“I’d like to hear it, but I may find it difficult to believe a man who has been known to break his word.”
Mr. Gillespie and the secretary both glanced at Sir Henry, aghast, though she couldn’t tell whether they were shocked by the charge or only that such an accusation had been spoken aloud. Mott, though, seemed to be trying not to give in to nervous laughter.
Her father turned almost as red as the secretary. “You come with us or you will be carried out.”
“I don’t think so.”
She reached into her handbag, pulled out a Remington derringer, and cocked it—she wasn’t one to entrust her safety to only a parasol.
Sir Henry’s eyes widened. Both Mr. Gillespie and Parsons took a step back.
“You will shoot your own father?”
“I will shoot Mr. Gillespie first—not to worry, only in the foot. AndthenI will shoot you, also in the foot. After that I don’t believe anyone else will be particularly interested in taking me anywhere against my will.” She smiled slightly. “You taught me how to use firearms, Father. You know my aim is excellent.”
A knock came on the door. The four men glanced uncertainly at one another. A knock came again. The men remained paralyzed.
The door opened and in walked Lord Ingram. He took a look around the room and tsked. “Are you trying to take these men hostage, Holmes?”
“Hardly, my lord. And good morning to you.”
“Haveyoubeen keeping her?” Sir Henry’s voice was high and harsh.
Lord Ingram turned a face of innocent surprise in his direction. “Sir, I am a married man. And unlike some I can name, I have never betrayed my vows. Miss Holmes is keeping herself, in admirable style, too, as far as I can tell.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Why shouldn’t you? Unlike some in this room, I have also never reneged on my word.”
Mr. Gillespie and the secretary swallowed in unison. Mott was seized by a coughing fit. Sir Henry, who had now been accused of untrustworthiness twice in the space of five minutes, stared blankly, as if he couldn’t believe what was happening.
“Then what are you doing here?” he at last managed to say.
“I am here at my brother’s behest. He has proposed to Miss Holmes and would very much prefer that she remain in London until she can give him her answer.”
“Lord Bancroft wants tomarryher?”
“Yes.”
Sir Henry turned to Charlotte, looking as if he desperately needed to throttle someone. “Then why haven’t you said yes, you stupid girl?”
“For the same reason I didn’t say yes to him last time. I’m not enamored of the idea of being married to Lord Bancroft.”
“Even though you could—”
“Even though I could makeyouhappier, you who have no respect formywishes?”
“Is this all the respect you have for those who raised you?” Sir Henry’s spittle flew.
“No, I have quite a bit more respect for you than that. In fact, I plan to send you and Mother one hundred pounds a year.”
“You can never repay us for the unhappiness you have caused us!”
Charlotte raised a brow. “I take it you do not want the hundred quid a year then.”
“I—I didn’t say that.”
“Do you want it or not?”
