“Brother,” Selena said. “If I retire to the country, will you join me? Theo will if I ask her. Shall all four of us shall embark upon a new adventure together?”
Saville puffed up. “Have you read the paper this morning?”
“What do you think?” she shot back.
“Well, today it’s quite interesting. Lady Essex has run off with a Spanish lover after it came to light there was a wager about how many times Lord Essex could tup his mistress in one night. All rather scandalous.”
“Saville,” Warrick warned. His gaze tracked the crowd. Luckily, everyone’s attention was on the card games. “That’s no way to speak in front of a lady, even if she is your sister.”
“What’s the matter? It’s in the papers for all ladies to read.” His eyes settled on Selena. “I wonder why.”
“I’m glad you wondered since your male brain seems to keep on forgetting. The blame lays solidly on your shoulders, brother dear. The list. The wagers. The reason I don’t read the papers.”
“You cannot blame the last on me.”
“Of course I can.”
Here we go again.
Selena poked a finger at her brother. “Since you are so curious, let me tell you. It all happened when I was a little girl, barely eight. My governess told me about a book she was reading. Her eyes lit up whenever she spoke of it. A fascinating tale of—”
“Get to the point, Selena.”
“What a story killer, you are,” she said. “Very well. I couldn’t sleep on this night, so I decided to go in search of the book. It just so happened you were in the library that night as well.”
Warrick had a nasty suspicion.
“Oh? What is so strange about that?”
“Yes, you werereadingwith one of the maids, your breeches around your ankles.”
Warrick choked on a breath.
“Needless to say, it was that moment I became clear on what I can do without in life, and I could very much do withoutthatpicture. Even now, my brain hurts just thinking about it. I avoided the library like a plague after that, and also any sort of reading, since it all reminded me of your little affair.”
“That...” Saville’s voice trailed off. Another man left speechless by Selena Savage.
“For once in your life, brother, claim responsibility.”
Saville glared at Selena. “Fine, I was wrong to use the library that way. And have I not been claiming responsibility for the rest?”
“You mean the list?” Selena asked.
“That list was drawn up by Avondale’s mother.”
“Blaming an old woman now?” She scoffed. “I’ve been curious for a while now. What contribution didyoubring to the list?” Her gaze cast to Warrick. “What about you?”
Lord, I need a drink.
“I can’t recall,” Saville snapped. “Shall I gather Deerhurst and Avondale so we can hash this out?”
“Let’s not do that tonight,” Warrick protested. Or ever. He hoped there would come a time when they didn’t just rehash the debacle over and over. For now, it was best to let her vent her frustration on them until she was ready to forgive them. It was one of the reasons—he understood it now—why he would help her with anything she asked. Why he had allowed Saville to burden him with the title of protector, watchdog, and wetnurse. Though he’d only ever felt like the last.
In truth, he carried the weight of losing the list. He had grasped the pen that inscribed the words. But more than that, he felt responsible for this loss of self she seemed to be feeling.He couldn’t recall who had spoken the words of Saville being her best and worst trait. But Saville wasn’t even a trait to begin with. They’d been real blackguards back then.
“What better night than tonight,” his friend said with a sullen look at them.
“Saville.” Warrick reinforced his tone, making it unmistakably a command. “Let it go.”Let it all go, he warned with his eyes. “Also, I’m here. I’ve been watching over her the entire time.”
