Page 44 of A Most Unlikely Lady
Philippa narrowed her gaze, looking quite fierce. ‘Where else would we announce your decision to stay on as headmistress of All Soul’s Orphanage indefinitely?’
‘May I have the note? I would like to compare the writing to the one we found on Lord Thurston.’ Edward stood from the settee and walked to Ivy. She tilted her nose up, her wide mouth pressed together in an expression leaving no doubt in his mind what she thought of him. She was livid.
So be it. Anger is an emotion I know well. Anger I can manage.
It was every other emotion Ivy inspired within him that he found difficult to contain. Emotions best left unexamined and locked away in the dark corners of his soul. But for whatever reason, every time he was in Ivy’s presence, those rogue feelings started banging on the walls, demanding attention, fighting to be let free, wanting to run riot through his system like a terrible fever.
Handing the note over with no other comment, Ivy returned her attention to Philippa. ‘Olivia will be so thrilled.’
Philippa’s lip curled as though she smelt something rotten.
‘Is Her Grace’s indigestion acting up? Should I instruct Cook to prepare you stewed prunes again?’ Stokes’ mouth twitched as he rocked ever so slightly on his heels.
Philippa blinked at the man. ‘I hardly think you have time to be making ridiculous suggestions when there is a ball to organise.’
‘Of course, Your Grace.’ Stokes bowed his head in a jerky movement and turned, slowly exiting the room.
Philippa hissed out a disgusted breath. ‘I should pension the bastard off.’
‘Then who would you practise taking shots at?’ Edward asked.
‘I’m just so glad you are willing to host the ball, Philippa. Truly. We really do need the funds most desperately.’ Ivy stood, and Edward couldn’t help noticing how her day dress fell in soft folds. The simple cut highlighted Ivy’s long, lean lines. He ached to touch her as he had at the Widow’s Ball. To feel her pressed against him.
To lie naked with her.
A shocking thought to have in Philippa’s parlour. But once the image crept into his mind, it was impossible to dispel. There was something achingly intimate about two bodies stripped of their shields, sheltering one another, skin against skin.
As if he needed a reminder of all the reasons he deserved no such sweetness in his life, Philippa cleared her throat, her gaze once more on Edward.
‘I think it’s time you escorted Ivy home. Do try to make sure she doesn’t have to save you from any more pistol-wielding gentlemen, Edward. It is your job to protect her, you’ll remember.’
Lovely of her to bring up his failure to keep Ivy safe. Just as he had failed Philippa so many years ago. A timely reminder.
Ivy turned her back to Edward, facing Philippa instead. ‘I’m sure Commissioner Worthington has much to do without escorting me home.’
Ivy moved to the door, but Edward was faster, catching her hand and pulling her to an abrupt stop. The flash in Philippa’s eyes should have warned him, but it was too late. She’d already seen Edward’s frantic reaction. Knowing Philippa’s quick mind, she would form conclusions far too close to the truth. He dropped Ivy’s hand as though it burned him.
‘As Philippa pointed out, it is my job to ensure your safety, Lady Ivy. My carriage is outside, and I will happily escort you back to the orphanage. I’m sure Reading will inform me of any pressing matters at 4 Whitehall Place should they arise. In the meantime, there is plenty of paperwork I can accomplish just as easily in my borrowed room at the orphanage as I could in my office. Philippa, would one of your footmen be so good as to run a note to Reading? He can send me my files.’ Maybe Philippa would think his concern was merely about protecting Ivy. Nothing more.
‘Of course.’ Philippa nodded. ‘Ivy, I need to speak with Edward alone for a moment.’
Or maybe she will see right through me and cut off my bollocks once Ivy steps out of the parlour.
Ivy looked from Philippa to Edward, then back again. Her brow quirked.
Edward bit the inside of his cheek. He would not be charmed by a woman’s brow. It was ridiculous.
‘Of course.’ But the look she gave Philippa was full of hidden meaning.
What the devil are they discussing? And how do women communicate with each other without saying a word?
It was a trick he’d love to learn.
‘We shan’t be long.’ Philippa took Ivy’s hand and squeezed it. ‘Edward will meet you in the entryway in a few minutes.’
Ivy did not glance at Edward as she left the parlour. Her anger with him was increasing by the moment, but he refused to feel guilty.
I’m trying to protect her.
