“Please, Josie. Come with me. Let me protect you. I promise I’ll do a better job this time.”
CHAPTER 22
Ittooksomepersuasion,but he finally convinced Josie to come for a stay at his home. He had not imagined it would be that difficult. Despite the fire, the danger, and the myriad enticements he had used to try to bribe her, her reluctance to leave her home was strong. The only argument that coaxed her out of the apparent security of her familiar environment was that it would be the best for Edward.
He needed to convene with his solicitor on the matter of the guardianship, and even if she didn’t see it right now, they needed to establish her in society. Prove she was not morally unfit to be the child’s guardian. And being his fiancée would help in that regard. It wasn’t often that he wielded the might of his title, but in this instance, he was glad to lay the ducal influence at her feet.
Once Josie agreed, it still required a couple of days for her to be ready to travel, much to his impatience. He recognized she had arrangements to make for the repairs required at Dunn Towers, and he had offered his help with that as well, butshe had stubbornly refused, maintaining it was her duty. So he champed at the bit with impatience while she interviewed masons, carpenters, and a host of other tradesmen to undertake the repairs. She also informed him, quite reasonably, that she needed to have at least a couple of gowns made before she traveled to London.
They had arrived in London at dusk the previous day, and once again she thwarted his plans of having her stay at his residence, pointing out the impropriety of it and the importance of maintaining absolute respectability.
So here he was, calling on her at the unfashionable hour of ten in the morning, in hopes of luring her away on a shopping expedition. Memories of the last time he called at this home swamped him as soon as he stepped foot inside the foyer. Nothing seemed to have changed. From the elderly butler to the dark paneled hallway to the portraits of her family’s ancestors displayed proudly.
He was shown to the drawing room while the encounter with her brother replayed in his mind. The bastard had lied to his face while destroying Josephine’s and his dreams. How could he not have seen it? Were there any telltale signs he should have noticed that something was not right? Much like discovering the proof of arson, maybe he should have looked into the story more closely. He had not believed it at first… until he saw the letter.
He went to stand by the window, looking out to avoid the memories. Being in this house made his skin crawl. He’d rather be anywhere but here.
“Your Grace!” Josephine called as she entered the drawing. He turned swiftly, his dark mood dissolving at the sight of her.
He hated that she still was so guarded around him, but what else could he expect? He had a long way to go before he could regain her trust.
“Josephine. Are we back to formalities, then? Please call me Michael.”
“As you wish, Michael.” She nodded and offered a small smile.
The way her voice turned husky and warm around his name had the same effect of an intimate caress. He cleared his throat to dislodge the inappropriate thoughts.
“I’ve come to beg your company on a mission I’m undertaking.”
“Oh? And where might this mission take us?”
“To Bond Street. I intend to take you shopping for all the things you and your nephew might need.”
She wore a simple dress similar to the one she had worn the day before. She always looked beautiful, but the dress was barely adequate for Northumberland, much less for London. He wished to swath her in the most beautiful gowns, to pamper and care for her. To make her feel beautiful and seen.
He saw temptation warring with reticence in her eyes. Her gaze shifted and her welcoming smile dimmed.
“I don’t know if I can today,” she said, taking a seat in one of the chairs.
“And why not? The sooner the better.” He took the chair opposite hers. “I think you understand the necessity of a proper wardrobe in London.”
“I do. And I’ll acquire a few gowns. But I was planning to have the modiste visit me at home.”
“You could do that. But it would take longer. And there are many other things you and Edward need. Shoes, hats, and other accessories. Toys.”
She looked away, pursing her lips. He could practically see the gears turning in her head, analyzing the pros and cons of venturing out and trying to find a way to get out of it if possible.
“But must it be today? I’m still tired from the trip yesterday.”
“Tell me why you are procrastinating on a task that should be very enjoyable. I thought all women liked to shop for pretty gowns.”
“I… if you must know, Bond Street will be positively crawling with members of the ton. I don’t want to meet anyone. I don’t want to be introduced. I don’t want to have to listen to their barbed comments and thinly veiled insults. I told you, I just want to disappear.”
“That is not possible, Josie. Not if you want to maintain guardianship of Edward. Besides that, he needs an aunt who is comfortable and well established in society to help him navigate it when he’s older.”
She looked down, heaving a sigh. Her shoulders drooped and, uncharacteristically, she fidgeted with a fold of her skirt.
“I don’t know if I’ll be capable. Society will never accept me, and I’m fine with that. After living in seclusion for years, I’m uncomfortable around strangers. And I have no interest in being judged and gossiped about. I don’t know how to navigate society anymore, Michael.”
