Wicked Temptation (Regency Sinners 6)(25)

She had written and sent two letters this morning, one to Stonewell informing him of the incident, the second letter on its way to her parents in Bedfordshire to notify them of Parker’s death. Pru fully expected they would arrive back in London within the week.

“Romney has not woken since he was shot,” she now informed the duke. “Not surprising when this bullet wound has occurred so soon after his previous injuries.” She had seen no signs of Titus’s regaining consciousness as yet, which was worrying in itself. “I see no point in you visiting an unconscious man.”

Stonewell’s expression grew colder still. “Then you obviously do not understand the close friendship we and the other Sinners have shared for so many years. We have already lost Worthington. I need to see for myself that Titus still lives,” he added harshly as Pru was about to refuse for a second time.

Pru’s cheeks burned at the rebuke, knowing that last admission could not have been easy for such a coldly remote man as the Duke of Stonewell. “Very well.” She nodded abruptly.

“I will also make arrangements to have him moved from here to my own home later today—”

“You most certainly will not,” Pru protested indignantly.

“It is not appropriate for him to remain here when your parents are not in residence.”

“I assure you, Titus is in no condition to be of danger to me or my reputation.”

“Nevertheless…”

“Titus shall remain here,” she maintained stubbornly. “Where I can see to his care and safety myself.”

Icy-blue eyes narrowed. “You do not trust me to do so.” It was a statement, not a question.

Pru eyed him scornfully. “Is there some reason why I should?”

“He is my friend—”

“Who has twice now been seriously injured whilst carrying out your orders!”

Stonewell’s jaw tensed. “You are impertinent, madam!”

“Indeed I am.” Pru remained unrepentant.

The two continued to glare at each other for several seconds before Stonewell visibly forced the tension to ease from his wide shoulders. “You have my word I will not allow any more harm to come to Titus,” he said quietly.

Pru’s resentment was not so easily appeased. “I fully appreciate your concern for your friend, and that of the other Sinners, but I assure you, I am not being deliberately unreasonable.” She gave a tight smile as the duke breathed heavily through his nose in disagreement with the statement. “I am sure the doctor would agree with me, if you were to ask him, that Titus is not well enough as yet to be moved anywhere. Besides,” she continued before he could reply, “I believe him to be safer here than at Stonewell House.”

The vein at the duke’s temple pulsed. “I have told you my wife and mother-in-law are no longer in residence.”

She nodded. “Which does not preclude them returning whenever they choose.”

His brows rose. “They would not dare to do so without my permission.”

Stonewell had Pru’s sympathy for the difficult position he found himself in. But not enough so she would agree to endanger Titus’s life a third time. “Titus is perfectly safe where he is. I suggest that you spend your own time seeking out and speaking to Titus’s men,” she continued as the duke would have interrupted. “They might know more of yesterday evening’s shooting than I am able to tell you.”

“I already have that in hand.”

“Then there appears nothing more to be said.”

Stonewell continued to look at her for several long seconds, a penetrating gaze Pru withstood with a challenging lift of her chin. “Does Titus know what a champion he has in you?” he finally mused.

Color warmed her cheeks. “I am only giving him the same protection which he has provided for me these past seven weeks.”

The ghost of a smile tilted the duke’s stern mouth. “Against my knowledge.”

She raised her chin. “Titus is not a man to ask for your own or anyone’s permission when he decides on a course of action.”

“You like that in him?”

Pru lifted her brows. “Of course.”

“He is a fortunate man.”

Was that wistful longing Pru could hear in Stonewell’s voice? Oh, not because of her protectiveness toward Titus, but perhaps in regard to his own relationship with his duchess?

Pru did not pretend to know of the depth or otherwise of the relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Stonewell, but it had been impossible to miss the lack of warmth in their relationship yesterday evening.

Presenting several questions to Pru.

Such as, had the Stonewell’s marriage been a love match?

Or merely one of convenience?

Whichever of those it was, whether Stonewell loved his duchess or not, life must have been hellish for him these past months with the suspicion of treason regarding his own wife. Nor could she fault him for wanting proof of the guilt or innocence of every other one of those eight ladies before investigating his own wife.

Pru’s demeanor softened slightly. “I will take you to see Titus now.”

Stonewell gave an acknowledging bow. “Thank you.”

“But he will remain here until he is well enough to return to his own home,” she added firmly once they stood outside the bedchamber where Titus lay.