet with you, Your Grace.”

She nodded. “Please give us a moment.”

Coleman closed the door behind him. Penelope looked at Wilson whose eyes were darting around the room.

“I don’t want Avery to know I ran over here to tell Nash about an investment of Avery’s that has issues. Is there anything I can do?”

Penelope smiled. Behind a three-foot wall, a door led to another door into the study. “Is this sufficient? You may listen to get more information if you wish.”

“Thank you.”

Penelope pulled the bell, and Coleman ushered Avery in. Penelope curtsied, and Avery bowed.

“Penelope, I must speak with Nash immediately. Do you know where he might be?”

Penelope grimaced for effect. “I don’t. Is it anything I can help you with?”

“No, of course not.” He lifted his head and saw Penelope’s red eyes and nose.

“What has you upset, my dear. Is it Henry? Because if it is, I told you I would take care of it. Even though he threatened to kill you, you are safe. You needn’t worry he will carry out the threat.”

Penelope let go a funny noise in her throat that sounded similar to a cough. “I told you before, Uncle Avery, I don’t feel safe.”

Avery stepped closer to Penelope and rubbed her arms. Penelope thought Avery never saw her as a grown woman. He took in a ten-year-old, and she wasn’t quite sure what age Avery thought of her now, even though she was sure he knew her age. There was a difference between her real age and the age he had in his mind’s eye. Whatever that mythical age might be, that was how he treated her.

“You know, Penelope,” he said, bending his knees so he was face-to-face with her, “he hasn’t tried to kill anyone since that time he tried to kill you.”

Penelope put her hand to her head. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

Avery nodded. “Well, yes, I suppose it is. I don’t think he’ll ever try to kill you again.”

Wilson walked out behind the wall shaking his head. “Avery, do you realize what you are saying? You don’t think he’ll try to kill her again?”

He turned to Penelope. “Is that scar –”

Penelope said, “Yes.”

“And that was six years ago? And you have been letting him walk free and living under the same roof as –”

“Well yes, but –”

“Avery. There’s no justification for this. You’ve been harbouring a man who committed attempted murder. Harbouring a criminal. Are you aware of how much jail time you should be doing right now?”

Avery’s face was the colour of beets. “But he didn’t –”

“That’s just dumb luck that he didn’t kill her.”

Wilson looked at Penelope then at Avery. “Penelope, could you please leave us?”

Penelope shook her head. “No. This is my life, and I will be an active participant in it.”

Wilson looked at Avery, his eyes burning. “You are complicit in attempted murder.” Avery opened his mouth to speak, but Wilson put up his hand to stop.

“Whatever else Henry has done over the years, you are complicit in. That leaves you and your title and lands vulnerable.

“You have somehow bought or threatened Penelope’s silence – probably threatening the roof over her family’s head or, as is done all the time, threatening to place her in a convent. But there is no way you can buy me. In fact, you have a great deal of your money with Nash and me.

“You will commit Henry to bedlam. Today. That’s the only way to stay out of jail. If he goes to jail, you are an accessory, and you do too.”

Avery was rubbing his eyes with his middle finger and thumb. Wilson wasn’t sure he was listening.

“Avery? Avery, are you listening to me? We are solving this Henry problem here and now. No one goes anywhere until this is solved to me and Penelope’s satisfaction.”

Penelope had been watching, her folded hands in her lap. She slowly lifted her head and looked at Wilson.