Earl of Baxter (Lords of Scandal 8)

“Ahh,” Dr. Walters said as he pulled out a bottle that looked a great deal like whiskey. “We’ll sterilize the best we can and get Miss Hershel to change the bandages regularly.” He frowned as he lay Mason back down. “If we can ward off infection, you’ll recover.”

Mason didn’t respond.

The wound was even more shallow than the one he’d nearly died from six years prior. He drew in a breath as hope filled his lungs.

He thought about Clarissa’s claim that she was a bad person.

He didn’t believe it. Not even for a second.

But in case luck wasn’t with him, he would be prepared. “Logan,” he grunted as the doctor began to measure out liquid for sterilizing. “There is something you should know. The men that attacked us tonight are the same ones who tried to light the orphanage on fire a month ago.”

Logan drew in a sharp breath. “Penny told me about the letters. Is what happened tonight connected?”

“I think so,” Mason clenched his fists as the doctor moved him again. Pain radiated out from his side. He blinked away the haze from his eyes. Right now, he needed to focus on what helped Clarissa the most. “I’m going to need to ask you a favor.”

“What’s that?” Logan stepped closer.

“You know the Archbishop of Canterbury?”

The other man straightened, his eyes widening in surprise and then registering understanding. “Now?”

He reached out placing his hand on the other man’s arm. “We don’t want to be caught unprepared. We’ll marry first thing in the morning. As a countess…”

Logan placed a hand on Mason’s shoulder. “I appreciate the thought, but the wound is small enough.”

Mason shook his head. “I built this fortune for her. I have every intention of making sure she gets it.”

“It’s not entailed?”

Mason shook his head. “You already know I was a bastard. The title was given to me five years ago with nothing attached to it but a crumbling castle somewhere in the north. Everything else is mine. We’ll need a lawyer as well to make certain every penny goes to her.”

“She’ll resist. I’m certain of it. She’s more stubborn than any woman I’ve ever met.”

Mason gave a shallow laugh, pain radiating through his side. Negotiating was his strength and, as he was injured, he held the trump card. An advantage he’d use to the fullest. It was not his finest moment as a man, he knew that. He had to wonder who was truly the bad person in this relationship because he was using his injury to coerce her. He grimaced but pressed on. “I know my angel. Leave sealing the deal to me.”

Logan gave him a small smile in return. “I have every faith in you. You even got me to join a business I was ready to quit. Clearly your skills are exceptional.”

Mason closed his eyes. He appreciated the compliment. But right now, he needed to prepare his argument.

He hated to do it. Clarissa was the most important thing in his life, and he didn’t wish to jeopardize that by manipulating her into a marriage; but he also couldn’t risk leaving this world without giving her every protection that was at his disposal.

“You’re in good hands with Dr. Walters. I’m going to leave before the hour grows too late.” Logan gave his shoulder a light pat. “I’ll be back shortly.”

“Thank you,” Mason replied. “Send Clarissa back in on your way, please.”

“Good luck.”

Mason closed his eyes. He’d need it.

He didn’t have to open them again to know that Clarissa had entered the room. He heard the swish of her dress, the soft pad of her slippers. But more than that, he felt the way the air changed in her presence. Like the energy before a storm. It charged the room.

“Can I help you?” Clarissa asked.

He pried open his eyes, only to realize that she hadn’t been speaking to him. It was the doctor she looked at.

“There’s blood on your dress,” he murmured. “We’ll have to buy you a new one.”

“It is a pity,” she sighed. “It was brand new and one of the nicest things I’ve ever owned.” Then she brushed back his hair. “How could you save my skin and ruin my dress?”