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“One which involves warming her arse, I hope,” Granger muttered.
“You can stay out of this too,” Evie warned.
“Gladly,” the younger man huffed. “And for your information, these colors are what is currently in fashion.”
“But not all to be worn at the same time,” she scorned.
“You are impertinent.”
“And you are ridiculous.”
“At least I know how to behave in civilized company.”
“But not, apparently, how to dress appropriately.”
“More so than you.” He looked down pointedly at the lack of shoes on her feet and then up to her gloveless hands.
Evie curled her toes self-consciously before arranging her gown so that her feet were no longer visible. She pushed her bare hands behind her back. “You are no gentleman, sir.”
“More so than you are a lady.”
They sounded, Hunter realized, like two siblings squabbling in the nursery.
Granger drew in a controlling breath. “As you and the other Ruthless Dukes have successfully eliminated four of the possible culprits I shall leave now and continue with my own investigations into my cousin’s murder,” he told Hunter.
He nodded. “By all means.” If Granger was not to blame for Plymouth’s death, then the more people searching for the real culprit, the better.
“I too must be on my way,” Oxford stated once the younger man had left. “Try to behave in my absence,” he instructed Evie evenly. “We will see about having her things moved to Oxford House later today,” he informed Hunter.
“We most certainly will not,” Evie predictably protested before turning to Hunter. “You cannot just foist me off onto one of your closest friends, moreover a man I do not even know.”
“He can do as he pleases,” Oxford answered her. “But take a few moments of thought before you say too much more,” he added softly. “For if I am such a close friend of Lincoln’s, why would he be so cruel as to ‘foist’ a rebellious ward upon me?” He nodded to them both before departing.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
Evie had no idea why Hunter would do such a thing. No idea why he would be socruelto her as to rid himself of her guardianship without so much as speaking to her about it first.
Of course, it might have been his intention to tell her of his decision. She was the one who had burst into his study denouncing his intention to marry her off to the young peacock. If she had not accused Hunter in this way, perhaps he would have discussed the subject of her transferring her guardianship with her reasonably and calmly.
Perhaps.
But even if he did, it would still be a case of discussing it with herafterthe decision had been made, and without discerning her feelings on the matter.
She straightened. “As you seem determined to be rid of me, you might be pleased to hear I have suggested to Lady Margaret that the two of us might rent or buy a cottage and reside quietly in the country together.”
Lincoln’s brows rose. “You believe that would please me?”
“Yes,” she confirmed, slightly flustered by his too-calm demeanor. “It would certainly be more preferable to me than having such a stern and rigid gentleman as the Duke of Oxford as my guardian.” She gave a shudder.
Lincoln chuckled. “I believe Oxford was deliberately antagonizing you just now.”
“Then he succeeded,” she snapped. “Although I cannot imagine why he would want to do such a thing.” She frowned.
“His droll sense of humor is, I admit, something of an acquired taste.”
“Did you really tell him about—about—”
“Spanking your arse? Yes.” Hunter sighed. “But only because I needed him to realize how dire this situation is and to agree to become your guardian sooner rather than later.”
