Page 39 of Brazen

Chapter Eleven

Chin resting on the arm stretched out across the couch back, Mia stared out the parlor window at the grounds to the right of Westbourne Tower’s front drive. She hadn’t slept a wink the night before, and tossing and turning hadn’t brought her any closer to understanding what had happened last night. What had Lord Magnus been doing in the hallway outside her room, and why in heaven’s name and he been foolish enough to tell everyone they were engaged?

She understood that he feared her reputation would be ruined by them being found on the floor together, her on top of him. Butterflies skittered across the inside of her stomach with the memory. Here was half the reason she hadn’t slept. He’d felt so…solid, so nice. None of that mattered, she reminded herself for the hundredth time.

Her reputation had been rent to shreds the moment they rode up the drive to Sir Stirling’s home. Which meant Lord Magnus felt responsible. Well, in truth, he was responsible. She had wanted to return home and he’d insisted on bringing her to Westbourne Tower. But that decision had been a mistake, nothing more, and she didn’t intend him to sacrifice himself over a silly mistake.

Lord, how she wished she could just avoid him. But he was their neighbor and, according to what the world thought now, her future husband. The best way to handle the situation was head-on. Sir Stirling’s butler had informed her that Lord Magnus made a habit of taking a morning walk. He had to pass this small parlor to reach the front door.

Footfalls sounded in the hallway. She rose from the couch and hurried toward the door. A large figure filled the doorway and she stopped at sight of her brother.

“What is this about you and Lord Magnus being engaged?” he demanded as he approached.

Mia returned to the couch. “Why ask? You clearly know what happened last night.”

Joshua barked a laugh. “Rumor has it, he was found in your room, you on top of him. How long has this affair been going on?”

Mia rolled her eyes. “You know full well I am not conducting a love affair.” Though she wished she had the courage to do so

“A man doesn’t have a woman on top of a him unless they are conducting an affair,” Joshua said.

Mia lifted a brow. “What would you know of affairs?”

He scowled. “We are not discussing me.”

She released a frustrated sigh. “Oh, Joshua, hush. We are not having an affair. The truth is too fantastical for belief. We simply bumped into each other in the hallway and fell.”

His brow arched. “And landed with you straddling his hips.”

She sighed again. “Aye.”

“You and Angeline need to go to London for a time,” he said.

She laughed without mirth. “Indeed? And where will we get the money for such a trip?”

“We are not completely destitute, Mia.”

“We are not far from it,” she said. “Our remaining money must keep the estate running as long as possible, as well as pay for the rest of your education.”

“The devil with my education,” he growled. “You and Angeline are leaving today. There will be no argument.”

He didn’t know. “Joshua,” Mia softened her voice, “Angeline will not be going to London or even home with us.” Although, the latter might not be true. She could stay with them at least as long as they had a home.

He scowled. “Why not?”

“Have you seen Angeline today?”

He shrugged. “Nae.”

“That is because she and George eloped.”

He blinked. “Well damn my soul.” He slapped his thigh. “It’s about time George took control of that situation.”

Mia couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “You aren’t angry?”

“What should I be? George is a good man. He loves Angeline and she loves him.”

“But he is a navy man,” she said. “He will be away from home far more than they he’ll be home and, I don’t mean to be cruel, but George has no money. How can he possibly care for Angeline and the children they are sure to have?”