“He’s done.” Hugh’s quiet statement managed to ease James’ anger.
Palmer slumped to the ground when James released him. The man’s face was bloodied and his eyes closed. He crumpled into a heap at James’ feet.
James flexed his aching hand as he tried to shed the torrent of rage that had swept over him from the moment he’d seen Palmer’s hands on Charlotte.
“He accosted Lady Charlotte,” he managed. His hands shook as he considered whether he would’ve stopped if not for the interruption. Would he have killed Palmer if the Raybourne brothers hadn’t arrived?
“She told us he attacked her.” Thomas rested a hand on James’ shoulder as if to show his support. “Bastard,” he added as he studied Palmer’s unmoving form.
Hugh looked over his shoulder at the onlookers who were now spilling onto the terrace. “Shall we haul him out of here?”
“Or leave him to rot.” James much preferred that option. He should’ve taken care of Palmer before the lord had the chance to accost Charlotte a second time. That had been a mistake on his part.
Lady Barbara arrived along with Viscount Raymond, a friend of Palmer’s. “Charles, what happened?” She knelt to shake her brother’s shoulder, only receiving a moan in response. “Charles?”
“Thomas will deal with things here,” Hugh murmured. “Why don’t you and I find Lady Charlotte?”
“Excellent idea.” Already he felt the weight of curious stares as people looked between him and Palmer. Did they think he’d overreacted? Or that battle fatigue had finally caused him to lose his wits?
All he knew was that seeing Palmer’s hands on Charlotte had angered him to the point where he could barely think. He hoped his response hadn’t cost him her affection.
They left Thomas to explain what happened to Raymond and Lady Barbara as well as the other guests and stepped inside.
James looked for Charlotte, uneasy when he found her just inside the door. How much had she seen? “Are you certain you’re all right?”
“Quite.” Her glare at Palmer, who was being hauled to his feet, reflected anger that nearly matched his own, much to his surprise. He’d expected to find her still frightened. Perhaps even of him. “How dare he.”
“I will make certain he never approaches you again.” He would call out the lord for this, something he should’ve done previously.
“I’ll accompany you,” Hugh offered. “Always better to have witnesses when these sort of things happen. I wouldn’t want you to be accused of something you didn’t do.”
“I appreciate that.” James nodded. Having Hugh there when he called him out would help to make certain his temper didn’t get the better of him again.
“I had best find my wife and explain what happened,” Hugh said and moved off through the crowd.
James watched him go before he looked back at Charlotte, wanting desperately to take her into his arms until the vision of Palmer holding her faded. “I apologize. I should’ve made certain Palmer knew better than to approach you after what happened the last time.”
She shook her head. “You warned him clearly. This isn’t your fault.” She reached for the hand he’d struck Palmer with, her gloved fingers smoothing over his sore knuckles. “Are you injured?”
“Only a sore hand.” Her gentle touch would be his undoing if he didn’t take care. He glanced around, feeling numerous gazes on them. “Perhaps it would be best if we found your mother and you left.”
“Charlotte?” Lady Wynn’s concerned voice had them both turning to face her.
“Mother.” Charlotte didn’t seem to know what to say.
“What on earth happened?” Lady Wynn looked past them to where several guests still stood on the terrace. “Someone told me that you’d been accosted by Lord Palmer. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Viscount Redmond saved me.” Charlotte beamed at him, still holding his hand in hers as if claiming him for all to see.
“Truly?” Lady Wynn looked back and forth between them. “Thank you, Redmond. I’m so pleased you were there.”
“A true hero.” Lady Devlin, a friend of his mother’s, joined Lady Wynn with a smile. “Not just on the battlefield, but here at home as well.” She said the last bit loud enough that it drew the attention of other nearby guests.
Before James could react, several came forward to offer their appreciation for protecting Charlotte and then asking her if she was well.
Charlotte remained at his side, her presence both an anchor and a balm. He hoped his presence eased her angst as well.
While uncomfortable with the attention, James couldn’t dismiss the warm feeling the kind words gave him. But even better was the way Charlotte continued to smile at him. He loved her even more for her unwavering support.
At last, the other guests moved away with the exception of Charlotte’s mother and Lady Devlin, revealing Hugh, his wife, and a footman balancing a tray of champagne.
“I thought it appropriate to offer you a toast.” Hugh handed him a glass which James accepted hesitantly. As far as he was concerned, he hadn’t done anything to deserve a toast.
Hugh lifted his glass after the footman offered drinks to Charlotte, Lady Wynn, and Lady Devlin. “To heroes.”
James couldn’t help but smile as everyone raised their glasses, repeating the toast.
What an odd turn the evening had taken. He detested the fact that Charlotte had been in danger but appreciated having her beside him. Lady Wynn continued to smile at him with approval.
Hope filled him. He’d clearly won Lady Wynn’s support in his request to court Charlotte. Now if only she could help convince her husband of that as well.
~*~
Charlotte drew a deep breath the following morning when a knock sounded on the door of her bedchamber.
Her maid looked in. “Viscount Redmond has arrived, my lady.”
“Thank you.” Charlotte grinned as she rose from her dressing table, though nerves knotted in the pit of her stomach. He’d come to call on her and was also going to speak with her father again. James’ determination to win him over was both sweet and terrifying.
When she had told James about
