Will flopped onto his back. All he wanted was days, weeks of her to himself. Thank heaven her maid was French. “Pull the sheet over me. As soon as you are dressed, I’ll call Tidwell.”
“You may enter, Marisole.”
Less than a half hour later, Eugénie was washed and dressed in a charming turquoise muslin gown. Once she’d gone, his valet arrived.
They met in the dining room, where Eugénie prepared him a large mug of tea and a plate of baked eggs, toast, and marmalade. Uncle Nathan sat close to Aunt Sidonie, transformed overnight from a grieving widow to a wife in full bloom. When she smiled, he knew what Eugénie would look like in twenty years.
As he practically shoveled down his food, Nathan said, “The French galley followed us yesterday. We must put an end to any of the Villaret family’s scheming as it concerns Eugénie.”
Will stopped eating for a moment. “I agree.”
“I’d also like to see the marriage settlements.”
He’d expected that. “Mr. Whitecliff took them to Wivenly House. I was at a bit of a disadvantage when we drew them up as I did not know the full extent of Eugénie’s holdings.”
“I do not understand.” Eugénie set down her cup of tea. “I have nothing but what Papa gives me.”
Will slid his arm around her waist. “No, my love. You also have funds from your French father and property in France.”
She glanced from Uncle Nathan back to Will. “Why did no one tell me?”
Her mother shrugged. “You were never interested, and I was not sure I knew everything. Your Papa always handled the finances.”
Will took another sip of tea. “I decided Eugénie should keep whatever she owns and Mr. Whitecliff and I drafted a trust of sorts. In addition, I have settled what I own outright on her and any children. As you know, sir, I could not commit my father.”
Nathan rubbed a hand over his face. “I realize you did the best you could under the circumstances, and you were extremely generous. We’ll speak with your father when we return to England.”
“Return?”Sidonie, Eugénie, and Will blurted out at the same time.
Nathan nodded. “After I took Benet to my mother in England, I began to think about moving the rest of the family back. It is not that I don’t love it here, but I had the girls to consider and, to be quite frank, tensions between the Danes and English have increased.” He glanced at Aunt Sidonie. “If you don’t mind, my dear, I’d like to start moving the company to England.”
“Whatever you wish to do, my darling.” She grinned at him. “With two of our children living there, I think it is a good idea.”
“When you’re finished eating, Will,”—Nathan eyed Will’s plate as if he’d just noticed how much food had been on it—“we’ll visit the Vicomte Villaret.”
“Thatwill not be necessary.” A man with a strong French accent addressed them, glaring at Uncle Nathan and Will.
“Sorry, Wivenly,” Henriksen said. “He got past my man.”
“Could we have more tea?” Aunt Sidonie asked.
Villaret stood ramrod straight. “I do not care for tea. As soon as I have collected Eugénie, we shall leave. Also, I wish whoever murdered my brother to be arrested.”
Will clenched his teeth. Like hell he’d be arrested for killing that blackguard, nor would he allow Eugénie to go anywhere without him.
Chapter 30
Maman’s hands flew to her lips as she gasped. At the same time, Papa and William both shot to their feet, towering over Uncle Hervé.
Will’s voice was low and dangerous. “My wifeis not going anywhere with you.”
One corner of Hervé’s upper lip rose. “You cannot have married my niece. I am her guardian, and you would have required my permission.”
“The devil you are!” Papa bellowed. “The courts on Martinique and St. Thomas granted me guardianship.”
The older man stood as if neither William nor Papa mattered at all. “But the French court awarded me guardianship just six months ago. This so-called marriage is void.” He glanced at Eugénie. “Come, my dear.”
She stood, grabbing William’s arm as he lunged at her uncle. “Stop, all of you. Papa, William, sit. I cannot see over you. Now, perhaps we can clear this up without further bloodshed.” Eugénie fixed a basilisk gaze on Hervé. “Though Yves got exactly what he deserved. We shall discuss that later. First, tell me, what is the age of majority in France?”
