Panic ripped through her. She forced all thought from her mind—except one. "What letter?"
"The letter your husband received from the man in Scotland."
She had no idea what he was talking about, but said, "Kiernan keeps all personal papers in his bedchambers."
Ty shoved to his feet, dragging her with him. He drew the pistol from his waistband. "One peep and I'll blow your brains out."
She nodded.
"Which floor?" he demanded.
"Third floor, west wing."
"Any servants about?"
She shook her head. "The duke and duchess don't allow them to work into the night."
"How magnanimous of them," he said, and prodded her toward the door.
The turn of the doorknob stopped them short.
Ty cursed. Phoebe rammed her elbow into his ribs and wrenched free of his grip as she dove right. He swung his pistol toward her and she rolled. A shot resounded and she jumped before realizing that Ty hadn't fired. Her vision snapped into focus onto Kiernan, who strode across the room, still gripping the pistol he'd fired.
Ty scrambled to his feet. Blood stained the left side of his shirt over his ribs. Mather appeared in the doorway, a revolver in hand, but Kiernan reached Ty. Kiernan threw aside his gun and drove a heavy blow into Ty's belly. Ty dropped to his knees. Kiernan seized his lapel and lifted. Her cousin rammed his head into Kiernan's gut and drove him backwards until they crashed into a chair.
Phoebe jumped to her feet. "Mather! Do something."
Mather looked at her, brow raised.
Kiernan rammed an elbow into Ty's shoulder. Phoebe spied Ty's pistol lying on the floor near her foot and she snatched up the weapon. The two men were on their feet again. She pointed the weapon at Ty as Mather reached her side.
"No, Lady Ashlund." He eased the weapon downward. "You might hit His Lordship and I've worked far too hard this evening to keep him from getting shot."
The duke appeared in the doorway, a revolver in hand, as Kiernan's fist slammed Ty's jaw. The blow lifted her cousin off his feet and slammed him into the coffee table. Wood splintered and he went limp.
"What in bloody hell is going on?" the duke demanded.
Phoebe glimpsed Elise in the hallway. He glanced back at her, then looked back at Kiernan.
"We have Mr. Branbury's killer," Kiernan said in a dark voice that sent a shiver down her back. "I'll explain all—" he glanced at Phoebe, eyes dark with fury "—tomorrow."
In three paces, he was at her side and grabbed her arm. "What the hell happened?"
"I fell asleep in the library when Ty—"
"The library?" he cut in.
Ty groaned.
Kiernan looked at Mather. "Mather, if you please. I believe Richard has a cell reserved for the baron."
"With pleasure, sir."
Mather strode to where Ty stirred, then seized him by the collar and dragged him to his feet. Ty swayed but stood on his own when Mather released him.
"Can't have that," Mather said, and threw a hard uppercut to Ty's jaw. Ty crumpled to the floor, then Mather hauled him over his shoulder and started for the door. "Your Grace," he said as he passed the duke. "Ma'am," he nodded to the duchess, and disappeared down the hall.
Kiernan's grip on Phoebe's arm tightened. "Lady Ashlund, I warned you what would happen if I returned home to find you anywhere but in my bed."
She flushed. "Sir, I—"
He dragged her to the couch near the window and dropped onto the cushion, hauling her over his lap, and yanking her nightgown up over her buttocks. She gasped.
"Kiernan," Elise began.
"Lass," the duke cut in, and Phoebe snapped her head in their direction. The duke gave his wife a warning shake of his head.
Embarrassed warmth spread up Phoebe's cheeks. She couldn't believe it. The duke was going to stand by while his son spanked her bare bottom!
Kiernan's hold on her waist tightened. She twisted in an effort to break free, but his arm pinned her more tightly to his lap. A slap sounded before the stinging registered in her mind. Before she could yelp, his broad palm again connected with the sensitive skin of her buttocks.
"Release me!" She thrashed.
He smacked her again.
"MacGregor," she shouted. "I will put a bullet through your—" Another slap followed, harder this time. "That hurts!"
Kiernan gave yet another stinging swat, then shoved to his feet, dragging her with him. She jerked her head up, eyes narrowed in fury.
He lifted a brow. "I believe you know what is to follow."
Confusion gave way to understanding. "You had best never untie me, for I will brain you in your sleep."
He gave a nod. "I am pleased that your plans include me. Come along."
She dug in her heels, but he hugged her to his side and forced her to match step with him. "Father," he said as they neared the door. He smiled at the duchess, who stared wide-eyed. "Elise."
Once through the doorway, Kiernan lifted Phoebe so that her feet left the carpet. She gave him a hard kick, but he didn't slow, and instead took the stairs two at a time. They reached his room and he strode to the bed. Kiernan dropped her feet onto the floor only to grab the waist of her nightgown.