“You wanted an heir?” Sarah growled at the marquess. “Fine. I’ll give you one or I’ll die trying.”

Hugh cleared his throat, presumably trying to remind her that this whole cockup of a day had started with his predicted demise.

“Not a word out of you, either,” she said furiously, swinging around with an irately pointed finger. He was standing just a few feet away, his cane lightly gripped in his hand. “I am sick of you and you and him”—she jerked her head toward Daniel, who was still sitting against the wall, clutching his rapidly blackening eye—“trying to solve things. You’re useless, the lot of you. It’s been over three years, and the only way you’ve managed to keep peace is by threatening to kill yourself.” She swung back around to face Hugh, and her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Which you will not do.”

Hugh stared at her until he realized he was supposed to speak. “I will not,” he said.

“Lady Sarah,” Lord Ramsgate said, “I must tell you—”

“Shut up,” she snapped. “I have been told, Lord Ramsgate, that you are desirous of an heir. Or should I say an heir beyond the two you already possess.”

The marquess gave a terse nod.

“And, in fact, you are so desirous of this heir that Lord Hugh was able to bargain for my cousin’s safety with his own life.”

“It was an unholy bargain,” Lord Ramsgate spat.

“In that we are in agreement,” Sarah said, “but I believe you have forgotten an important detail. If, indeed, all you care about is procreation, Lord Hugh’s life is worthless without mine.”

“Oh, so now you’re going to tell me that you are also going to threaten suicide.”

“Nothing of the sort,” Sarah said with a derisive snort. “But think for a moment, Lord Ramsgate. The only way you can get your precious grandchild is if your son and I remain in good health and happiness. And let me tell you, if you make me unhappy in any manner, I will bar him from my bed.”

There was a highly satisfying lurch of silence.

Lord Ramsgate scoffed. “He will be your lord and master. You can’t bar him from anywhere.”

Hugh cleared his throat. “I wouldn’t dream of violating her wishes,” he murmured.

“You worthless excuse—”

“You’re making me unhappy, Lord Ramsgate,” Sarah warned.

Lord Ramsgate let out a furious breath, and Sarah knew she had bested him. “If any permanent harm should ever come to my cousin,” she warned, “I swear I will hunt you down and rip you apart with my bare hands.”

“I would take her at her word,” Daniel said, still gently palpating the skin around his eye.

Sarah crossed her arms. “Do we all understand these terms?”

“I certainly do,” Daniel mumbled.