Havenworth was Corbin’s estate.
“I can go where I choose,” Finley said.
Harold set a conciliatory hand on Finley’s shoulder. “If you do, give me ample warning so I can administer your last rites.”
Finley looked them over. “Are you threatening me?”
“What reason would we have for threatening you?” Stanley asked in far too innocent a tone.
“Jealousy?” he sneered.
“George, George, George.” Philip shook his head slowly with a look of sorrow. “You’ve missed your nap, haven’t you? You’re not making the least sense.”
Finley’s lips tightened. “Do not act like a buffoon. I know perfectly well why you’re here.”
“Concern for your health,” Crispin said firmly, unyieldingly.
“We’ve butted heads before.” Finley’s eyes slid over all of them. “But this time, you’re not so secure in your position. And I know perfectly well why.” His gaze rested on Charlie. “She didn’t actually turn me down, you know.”
“Have at him, Tadpole,” Philip growled out.
Charlie hardly needed permission. He pounded his fist into George Finley’s nose, sending the cad to the ground. Layton yanked him back to his feet.
“You broke my nose.” Finley was bloodied and already bruising.
“You’re fortunate that’s all he broke.” Linus growled out the warning as he joined Charlie in glaring down the man who’d insulted a lady who meant the world to both of them.
Layton didn’t release his hold on Finley.
Philip nudged Charlie aside. His oldest brother looked, in that moment, terrifying. “The members of our family will be protected at all costs fromillnessessuch as yours,” he told Finley in a tone of stern warning. “We will do what must be done to safeguard them. But our protection extends beyond our immediate circle. So long as you make the women of this world feel unsafe, we will make certain this world is unsafe for you. We are everywhere, Finley, with more connections, more eyes and ears, more accomplices than you can possibly imagine.”
For the first time in Charlie’s memory, their bounder of a neighbor truly looked worried. The blood dripping onto his shirt added to the distress in his expression.
Linus joined Philip, inches away from Finley. “And you have now crossed a member of the Duke of Kielder’s family. I have seen what he does to people who hurt or mistreat those he cares about. And make no mistake, his youngest sister-in-law is precious to him.”
Finley’s worry turned to terror.
“The gentlemen in this room have vowed not to do you significant violence,” Linus said. “The Dangerous Dukenevermakes that vow. There is no law he cannot break, no punishment he cannot deliver with impunity. You have just made an enemy more dangerous than any you could possibly imagine.”
“Convalesce, Finley,” Philip said, patting him patronizingly on the shoulder. “Your health depends upon it.” He walked past the man and out the drawing room door.
“I ought to have pummeled you ages ago,” Crispin said. “Seems to me there are dozens now who will gladly do it for me. Orwithme. Choose wisely.” He rapped a knuckle against Finley’s swelling nose. The man winced, but Crispin didn’t let up. “Noses can only be straightened so many times.” He patted Finley’s face, though it was more of a slap, then followed Philip’s path.
Jason approached him next. “I have contacts throughout London. You set one foot in Town and all the Jonquils and Lancasters will know.”
As he stepped out of the room, Corbin paused in front of their mutual enemy. He didn’t speak; he simply watched Finley with a calm focus that promised retribution should it prove necessary. Then, without a word, he left as well.
Layton still had hold of Finley, holding him firm and forcing him to face those who had come to deliver their message of impending doom.
Stanley offered the next warning. “Lest you think the north of England is safe, that is where I live, along with a great many men I served with. They will also be very concerned about the state of your health.”
Finley nodded, the movement small and quick.
Harold made his comment casually as he strode slowly past. “I’ll pray for you. Seems to me you need it.”
Charlie closed the distance between himself and Finley. He lowered his voice to a tense and threatening whisper. “Should there be a next time, I will do far more than break your nose.”
Layton released Finley with a shove. “Have a nice day.”
