Chapter 206
Benedict stood stiffly in place.
Whether he admitted guilt or not, it made no difference–he was still the one with a sword pressed to his neck.
It had been Matthew who acted recklessly and charged in, yet now it was his life hanging by a thread: If the Prince Regent decided to kill him over it, he’d be well within his rights. After all, Matthew had indeed crossed the line.
Would Benedict really have to pay the price for that?
For a moment, even Benedict couldn’t stop resentment from creeping into his heart–revntment toward his father, and toward his brother.
Gabriel had tried to use Eliza’s reputation to provoke Nolan.
Benedict had warned Matthew not to stir trouble, but Matthew rushed in anyway.
And now, the fallout of both their actions had landed squarely on him.
If he’d known things would turn out this way, he never would have come with them at all.
Caroline’s remains were with Eliza, yes–but with Eliza’s love and devotion to their mother, she would never mistreat them. If he had waited just a few days, let her calm down, and come alone, wouldn’t that have been better?
The more he thought about it, the deeper his regret grew.
Turning toward Gabriel, he exhaled and said with quiet frustration, “Father… have you and Matthew not stirred up enough trouble for one day? Can’t we just leave it at that? At the end of the day, it was Eliza who retrieved Mother’s remains–not you, not me, not Matthew. So tell me what right do any of us have to stand here and stop her from mourning her own
mother?”
Mary glanced at Benedict, genuinely surprised.
“What’s this? she thought. It’s only been a few days and he’s suddenly speaking like an actual person.
Gabriel, on the other hand, clearly didn’t appreciate the shift.
What’s wrong with this boy? he thought. Why is he suddenly siding with Eliza at a time like this?
Nolan smiled, the blade still pressed lightly to Benedict’s neck. “Gabriel, when a man gets old, he ought to learn when to quit. Seems your son’s got more sense than you do.”
Gabriel let out a cold laugh, just about to respond, when Eliza’s voice rang out from inside the carriage–calm, sharp, and cutting through the tension like a blade
“Gabriel” she said, “keep pushing like this, and your beloved bastard daughter might not live to see another sunrise.”
The Stonor men’s faces all changed.
Gabriel’s expression darkened instantly. “What have you done to Sophie?”
Eliza’s voice way cold as steel. ‘She stole my mother’s remains, and planned to desecrate her body out of petty spite. Someone that various you think I’d just let her go? She paused, then added. “If I were you, I’d turn around and hurry home. If you wait much longer you’ll only get to bury her
Gabriel’s fury reached a breaking point, but Nolan only chuckled, casually fanning the flames.
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Chapter 206
“Oh, and don’t forget your other child–your son with the broken leg. If you delay any longer, I’d say he’ll be spending the rest of his lide as a cripple, wouldn’t you agree?”
He will hadn’t moved his sword away from Benedict’s neck. If you’re determined to throw everything away today,” he added, smiling without warmth, Td be happy to help you finish the job, I can deal with both of your sons right here and now. What do you say
He even tapped Benedict’s check lightly with the flat of his blade.
Benedict dared not move
Gabriel was seething
“F–Father, Benedict said, drawing a shaky breath. Please. Look at Matthew’s leg.”
He was beginning to sound desperate.
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