Page 43 of Dare to Risk it All

There were calls of shame and disapprobation from the crowd, but to Greer’s shock many of them were against her, not against the loathsome man who’d treated her so badly.

“Enough,” Raphe said, his voice gentle as he took her arm and guided her out of the spotlight.

She stared up at him, her eyes burning with tears, but he only gave her a regretful smile and shook his head. Her throat closed up as she struggled to hold back a sob, her chest aching at the injustice of the situation. It wasn’t over yet, though.

“Shame indeed, but it’s none of that young woman’s.” Bainbridge took a step forward, his voice low and menacing. “I don’t like men who take advantage of women, and neither do my friends. Do we, Raphe?”

“No, Laurie,” Raphe said, once he was certain Greer was out of sight. “We do not.”

“Dare?” Bainbridge asked, his tone conversational.

“Lowest of the low,” Dare agreed, eyeing Lord Plumpton with disfavour.

His lordship’s colour segued from a florid dark red to chalk white before their eyes and he moved to stand behind his mother.

“Bainbridge, you’ll not hear the last of this,” she said, her eyes flashing hellfire. “I had believed you to have turned over a new leaf, but this is not to be borne. You’re as wild as ever, and that… that sorry excuse for a man—”

Raphe stiffened but said nothing and Greer surged forward again, only to find her route blocked by all three men. Bainbridge and Dare must have cottoned on to who she was. A familiar voice spoke in his defence, though, and Greer relaxed, flooded with relief as she realised Lord Plumpton’s mama had just met her match.

“Good evening, Anne,” Greer’s mother said politely. “I hear your son has been bothering the maids again. Dear me, I hoped he might have outgrown such vile behaviour. I remember him being a dreadful nuisance to my poor Susan. She was so upset. Really, my dear, you ought not to let him attend such events if he cannot behave like a gentleman. Perhaps he should seek treatment, because I’m certain Lord de Ligne isn’t the only right-thinking gentleman who would be willing to step in a deal a little of their own kind of medicine, and rightly so.”

“I’m happy to give him a taste,” Bainbridge remarked with an evil-looking grin.

Plumpton took a step back.

Bonnie patted the marquess’ arm affectionately before carrying on. “It isn’t just the maids he bothers, though, is it dear? Do you remember that little incident I told you about? I should hate for it to become public knowledge.”

The crowd almost shivered with delight at this tantalising bit of information dangling before them and Plumpton’s mother paled, her complexion closely resembling a cold milk pudding, her lips thinning into a tight line.

“Should we discuss that little scene now, dear, or would your son like to offer the baron and the young lady an apology?”

“Mother!” Lord Plumpton said in outrage when his mother did not immediately refuse the offer.

“Silence, Cuthbert,” she said sharply.

Her bosom rose and fell in dramatic fashion, and she stared at Greer’s mama as if she wanted to scratch out her eyes. With a swell of pride, Greer saw her mother waiting for the woman’s decision, serene and unruffled.

“Cuthbert, apologise,” the woman said, her voice tight with disapproval.

“But Mama!”

His mother glared in fury at her son, and then her nemesis. “You’ve not heard the last of this, Bonnie.”

“Do you worst, Anne,” Bonnie replied with a sweet smile. “Now, Cuthbert, please apologise for your disgusting behaviour.”

“Yes, do, Cuthbert, or your mama might need to spank you,” Bainbridge drawled, looking as if he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

“My apologies, Lord de Ligne, Miss,” Plumpton said, his face flushed.

He executed a stiff bow and hurried away as the crowd buzzed like a swarm of gossipy wasps.

Bainbridge summoned a footman with a casual gesture. “Get this rubbish removed, please, Jones,” he said, gesturing to the man Raphe had thrown across the hallway.

“At once, my lord.”

“A discreet exit, methinks,” Bainbridge muttered to Raphe, sotto voce, giving Greer a meaningful glance.

“We need a distraction,” Raphe said, eyeing the crowd with misgiving. There were still people gathered about, hoping for an encore.