The Wrath of the Marquess (Victorian Outcasts Book 3) by Barbara Russell

Author:Barbara Russell [Russell, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2024-04-16T00:00:00+00:00

fifteen

ALTHOUGH MR. PURNELL was a tall man with a set of deep black eyes that seemed bottomless, his presence didn’t frighten Cora. Just like when she was with Ethan.

She tugged at the lapels of her dressing gown as she sat in Ethan’s majestic bed in his room with her arm propped on a pile of cushions. She’d need to ask Ethan to bandage her, or she wouldn’t sleep for the pain. She’d meant to meet Mr. Purnell in the sitting room, but she’d overestimated her strength. Her head had spun and her back had burnt the moment she’d stood up. So much for leaving.

Ethan stood next to the fireplace, an elbow on the mantelpiece. He glanced at her arm and face, likely realising how uncomfortable she was.

Mr. Purnell removed his bowler hat. “Your ladyship, I trust you’re better in Ethan’s care. He’s an excellent surgeon.”

“Lord Stark is taking very good care of me, thank you.” Excellent care.

“What news do you bring us?” Ethan asked.

Mr. Purnell plonked down onto the armchair, his wooden leg stretched out in front of him. “Lord Roxbury has been treated for a severe head concussion by his physician, and he’s now recovering at home. His butler found him unconscious in the hallway and gave the alarm. It’s a serious injury, or so his physician declared, but not life-threatening. Nothing that won’t mend. Officially, he slipped and hit his head.”

The wave of relief washing over Cora surprised her. But then again, she didn’t care about Jacob, only about David. The last thing David needed was to have killed his father. She sagged against the pillows.

“Do you wish to file a formal complaint against your husband?” Mr. Purnell asked. “I can have him in shackles tonight.”

“That will keep him busy for a while,” Ethan said.

Tempting. “Will Jacob know where I am if I denounce him?”

Mr. Purnell shook his head. “There’s no need for that. As the person who’s being accused of a crime, he doesn’t have the right to know where you are.”

“Then yes. I want him charged with…” She paused, not sure where to start.

“Attempted murder,” Mr. Purnell completed, “assault and failing to provide assistance.”

“Yes, to all that.” The charges should help get a divorce, shouldn’t they?

“Any questions about the incident and his missing wife and son? Any gossip?” Ethan asked.

Mr. Purnell shrugged. “Lord Roxbury didn’t report his wife’s and son’s disappearances. He said his wife and son are visiting a relative in the country, which is why he dismissed the servants. I discreetly asked a maid about Lady Roxbury’s absence and she confirmed that. Also, no servant knows anything about an altercation or gunshot.”

“Why would he stay quiet?” She rubbed her hands as a shiver took hold of her.

Without her saying anything, Ethan wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and stoked the fire in the stove. She got used to being spoiled by him quickly. His attention to her needs made her feel special. Something so simple yet not taken for granted.

Mr. Purnell followed the gesture but didn’t comment.

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