Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

“Poor child,” his aunt muttered, shaking her head. “I always suspected that nasty man was not to be trusted with such a beautiful young woman.” She abruptly banged her cane on the Aubusson carpet. “Whatever was Fredrick thinking? He must have known better than to leave his daughter in the care of Sylvia. She was never fit to be a mother.”

Edmond grimaced at the memory of the beautiful, temperamental woman who had made no pretense of her lack of motherly affection. It was little wonder that Brianna had so often slipped from her lonely house to visit Meadowland.

“You will get no argument from me,” he muttered, oddly annoyed that Sylvia was dead and out of the reach of his punishment. “But you need not fear Thomas Wade troubling Brianna any further. I intend to deal with him when the appropriate moment presents itself.”

She sent him a stern glance at the unmistakable edge of lethal intent in his voice.

“You do not plan anything foolish, do you, Edmond?”

“I am rarely foolish, Aunt Letty.”

“No, that is true enough.” There was a silence as the woman studied him with that disquieting gaze. At last, she heaved a small sigh and nodded her head, as if accepting that Thomas Wade deserved his inevitable fate. “Well, I must say that I am pleased you have taken Brianna away from that horrid creature, but I do not understand why you insisted on keeping her here. You know you could have sent her to me, or better yet, to Meadowland.”

He shrugged, surprised by the dark flare of anger at the mere mention of Brianna being taken from his custody.

“I will merely say that her presence was an unexpected windfall that I was swift to use to my best advantage.”

Letty blinked at his clipped, unapologetic explanation. “Whatever do you mean?”

“That I cannot tell you. Nor can I reveal why I am here under the guise of Stefan.” His expression was grim. “All I can say is that Stefan is in danger and I will protect him. No matter what I have to do or who I have to use to accomplish my goal.”

There was none of the vague fluttering as the elder woman leaned forward with a worried frown.

“Stefan in danger?”

“Yes, I fear so.”

She clicked her tongue. “Well, of course, you must do whatever necessary. And you know that you need only ask, if I can do anything to assist you.”

Edmond smiled, knowing that his aunt’s promise was not just empty words. Not only was her position as Lady Aberlane highly respected among society, but her late husband had been a skilled politician who could claim the friendship of the most powerful gentlemen in the world.

“Thank you.” He reached out to give her tiny hand a squeeze of gratitude. “I shall keep your offer in mind.”

The dark eyes narrowed, clearly accepting his need to protect Stefan, and yet not entirely satisfied with his treatment of his young fiancée.

“I do hope, my dearest Edmond, that you realize Brianna Quinn is not the hardened, sophisticated sort of female you are used to keeping company with.” She tapped a gnarled finger on the table. “She could be very easily hurt.”

Edmond abruptly rose to his feet. He might have need of Lady Aberlane’s presence, but that did not mean he intended to be lectured as if he were fresh from the nursery.

“It is not my intention to harm her,” he said, the words clipped.

“Not your intention, perhaps, but…”

“I fear that I cannot linger this morning, I have several appointments today. If you would be so kind, I would appreciate you accompanying Brianna to the modiste today. I am certain you must know which are favored by the most fashionable young ladies of society.”

“Do you intend to take Brianna out in society?”

Edmond looked down at Lady Aberlane, a smile playing on his lips. “It would appear odd if we did not attend at least a few functions, do you not think? Thankfully, Stefan’s notorious distaste for London society will allow us to keep them limited.”

Her lips thinned. “And what do you intend to do with Brianna once this danger to Stefan has passed? Will you send her to Meadowland where she belongs?”

“And why the devil would you think she belongs there?” he snapped, before he could halt the words.

“Stefan is her guardian.”

“Then he should have done his duty and kept her out of the clutches of Thomas Wade.”

Something that was strangely close to satisfaction glittered in Lady Aberlane’s dark eyes.