Free Always His Earl by Cheryl Dragon

dinner. George joined him, and it took a weight off Myles’ shoulders.
    “I rather expected Basil,” Myles said.
    “I finally sent him to bed. He needed to hear everything about Philips. Then he needed a few drinks. I dropped a bit of laudanum in one so he’ll sleep soundly.” George sat on the other side of Claire’s bed.
    “She looks so much better.” Myles examined her healing hands.
    “Much. The bruising is bad but that will heal in a little time,” George agreed.
    Myles dreaded asking the question but it had to come out. “What do you think
    Philips would’ve done if he found her?”
    “I don’t know. Tried to drag her home possibly. Interrogate the doctor. Call the authorities.”
    “What could any of us be charged with? She came here of her own will. You cared for her. The doctor said not to move her.” Myles wouldn’t let George or Basil be punished for his family’s failings. His father had no right to push his sister into such a marriage and leave her to rot.
    “We wouldn’t be charged. I outrank him anyway. They would force her return if that were what Philips wanted. The danger isn’t for us. Claire’s life hangs in the balance,” George said.
    “I can’t go back,” a soft voice said.
    Myles checked the door first, but it was Claire who spoke. “You’re awake?”
    George rang the bell. “What do you need?”
    She smiled. “I’m really here. It wasn’t a dream. Myles. Lord Thistledown.”
    Myles hugged her gently. “You’re feeling better?”
    “My head is clearer.” Claire tried to sit up, and Myles helped her rest on a pile of pillows. “I am sore everywhere.”
    “Laudanum?” George offered.
    “No, it’s not that bad. I want to talk to my brother.” Claire smiled as tears filled her eyes.
    The sparkle in her blue eyes made him feel at ease. “I’m so sorry. If I’d known what a bastard you were forced to marry, I’d have done something.”
    “What could anyone do? Marriage is for life.” Claire’s smile disappeared.
    The door opened and Mrs. Blake entered. “She’s awake! You look so well, my lady.”
    “Thank you.” Claire nodded.
    “Mrs. Blake, please bring her something more than broth: bread, cheese, and meat. Also wake my brother. That might take some effort,” George said.
    “Right away, my lord.” Mrs. Blake dashed from the room.
    “Basil,” Claire said softly.
    “Your husband didn’t care for you speaking to my brother. Is that why he did this?” George asked.
    “Don’t upset her.” Myles glared at George.
    “Please, don’t quarrel. I need you both as you were before our lives went to the devil. No, Philips won’t like my having left. He was so angry about Basil. I had to get away.” She pressed her hands to her face and winced. “All the glass. He smashed my dressing table, the mirror and all the bottles.”
    “You’re safe now, and your hands will heal. Don’t worry about a thing.” George nodded at Myles.
    Myles smiled. “Exactly. We’re going to take care of it all.”
    “How? He won’t let me go. He holds onto his possessions like a miser. I’m nothing more or less than a prize horse. He thinks I’ve failed because I haven’t had a child yet. After two years of trying, the beatings started.” Claire sighed.
    “We’ll find a way,” Myles insisted.
    The door swung open and Basil, still dressed for bed, stood and stared at her.
    “You’re well?”
    “She’s better. Take care.” George moved aside to avoid being run over.
    “I’m so sorry I dragged your family into this. Please believe me. I had nowhere else to go. He separated me from all of the friends I had before the marriage. No one would side with me. When I saw you two at the ball, I knew I was saved. You were my only hope. Philips flew into such a rage that night. I had to escape.” A tear slid down Claire’s cheek.
    “If you hadn’t gotten away, he might’ve killed you,” George said.
    “I’m much better than last night.” She shook her