“I don’t believe the materials will simply burst into flames.”
“But you saw how they exploded and caused the fire to spread and gain strength. We almost didn’t survive, Michael. Maybe I should stop. They are dangerous to have around a small child.”
“No. You are not giving up on your passion. I won’t allow it.”
“It’s not your choice to make.”
“The fire was not your fault.” He had to focus on his driving while maneuvering through Piccadilly en route to the perfume store on Jermyn Street, but once he turned down from the main thoroughfare to the quieter street, he continued. “You have been working with perfumes for more than half your life and never had any accidents. This was sabotage, and I’m having it investigated. I may not have apprehended the culprit yet, but I won’t allow it to happen again.”
“If that is the case, it is all the more reason to keep dangerous substances away from the house.”
“Whoever caused the fire is unlikely to do it again. That would be too suspicious. And things that could be used for harm are everywhere. There are dozens of items in any household that could be used for nefarious purposes. That is not the way to prevent disaster.”
“But I could not bear it if any harm came to Edward because of me…”
They had now arrived in front of the famous perfume shop, and he stopped the curricle and turned to look at her. “I won’t allow that to happen, Josephine. I’ve set people to protect you while we are in London. And have men following and investigating your cousin, who is the main suspect. We will take precautions. Once we move to my estate, you’ll be even more secure.”
“Where am I going to keep these materials at your estate?”
He smiled, pleased she was already discussing the logistics. “We have dozens of unused rooms and several buildingsscattered around the gardens. You can take your pick. If none are suitable, I’ll have one built.”
“That won’t be necessary. It would be a great waste when I’m only staying there temporarily.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Michael,” she said in warning, but he also heard fear.
“Josephine.” He held her gaze, letting her see he was in earnest. “We have arrived. Let’s not stand on the street arguing. Come.”
Jumping from the curricle he handed the reins to his tiger and offered his hand to Josephine.
“We’ll go in, and you can browse. What you buy is up to you, but you should not let your fears guide your decisions. Please, trust me to protect you and Edward.”
Heaving a sigh, Josephine nodded slightly. It was as close to capitulation as she was willing to offer, and it was good enough for him, for now. As soon as they stepped foot in the store, her enthusiasm for the craft got the better of her, and he watched amused as she avidly discussed fragrances and other technical terms with the shopkeeper. He stood back, happy to see her pursue her passion.
Half an hour later, and after a substantial order was placed, they were ready to leave the shop when another customer, one he was very glad to see, walked in.
“Duchess! What a pleasure to see you,” Michael greeted Hannah, his voice warm and friendly.
The Duchess of Stanhope turned to them and Josephine did a double take and tensed at his side.
“Aycliffe! The pleasure is mutual, but I go by Lady Brentworth now,” she said, extending her hand for him.
Michael kissed her gloved hand and obligingly conceded. “Lady Brentworth, then, if that is the title you prefer. How are Gabriel and the baby?”
“They are well. Gabriel had some business to attend to, or he would have accompanied me, and I left Samuel napping at home to do some shopping. Ever since he learned to walk, he’s become a menace to every vase and figurine in the house. Bringing him to a store such as this is sure to be a disaster.” She finished with the mock outrage of a proud mother.
“I’m sure he would be forgiven.” Then, seizing this perfect opportunity to introduce Josephine, he placed a gentle hand on the small of her back. “Lady Brentworth, may I introduce my fiancée, Lady Josephine?”
Lady Brentworth turned to Josie, smiling, but then her eyes widened in surprise. Before she could utter a greeting, Josephine spoke.
“Hannah?”
“Josephine! I could scarcely believe my eyes when I thought I recognized you.” Hannah extended both hands in greeting and leaned in for a friendly kiss. Josephine accepted the greeting, but her smile was shy. “I haven’t seen you in ages! I heard you had moved abroad.”
Josie’s face reddened and she lowered her gaze before blurting, “I've been living in an Egyptian harem all these years. I only just returned.”
Well, so much for subtlety. But Hannah took it in stride.
