A Code of Joy by Jacki Delecki

Author:Jacki Delecki [Delecki, Jacki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency romantic suspense
Publisher: Doe Bay Publishing LLC
Published: 2020-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Joie paced the room, unable to sit after the scene she had witnessed. She was a mix of seething emotions with the sight of Paulette’s arm around Mr. Thompson’s neck, and her body crushed against his. His hurtful declaration that he had no interest in innocent girls boomed in an incessant clang in her ears.

The “innocent” label barely stung since she had been sheltered as any young woman of her status. But being called “girl” was an assault on her sensibilities. When she was near Mr. Thompson, she was an awakened woman who knew her heart’s desires. Her feelings for him weren’t girlish in the least.

“Mr. Thompson didn’t resist when she kissed him. I’ve never been more mistaken about a man’s character. Allowing that woman to plaster herself against him with the door open and straight across from your room. He acted like such a solicitous gentleman, procuring a private dining room, escorting us to our room, accompanying you through town.”

Esme’s outrage on Joie’s behalf was a balm to her befuddled feelings. Esme might criticize Joie privately, but she was loyal and would fight for her mistress.

“Tell me again what you heard.”

Joie struggled to make sense of tonight’s incident since nothing about Mr. Thompson’s decision to protect Paulette rang true, especially the kiss.

“I couldn’t hear that much since the door was closed and my heart was pounding like a kettle drum.” Esme grabbed her heart dramatically. “The Bonapartes, Fouché, and spying were all spoken of. Mr. Thompson is an English spy. Fouché will send his violent police agents after Mr. Thompson to kill him if he goes to France.”

Joie swallowed the panic rising in her throat. If Mr. Thompson were discovered in France, he would be killed. Esme didn’t exaggerate the danger. He had tried to warn her off, but she hadn’t listened. How mutton-headed of her to care so much after knowing him for such a brief acquaintance, but she did care with her full heart.

The door swung open, crashing against the wall. Mr. Thompson, his face the color of the Christmas ribbons and his eyes churning with emotion like the changing tide of the Channel, marched toward her. Compared to her father, he was much more impressive in a rage.

Joie stepped away from his ferocious look and the tension projecting from his body. Mad at herself for revealing her momentary fear, she lifted her chin and prepared to defend her actions. Except she didn’t have a defense. And as silly as it seemed, she couldn’t accept that he didn’t feel the same way about her.

His brow was furrowed, and the tic in his jaw was pronounced. “I told you to leave me alone, so instead, you sent your maid . . . As if that made it acceptable.”

Joie signaled for Esme to retreat. She didn’t want her beloved maid to be in the line of fire.

Esme shook her head. Having escaped France’s Reign of Terror, the maid was made of sterner stuff than an irate Mr. Thompson.

“It’s all right, Esme.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.