His Wicked Seduction novel Chapter 33

A footman appeared at the drawing room door, informing them they had a visitor.

"That will be the doctor." Emily guessed as she jumped up and ran towards the door. But it wasn't. It was Anne Chessely, Baron Chessely's daughter and one of Emily's closest friends.

"Anne?" Emily said in disappointment.

The crestfallen look on Anne's face wasn't hard to miss, even from where Godric stood. "Should I go? I would not wish to intrude." Anne chewed her bottom lip, looking doubtful as Emily ushered her inside.

"No, please come in. I was just expecting someone else." Emily attempted to hide the truth, but Anne was too clever by half.

"Was that blood outside in the snow on the steps? I see it here too." Anne pointed to a trail of droplets leading towards the drawing room.

"Er, what?"

"That is blood." Anne abandoned her muff and bent down to dip a finger into the nearest splotch. Her gloved fingertip came back bright red.

"Emily, you didn't kill Godric did you? I mean, I'm sure you had a good reason, but it's foolish to leave a blood trail." Anne's gaze swept the hall, seeking the truth.

"Murder? Heavens no, Anne. Wherever do you come up with such nonsense?" Emily tried to lead her away to another room, but Anne, who was fairly strong for a woman, pulled free and opened the drawing room door.

Emily froze behind her, fearing Anne would faint as she took in the scene of Godric tending to a half-naked Ashton. A bloody shirt lay on the ground near his feet.

"Oh my..." Anne exhaled in shock.

Ashton turned his head in her direction, bright blue eyes now dim with pain.

"Miss Chessely, I do beg your pardon for my lack of proper attire. As you can see I was shot this morning. Hurts something dreadful," Ashton finished in a breathless apology. "So, if you don't mind, some privacy would be appreciated."

"Forgive me, Lord Lennox, it is I who intruded." Anne backed up so quickly that she trod over Emily's toes. Emily squeaked and jumped out of the way.

"Sorry," Anne muttered as she retreated into the hall, away from Ashton and all that blood. "What happened to Lord Lennox? Did he fight in a duel?" she asked in a scandalized whisper.

"Don't be silly. He's too levelheaded for that. No, this is a much longer story I'm afraid. Would you care to come to the morning room for some tea?" Emily offered.

"If it's not too much trouble."

Just then the footman, Timmons, came in through the front door, with a doctor in tow. The two men went straight to the drawing room and shut the door. Emily breathed a sigh of relief.

"That was who I was expecting when you came," Emily explained as she and Anne entered the morning room. "I'm sure the wound isn't that serious. At least it didn't appear to be once Godric got it cleaned up." She glanced back at the way the doctor had gone. The blood had panicked her, but now she was sure Ashton would be fine. If he had the breath enough to tease her and speak to Anne, the man was not ready for the next world yet. Didn't Lady Society in her articles always say that no bullet could kill a rogue?

"Has he not told you the story himself?" Emily was genuinely surprised. She knew that part of Cedric's purpose in courting Anne was to achieve his desire of breeding his mares with Anne's stallions.

"I'd only heard the rumors from the papers." Anne looked put out at this.

"When you next see him, I'll have him tell you. I could never do the story justice." That was certainly the truth. At the time Cedric had told her the story, she'd been fairly distracted by Godric and the rest of the League, what with being their prisoner at the time.

"If we weren't so worried for his safety right now, I would insist you and I go to Kent. But as it is, Godric is one minute away from locking me in a blasted tower for my own safety."

"I imagine Lord Sheridan was not fond of going to Kent?" Anne asked astutely.

Emily nodded. She was surprised Cedric hadn't fought harder to stay in London, at least by Godric's account. Cedric was incredibly brave and it must have killed him to turn his back on a fight, especially where Waverly was involved.

When the ladies had finished their tea, Anne rose and started for the door.

"Anne, would you and your father like to come to dinner this evening? I know it's short notice. I promise to have my hall cleaned of blood by then," Emily jested.

Her friend smiled and gave a little nod. "My father and I would be delighted. See you tonight."

Anne departed and Emily turned her attention back towards the drawing room. She squared her shoulders and walked in, eager to check on Ashton and her husband.