A Gentleman's Curse (Avenging Lords 4)

The magistrate’s eyes widened. He opened his mouth, made an odd popping sound, but no words came out.

“You’re hurting me. Release my hand at once.”

“For twelve long months I’ve pandered to you, Miss Darling.” Mr Thorncroft’s wild stare froze the blood in her veins. “I always get what I want, so make no—”

“Then you’re about to be sorely disappointed.” An eloquent, determined voice cut through the chaos. Lord Valentine stepped into the room, accompanied by Lord Greystone, Mr Drake and Hudson Lockhart. “In this instance, you’ll get what you deserve.”

Mr Thorncroft relaxed his grip as he glanced back over his shoulder and considered the four men.

Claudia’s eyes met Hudson’s furious glare. Mr Drake gripped Hudson’s forearm as one might hold the leash of a savage dog.

Claudia used the distraction to her advantage. She grabbed the heavy glass inkwell and brought it crashing down on Mr Thorncroft’s arm.

“Blast!” The devil howled as he snatched his hand away and cradled his injured limb.

It took the magistrate a moment to haul his rotund figure out of the seat. “What is the meaning of this intrusion?”

Hudson turned to Mr Drake and cursed. “Goddamn, I will rip their heads off their shoulders.”

“All in good time,” Mr Drake replied, looking pleased at the prospect of brawling in the study.

“Let us dispense with formal introductions,” Lord Valentine said in the arrogant tone one might expect from a member of the aristocracy. “We know who you are. But in case you should have any doubts regarding our authority to burst into this lady’s home, permit Miss Darling to correct any misconception.”

The magistrate’s anxious eyes fixed on Claudia. “Am I to understand you know these gentlemen?”

Claudia nodded. “Lord Valentine, Lord Greystone and Mr Drake are dear friends of Mr Lockhart.” Excitement, gratitude and relief filled her chest. “Mr Lockhart is … Mr Lockhart is …”

“Miss Darling’s betrothed,” Hudson said in a murderous tone.

The magistrate’s eyes bulged. “My lords.” Looking somewhat flustered, he could not decide which gentleman to bow to first. “I fear there has been a terrible misunderstanding.”

“There is no misunderstanding.” Hudson snatched his arm free of Drake’s grasp and stepped forward. “Miss Darling is betrothed to me, and my illustrious friends bore witness to the fact.”

Just hearing his rich voice, seeing his handsome face, sent her stomach flipping.

“That’s impossible,” Mr Thorncroft protested. “Miss Darling signed a contract agreeing to marry me.”

Lord Valentine cleared his throat. “A contract based on blackmail and forgery. Richard Darling did not borrow a damn penny, and yet you have persecuted his daughter to your own devilish ends.”

Mr Thorncroft’s face turned ashen.

Claudia gasped. It was as she had always suspected. “Is that true?”

“Whether Mr Thorncroft deceived you out of love or greed is the only matter up for question,” Lord Valentine said.

“Preposterous lies. All lies.” Mr Thorncroft was about to make further protestations when Monsieur Dariell entered the study, clasping the arm of a terrified-looking fellow.

“Mr Higson, he has come to confess.” Dariell pushed the man forward.

After a prod in the back, the scrawny, red-haired man explained his business dealings with Mr Thorncroft, which extended to forgery and copying her father’s signature.

“We have Mr Higson’s sworn statement,” Lord Greystone said, “and intend to advise his punishment is commuted to transportation in light of a full confession.”

Silence descended.

A volatile tension hung in the air.

Mr Thorncroft turned to the magistrate who had edged away from the devil and moved to stand near Lord Greystone. “You’d better send these men on their way, else I shall explain you’re a man who can be persuaded to turn a blind eye to the truth.”