Warrick glared the men. “If it’s about my hair, I’ve been trying this new style, you can ask Mortimer behind my back. He has also commented on it. So, be off with you.”
“Calm down, old chap. We aren’t making fun of your hairline.”
“Who was talking about my hairline?” If a brow could scold, his would be throwing punches.
Silence.
“No need to get so defensive,” Avondale spoke first after a moment, concern lacing his voice. “We are just worried about you.”
“You are obstructing my path. Of course I’m in a sour mood.” And why was Saville standing there detached and silent as a ghost? If he couldn’t bear to look at him or even say a single word, why come?
But by Christ—thank you for small mercies.
Selena had already slipped away, and so did some of his annoyance that he’d woken up without her.
Deerhurst arched a brow. “How can we be obstructing your path? Were you really going to leave your house shirtless?”
Warrick dragged a hand through his hair. He hated nagging. “Why are you here?”
“An intervention,” Avondale announced.
His hands returned to his head but this time to rub his temples. “Begone. All of you. I’m not in the mood for this.”
Neither one of them moved. Even Silent Saville’s boots remained rooted in place. Damn it. It seemed he wouldn’t be able to escape this business.
“We are not leaving until you hear us out,” Deerhurst said.
“If this is about the duel, don’t bother.”
“It’s about everything,” Avondale said. “You. Lady Selena. The duel. This rift.” Avondale stepped forward. “Things can’t go on like this.”
Warrick sighed, resigning himself to his fate. “Let’s hear it then.”
“Can we retire to a more private setting?” Deerhurst asked, glancing between him and Cameron.
These blackguards. Couldn’t they just say whatever they’d come to say and then leave? The moment they sat their arses on a cushy pillow, he’d be hard pressed to get rid of them at all today. He motioned to the door at the left. To Cameron, he directed, “Don’t ring for tea.”
Cameron inclined his head. The man seemed a bit restless, as though he wanted to say something to Warrick but couldn’t. His brows furrowed. He’d known Cameron for years, and though he was content in his position as a footman, Warrick trusted him with all his most delicate assignments and relied on the man’s judgement. But before he could ask, his attention got diverted by Deerhurst.
“Not even brandy?” Deerhurst said. “We might need a drink.”
Oh, no. “You can get a drink at the club after you’ve said your piece.”
The men glanced at each other but nodded.
“Why do I get the sense that you’d like to be rid of us as soon as possible?” Avondale muttered. “I must say, it’s a first.”
Warrick arched a brow. “You’re only sensing that now?”
He motioned them to the receiving room. “What would you have me do about me, Selena, the duel, and the rift anyway? Out with it so that you can clear off.”
“My lord,” Cameron stepped up to him and said softly, “can I have a word?”
“Marriage.” Avondale’s announcement echoed off the walls.
Warrick stopped dead in his tracks.Not this again.“You all know my stance on this.”
“You kissed her, man,” Deerhurst spoke up. “You need to take responsibility.”
