He had half a mind to head down to the library, where he could access the secret staircase that led to her room. But knowing Fleur, she would have already thought of that. It wouldn’t be the first time she dragged her vanity table in front of the hidden door to block access. Besides, she’d know what he was about the instant he abandoned his current post.

“Fleur!” he yelled, slamming the door with the flat of his hand. It stung, and he swore viciously. “I will saw off the bloody doorknob!”

Again, nothing.

“I will do it!” he bellowed. “Do not think I won’t!”

Silence.

Richard closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall. He was appalled at what he’d been reduced to, screaming like a madman outside his sister’s bedroom door. He didn’t even want to think about what the servants were saying below-stairs. They had to know something was amiss; no doubt each would have his own lurid theory.

He didn’t care, just as long as no one guessed the truth.

Or rather, what would be the truth.

He hated himself for what had to happen. But what else could he do? When his father had died, he had been entrusted with the care and well-being of his sisters. He was only trying to protect her. And Marie-Claire. Was she really so selfish that she could not see that?

“Richard?”

He nearly jumped a foot. Iris had sneaked up on him while his eyes were closed.

“I’m sorry,” she said in a quiet voice. “I did not mean to give you a fright.”

He choked back irrational laughter. “You’re the least frightening thing in the house, I assure you.”

Wisely, she did not respond.

But her presence made him only more determined to speak to his sister. “Forgive me,” he said to his wife, then once again bellowed, “Fleur!” He pounded on the door so hard, the wall shook. “God help me, I will kick this door down!”

“Before or after you saw off the doorknob?” came Fleur’s taunting response.

He ground his teeth together, taking a shuddering breath through his nose. “Fleur!”

Iris laid a gentle hand on his arm. “Can I be of help?”

“It’s a family matter,” he bit off.

She drew her hand back, and then she drew her body back. “Forgive me,” she said sharply. “I thought I was family.”

“You met her three minutes ago,” he snapped. It was a cruel comment, and completely uncalled for, but he was so furious just then, he couldn’t possibly temper his words.

“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Iris said haughtily. “Since you’re managing so well.”

“You know nothing about this.”

Her eyes narrowed. “A fact of which I am quite aware.”

Dear God, he couldn’t fight both of them right now. “Please,” he said to her, “try to be reasonable.”