Josephine by Amanda Mariel & Christina McKnight

Author:Amanda Mariel & Christina McKnight [Mariel, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Brook Ridge Press
Published: 2017-12-05T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

Devon tugged at his cravat desperate to remove the blasted thing. His skin burned, and a sheen of sweat covered his brow. “It’s bloody hot in here, Stalworth. Open a window.”

“Right away, Your Grace.” The valet strode across the room then through open a window, allowing the night air in.

Devon pulled his cravat free then shrugged from his coat. “I won’t require a fire this evening.”

“Very well,” Stalworth said as he helped Devon out of his remaining garments. “Is there anything else you require?”

“No, thank you.” Devon slid into his bed as a knock sounded on his door. What the devil? He nodded at Stalworth then watched as he went to answer it.

“Visitors have arrived,” his butler’s voice drifted in from the hall.

Devon whipped sweat from his brow. “Who?”

“His Grace wishes to know who they are,” Stalworth repeated.

“A gentleman and two ladies. Mr. Felton Crawford—”

“Come in here. The both of you.” Devon’s heart raced as he sat up, pinning the butler with his gaze. “Go on.”

“Mr. Crawford, along with his wife and Lady Josephine.”

“Josie…” Excitement course through him. She’d followed him. His angel was here, under his roof. Excitement gave way to dread. “Where is mother?”

“Asleep in her room, Your Grace.”

Devon rubbed a hand across his jaw. As much as he longed to, he could not allow them to stay. What the devil were they doing here anyway? He took a deep breath. “Tell them I am not in residence.”

The butler failed. “Surely you do not mean for me to turn them away.”

“That is exactly what you are to do.”

The butler stammered, “F-forgive my insolence, Your Grace, but the hour is late. They came on horseback without the protection of a carriage.”

The damn fools! What was he to do now? He could not risk them discovering mother any more than he could toss them out into the night.

“Might I suggest putting them up in the east wing for the night?” Stalworth asked.

Devon detested the idea, but what other choice did he have? He could loan them a traveling coach and send them on their way, but that would give away the fact that he was in residence for servants did not hold such authority. At least in the east wing they would be far removed from mother’s suit of rooms. “Very well. See them settled for the night, but I want them gone at first light.”

“As you wish, Your Grace.” The butler bowed then, backing out of the room.

Devon settled back against his pillows. “Stalworth, there is one more thing.”

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“Instruct Sally not to leave mother’s side. Tell her we have guests and she is to keep mother safely out of sight until they have gone. Make Miss Harrington aware as well.”

“Straight away.” Stalworth extinguished the lamp beside Devon’s bed then took his leave.

Devon lay awake in the dark thinking about Josie on the other side of his house. Had she been dismayed to find him not at home? Did she believe that he was out? Did she lay awake too? Perhaps she longed to join him as he did her.

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