Page 26 of Seduction of a Widow

A murmur swept through the room in unison with Leslie’s, “Indeed?”

“Leslie, cheat?” Lady Langley laughed. “So, I was correct when I pointed out how interesting it was that Lord Barnton had a mishap when he was about to lose a second race to you. Now he is going so far as to accuse you of cheating. His lordship isn’t a gentleman, is he?”

Drucker shot her a thin-lipped look, then returned his attention to Leslie. “Do you deny the allegation, Lady Carr?”

“Mr. Drucker—” Lord Robert began.

Evan shoved to his feet. “Everyone knows Barnton feigned an injury to his horse the last time they raced. Lady Carr had the lead. He didn’t want to be made a fool a second time.”

“Mr. MacLaren—” Leslie began.

Drucker scoffed. “Is that what she told you?”

“Told me?” Evan said, his voice cold. “Are you calling Lady Carr a liar?”

“You are calling Lord Barnton a liar,” Drucker said.

“Mr. MacLaren.” Leslie rose. “There is no need to get excited.”

Evan caught the glance Lady Flora sent Leslie’s way. He recognized that look. It was the same one he’d seen when he’d escorted Leslie from the ballroom last night: jealousy—mean spirited jealousy. Word would reach town by tonight that Leslie had cheated in the race.

“You may recall that I saved Lord Barnton’s life,” Leslie said. “You and Lord Robert were there.” Her gaze sharpened. “You two gentlemen tried to stop Lord Barton’s horse when he was dragging the earl. You must have seen what happened.”

“I wish we had seen what happened,” Drucker said.

Lord Robert’s eyes riveted onto Leslie. She glanced at Evan, and he read in her eyes the same thing the was thinking: Lord Robert did see something.

“Just what did you see—what happened?” Alice asked. “Lord Robert,” she quickly added when Mr. Drucker opened his mouth to reply.

“We saw you racing after his lordship.”

“Nothing more?” Lady Langley said. “What a shame.”

Leslie’s gaze shifted to Drucker, “I might like to win, but as a woman, there would be no shame if I lost to a skilled horseman like Lord Barnton. On the other hand, if his lordship lost to me…” She shrugged. “Well, he did not fare well when we last raced and he claimed his horse injured his leg.”

“You would further besmirch his name?” Drucker demanded.

She looked at him as if he were a child. “Sir, he has accused me of cheating. It is the earl who has insulted me.”

“She does have a point,” Lady Langley said.

“May I ask what your interest is in this matter, Mr. Drucker?” Leslie asked.

“I would see justice done.”

“Justice,” Lady Langley cut in. “Lord, Leslie, this man would put you on trial.”

“So I see,” Leslie said. “I believe I will have a word with Lord Barnton.”

“That is unacceptable,” Drucker snapped.

She arched a brow. “Forgive me, sir, but contrary to your sense of self-importance, you hold no sway in this matter.” She angled her head and swept her gaze across the room, said, “If you will excuse me,” then quit the room.

Drucker, for all his blustering, watched her go without a word. When she disappeared from view, he said, “I believe I will go to Lord Barnton’s room, as well.” He started forward.

Evan seized his arm. “I think not.”

Drucker looked at him as if Evan were a snake that had bitten him. “Unhand me, sir.”