The Formidable Earl (Diamonds in the Rough #6) - Sophie Barnes Page 0,93

you’re still involved with that woman.”

Simon’s jaw clamped shut. His muscles tightened and his heart hardened. “As I’ve told you before, my relationship with Miss Strong is none of your concern.”

“She almost killed me, so forgive me if I disagree.” Red-faced, Elliot spoke with cutting force.

“Do not exaggerate the situation,” Simon seethed. “All she did was defend herself when you, a man she has every reason to treat with caution, posed a threat.”

“She. Shot. Me.”

“Yes. In the leg. Because she hoped to stop you, not kill you. Had she wanted you dead, you would not be standing here right now speaking with me.”

Elliot glared at him. “Good God, Simon, open your eyes.”

“I have, which is why I’ve decided to marry her.”

Elliot’s mouth fell open. He closed it, but it just fell open once more while he seemed to struggle for words. By the time he did speak, his face was almost purple.

“Are you mad? Miss Strong has already had a damaging effect on your reputation and you wish to marry her? My God, Simon. Your continued association with her since the Huntley ball has not placed you in a positive light. People are talking, asking questions, forming opinions.” Elliot narrowed his gaze. “I know she suspects Kirksdale, Elmwood, and myself of playing a part in her father’s arrest. And I’ll be damned if I’ll let her besmirch my good name in her foolish attempt to prove it.”

Simon stilled. Blood rushed through his veins. His limbs had gone rigid. The air felt too thick to breathe. “How do you know the details of her investigation?”

“Besides the note I received from a friend informing me of her recent actions while I’ve been recuperating, I had her investigated as soon as I learned of her involvement with you. Seemed a little too perfect for my liking – the unknown daughter of a traitor I once called a friend suddenly gaining access to me and the other prominent men her father once knew. Wasn’t hard to piece together once I learned of your meeting with Captain Murdoch and your search for the forger who crafted the seals.”

Simon tried to stay calm. “Elliot, if you had a hand in Matthew’s conviction, you need to tell me right now.”

Elliot crossed the floor until he was so close Simon could see the black flint in his eyes. “Matthew Strong was a traitor who deserved to hang for the crime he committed.”

“I knew him just as well as you, perhaps better. He saved my life when I was in Spain. Hell, I wouldn’t be alive right now if it hadn’t been for him. He was a good man.”

“He was ambitious, determined to be remembered. Matthew wanted another war, Simon. He made no secret of that, and if you don’t stop his daughter from trying to prove the opposite, I will have no choice but to interfere.”

“Perhaps you’ve already tried,” Simon snapped. “Where were you four years ago when Matthew Strong sought your help?”

“Away,” Elliot spat, “at my estate, begging the Lord to spare Sarah’s life.”

Simon sucked in a breath. How could he have forgotten? Elliot had left his wife’s sickbed so he could attend Parliament but had returned when he’d received news of her worsening condition. Unfortunately, Sarah hadn’t gotten better. She’d died one week later, which meant his uncle’s absence from Town during Matthew’s trial was a mere coincidence. Perhaps the same could be said of Elmwood and Kirksdale.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered. “I should have recalled.”

“Will you end your relationship with her?” Elliot asked, ignoring the comment.

Furious, Simon squared his shoulders and straightened his spine. “No.”

Elliot held his gaze for a moment as if assessing his seriousness. Eventually, he took a step back. “Very well. I’ll see myself out.”

“Will I see you later tonight?”

“Will Miss Strong be there?”

“She will,” Simon said.

“In that case I must decline.”

Simon gnashed his teeth in frustration and waited until his uncle was gone before he expelled the breath he’d been holding. Christ. He’d forgotten to ask Elliot about his investment in the Shadwell Gun Works. His absence from Town aside, there was still a good chance his uncle was the one who’d betrayed Matthew, after all. Certainly, his determination to get rid of Ida and stop the investigation was cause for alarm.

Simon’s heart thumped. Right now, he had to prepare for the evening ahead.

Returning to his study, he opened a cabinet only he had the key to, unlocked it, and pulled out a box. As soon as he’d found the gold ring