Her words had no affect.
“You might not find life with an ill-favored man as comfortable as with me. But then, it is always the overparticular ones who die alone and miserable.”
“Radley! Apologize!”
Melanie jumped at the force behind the outraged demand. At the door, Valentine and Mr. George stood slightly unkempt after their trip to the sea. To her surprise, it had been Mr. George who’d spoken and demanded the apology. She’d never heard him speak quite so loudly before, and the expression of fury on his face was quite unfamiliar too.
Valentine appeared stunned, but she hurried to him because he was her brother and she felt safer far away from Linus Radley.
“What has happened?” Valentine asked her quietly, catching her fingers in his. Melanie cringed and wiggled free of the grip. She certainly had never enjoyed confessing she’d turned down a suitor before, and this time was far worse than any other. She knew her brother hoped she’d find her own life, her own happiness one day, but it certainly wouldn’t be with Linus Radley, given all he’d just said to her.
She took a breath to start the confession, but Mr. George cut her off with a softly spoken murmur, “I think number twelve is just as unlucky as the eleven prior suitors for your sister’s hand.”
Melanie shrank behind Valentine as she realized her romantic life, or lack thereof, was a subject of discussion among their neighbors. Men did talk and, over the years, Melanie had certainly given them ample proof she was particular in that regard. It was just rather horrible to hear Walter George could know the exact number of men she’d refused. She had not imagined Valentine would have told anyone.
Valentine took a pace toward Linus. “If my sister has refused you then I imagine your business here today is done. If you’d be so kind as to apologize for your outburst and be on your way, there is no need to ever discuss this matter again.”
Linus tossed his head arrogantly. “I will not apologize. It would have been a good match, if her vanity weren’t so overblown. You said it yourself more than once, she will end up an old maid before she finds a husband she deems worthy of her hand.”
Valentine’s jaw clenched. “Sir, you go too far to think you have the right to speak for me.”
“Oh, come now,” Linus shot back. “I only voice what you have alluded to over the years.”
Valentine stayed silent and Melanie wrapped her arms around her chest, hurt to the quick. Valentine must think the same if he didn’t deny Mr. Radley’s words. Had she made a mistake in staying in Brighton?
“I think I see the problem,” Walter George said as he glanced between them all, his eyes narrowing. “You’re family, and you certainly don’t care to upset the applecart when it has only just started to roll along smoothly again.”
“Oh, shut up,” Mr. Radley snapped at him.
Rather than be intimidated, Mr. George stepped forward. “You should apologize to Miss Merton now.”
Melanie shivered at the menace in his tone. She’d never heard that from him before either.
“What has this to do with you, George?”
Mr. George set his hands to his hips. “If you consider yourself in any way a gentleman, you will retract your words before
this goes any further. Remember, I’m not family and I have the luxury of not caring that I offend you, especially when you are so far in the wrong.”
“This is none of your concern.”
“If I have to teach you a lesson in manners, so be it.” He dropped his hands to his sides but the next moment they curled into fists.
“She led me on,” Mr. Radley insisted.
“That is utterly ridiculous.” With one punch, Mr. George knocked Mr. Radley backward.
Melanie cried out in shock, but Radley quickly righted himself and lifted his fists.
“No!” She caught Walter by the back of his coat to drag him back across the room, noticing as she did that Valentine had tackled Mr. Radley and was forcing him in the direction of the door. “What are you doing?”
Thankfully, the large man yielded and backed up a few steps. “Defending your honor seemed appropriate. I always thought Radley had a vulgar manner about him when it came to the ladies. I don’t blame any woman for turning down such a man.” His gaze sharpened on Mr. Radley. “Do not speak to her again until you can do so as a gentleman.”
“Walter!” She could not believe such words would come out of the quiet man’s mouth. He was normally the least excitable out of all of her brother’s friends.
Valentine finished shoving Radley out the door and slammed it shut. He turned to them and his face was pale. “Hell.”
“Valentine?” Julia asked in a worried voice from the staircase. “What’s all the noise?”