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“Mitchell!” Elijah’s voice barked out loudly, with a faint echo as it bounced off the floor and ceiling. Turning her head, Josie watched her husband stride down the hall, a storm cloud expression on his face. The kind of expression he got when she and Evie had really and truly stepped in it. He might have said the man’s name, but his eyes—his glare—were directed at her.
Josie bristled. Why was he glaring at her? She glared back, her temper already sparking. There were plenty of pent-up emotions from the day to fuel her—him leaving her bed first thing in the morning, not once mentioning the Society of Sin’s event tomorrow, and now glaring at her for no reason. It seemed he was not happy to see this man in the foyer, but that was hardly her fault, now was it?
To her surprise, Elijah averted his gaze, transferring his glare to the man, who seemed to shrivel a little.
“Who let you in, Mitchell?”
“I let myself in.” The man shrugged insouciantly. “I did not think it would be a problem. It never has been in the past.”
There was no mistaking the unhappy expression on Elijah’s face.
“Do not do so again. Father and I will be changing the protocol. He is in his study. I will meet you there.”
Mitchell gave another sardonic bow, this one directed to Elijah, before glancing at Josie and giving her another half bow. Coming down the last few stairs, Elijah stood between them, cutting off her view with his broad back to her. She could hear Mitchell’s footsteps moving down the hall, away from them and toward Uncle Oliver’s study.
Only then did Elijah turn around to face her. She was waiting, with arms crossed over her chest, one foot tapping impatiently, and an eyebrow arched. Not that her clear displeasure had any effect on him.
“Stay away from Mitchell,” he ordered, in the bossy tone that had always driven her up the wall.
“Why?” Not that she wanted to spend any time with the man, but she did not like Elijah ordering her around without explanation.
“He is no gentleman.” The stiff manner of his statement had her suspicions rising even more.
“In what way?”
“Dammit, Josie, can you not just do what I say for once?”
“No.” She snorted. “Not without good reason.” He did not need to know she had no interest in being anywhere near this ‘Mitchell.’ Josie did not appreciate his high-handed orders without explanation and would not bow to them. If that was the kind of woman he wanted, he would have done better to court Miss Bliss, like his brother.
“Just stay away from him.” Rather than giving her a satisfactory answer, Elijah turned on his heel and followed Mitchell down the hall. He glanced over his shoulder. “And no eavesdropping!”
Pressing her lips together, Josie whirled and stomped up the stairs, not caring how childish it was. Elijah was determined to cut her out of everything. This evening, she would entertain herself, and tomorrow evening, she would join the Society of Sin for the first time. See what he made of that! Ha!
Elijah
Hearing Josie’s tantrum all the way up the stairs, Elijah rubbed his palm against his thigh. The urge to go after her and spank some sense—and respect—into her sassy bottom was growing stronger by the minute, which was why he had had to turn heel and retreat. He could not just throw his new wife over his knee and spank her.
Why not?
Ignoring the insidious little voice, he continued down the hall. He should be wondering why Mitchell was here, but all he could think about was seeing Mitchell eyeing Josie. She was beautiful this evening, despite being dressed to stay in. If anything, the simple green gown was even more appealing than some of the more elaborate ballgowns.
Certainly, it would be easier to take off her.
If she allowed him to after that little scene. Perhaps it would be better to eschew visiting her bed chambers tonight. The idea of going from her bed tonight to the Society of Sin’s gathering tomorrow… well, it did not feel right. Better to stay away from her bed this evening. Not only was she cross with him, but it would help damp down any possible gossip from the servants about their feelings for each other, and he would not feel as though he was hopping bedsheets.
The small tiff in the foyer would also help stomp on any gossip about a possible love match between them. It was more like business as always, which was unfortunate. Elijah was not going to explain himself to her, though. Mitchell’s unsavory nature was not fit for a lady’s ears, and Josie should trust him to guard her best interests. Why could she not follow directions?
“Mitchell, what brings you here?” Father asked as Elijah slipped through the door. Rather than closing it all the way, he left it cracked open, allowing him to see down the hall. If Josie came back down to listen to their conversation, he would see her approach. He leaned against the door, watching the hall as he listened.
“Rumors, my lord,” Mitchell said, seating himself in one of the chairs in front of Father’s desk. “Rumors of a Frenchman who came over with the delegation but is not part of the delegation. Supposedly, he disappeared after they disembarked from their ship and has been seen in the Warrens.”
The Warrens were one of the worst parts of London. The streets were ruled by the most vicious denizens of the underground, many of who had built wealth through nefarious means or the gaming hells they ran. Ladies never stepped foot there, and only those lords who were there to gamble dared venture forth.
“Do you have confirmation?” Father asked, sitting up with interest. If there was a Frenchman who had broken off from the main group and was now lurking in the Warrens, there was a good chance he was the one who had set up Josie at the ball.
“Not yet, but I am working on it.” Mitchell sounded very pleased with himself, as well he should. This might be their first break. Elijah might not like Mitchell, but he had his uses.
Chapter 15
