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The girls started to argue without real heat, and a most complex emotion clutched his chest. Elizabeth was the eldest at seventeen, and she would experience her first season in the following year. A libertine like Viscount Shuttleworth could act dastardly toward her, and because of fear and doubt, she would hide it from him and suffer in silence.
The very idea was insupportable and unbearable.
He must have made a noise, for his sisters glanced around where he leaned against the wall by the entrance, three bright pairs of gold eyes glowing with their pleasure to see him.
“You did not announce you are home,” Juliette said, grinning. “Mama was waiting for you earlier but has retired to bed. She believes we must return to the countryside and our studies, so sadly, dear brother, you will be missing us soon.”
William padded over, lowering himself to the carpet. He emptied the glass of brandy before setting it aside. He ruffled Juliette’s hair, and she glared at him. Since she had turned fifteen last month, she often glowered at him for ruffling her hair. In truth, the things she enjoyed, like climbing trees and fishing with him, had been set aside for more ladylike pursuits. She often spoke about her season and many romantic nonsenses.
“What would you girls do should anyone accost or threaten you?”
They sobered and shared speaking glances with each other. His sisters had that talent where they silently communicated with accurate precision.
“Do you mean a gentleman?” Elizabeth, the gentlest of the three, queried.
“I mean anyone,” he said flatly. “Should anyone hurt, threaten, or impugn your reputation or honor, what would you do?”
“First,” Sophie piped up, narrowing her eyes in serious contemplation, “we would tell you about it, William.”
They nodded in unison, pinning him with their bright stares.
“Would you?” he said, leaning over to tuck a wisp of hair behind Sophie’s ear. “You would inform me even if the situation is most ruinous and scandalous?”
“Yes,” she said, smiling sweetly upon him. “You would stick a knife in the gullet of anyone who dared hurt us and make him bleed.”
William arched a brow, recalling his conversation with Oscar only a few weeks ago in his study. “Were you eavesdropping, Sophie?” he mockingly growled.
“No.” she waved a hand to encompass her sisters. “We all were.”
William laughed, ruffling her hair. Sophie did not pout like Juliette, not yet at the age where she resented being treated like the baby of the family.
“Promise me,” he said, meeting each of their gazes. “Should anyone harm you in any way, you will tell me. I would never force you against your will or wishes.”
They nodded solemnly, and William grunted when Juliette hurled herself into his arms and hugged him. He said nothing when Sophie and Elizabeth followed.
“What do you think of us staying up for a few more hours?” Sophie whispered.
The little minx. “That decision is entirely up to you girls,” he said, knowing it was well after midnight. “However, know I shall not save anyone from our mother’s wrath.”
They laughingly complained, and after chatting with them for several more minutes, William made his way from the drawing room and outside. He lifted his face to the sky and took a deep breath of the night air into his lungs before slowly exhaling. His actions might very well spark a scandal but given the ruthless manner in which he planned to deliver his message to Viscount Shuttleworth, the man would be wise to remain silent.
William took his time and strolled from his townhouse in Grosvenor Square until he reached Upper Wimpole Street, where the viscount resided. The rumor said his new wife was with child and confined in Derbyshire, while Shuttleworth enjoyed the frivolities of the season alone. William opened the small wrought iron gate, went up the set of steps, and knocked on the door. It took a few minutes before the door was opened by the butler, who appeared in want of sleep.
“Inform your master the Marquess of Trent is here to see him.”
The butler straightened his spine, a mask of professionalism settling about him. “Lord Shuttleworth is not yet home, my lord.”
Ah, so the bounder was still unconscious under the shrubbery. “I will await him in the drawing room, and when he arrives, you will inform him right away that I await his presence,” William said, expecting to be promptly obeyed.
The butler seemed uncertain, then he stepped aside and allowed William entry, leading him to a parlor with a small fire flickering in the hearth. He padded over to the window which overlooked the cobbled streets, parted the curtains, and waited.
Lady Phillipa was not his friend, and it was quite unlikely they would have any sort of interaction beyond those moments in the gardens. It was not his duty or right to protect her, yet every instinct within William informed him that this visit was imperative and necessary. Folding his arms behind him, he stood with his feet braced apart, absorbing the stillness of the night and townhouse around him, and simply waited.
Pippa bitinto her toast slathered with strawberry preserves, listening to the lively conversation floating about her but not partaking in it. Her father, mother, and brother were seated at the table inside her father’s palatial four-story townhouse in Grosvenor Square. They chatted animatedly about the latest gossip, even the earl suitably engaged in their idle conversation.
“There is some rubbish rumor in White’s that someone runs a ladies’ club right here in town,” her father groused, taking a hearty sip of his coffee. “It was Viscount Barrington who mentioned that more and more ladies seemed to be caught in one shenanigan after the other, and at the source of it was some sort of wager or dare.”
The countess delicately patted her mouth with her serviette and cast Pippa a speaking glance. Of course, she had trusted her mother with the truth that she was a member of 48 Berkeley Square. Her mother also knew that Pippa learned the art of fencing and boxing from the club and read books that she might otherwise be forbidden. Her mother also understood that the club was a second home for Pippa, encouraging her daughter in her unusual pursuits and friendships.
