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“Is that the full story?”
Richard’s cheeks turned a ruddy shade. “And I am ashamed I have caused this situation … and the contents of the note.”
“Let me see the note, then.”
Richard patted at his pockets. “I do not have it on me. I must have left it in my clothes, so Shaw will have it somewhere. Perhaps it is in my dressing table in my chambers.”
Sophia huffed in irritation. The walk up to their chambers was interminable in this gigantic house, and she was too impatient to make the journey. “Well, tell me about it, then. Where did it come from?”
“Shaw found it in my tailcoat after we returned from the Lawson musicale. Someone snuck it into my pocket when I was collecting refreshments.”
Sophia blanched, her legs were unsteady, and she reached for a seat to settle down onto. That night had been special for her, but he had been disingenuous, hiding a secret from her. It cast a new light on how they spent their night after the musicale. “You bedded me for the first time that night knowing about the note?”
Richard’s consternation was mollifying. “No! I did not know about it then. Shaw gave it to me the following morning.”
Sophia drew a deep, fortifying breath in her relief. “What did it say?”
“It threatened to harm someone I love.”
“Me?”
“Or Ethan. The caricature of all my supposed children confirmed the scoundrel was aware of him, too.”
Sophia felt empathy for her husband’s plight. Since the day of their wedding, he had been grappling with one upheaval after another while knowing there was a hidden enemy planning the next disaster.
Richard cleared his throat, causing Sophia to tense. It appeared another downturn was to be announced, from the expression of discomfort on his face. “Which is why I have reached a decision to send you and Ethan to Saunton Park until this danger has passed.”
Sophia jumped to her feet. “No!”
“It is best—”
“No! We are a family and we must stick together.”
“Sophia, be reasonable—”
“I will not! You promised me.” Sophia lowered her voice, quoting in a husky tone, “‘I will allow you your freedom. As my countess, you may do anything you want and I will support you, as long as you are at my side.’That is what you said the day you visited me at my uncle’s home! I will remain at your side, as we agreed that day.”
Richard grimaced. “Please, Sophia, I must keep you and Ethan safe. I could not live with the guilt if something happened to either of you. I can barely live with my guilt for exposing you to this because of my shameful past.”
“It is illogical, husband. If Ethan and I leave London, it will expose us while we travel for days to Somerset. Not to mention we will have to divide the men we have to split off. There is no guarantee that the villain dogging you will not observe our departure and follow us in order to ambush us. Here in London, the resources are combined, and we are protected behind the walls of Balfour Terrace. I will not leave! If you attempt to force me, my cooperation will end.” She banged his desk with her open hand.
Richard’s jaw fell open. “Bloody hell, you are a magnificent creature!”
“Do not attempt to charm me, husband.”
“Sophia, you have made some fine points, but—”
“No but. I am not leaving! And I expect you to show me the note!” With a flurry of skirts, she stalked out of his study. If she remained any longer, she could not be responsible for what she might do to the infuriating oaf.
CHAPTER16
Perry loped in to collapse with a negligent air into one of the ivory armchairs. “I thought that went rather well.”
Richard picked up his empty water glass and threw it at his sardonic brother, who quickly ducked so that it hit the wall behind him in a shattering spray of shards.
“My, my, brother. Your emotions are taking over.”
“Quit finding amusement in my troubles or I will blacken your eye,brother.”
