Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (165 page)

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we will do about Oswalt, assuming that our assumptions are correct.'

'That's simple,' Paine ground out. 'We go back to London and expose him before he can act on all the machinery he's put into motion. Once the
ton
gets wind of his conspiracy to undo one of their own, society will do the rest.'

'Exposure will require proof. There will be an element of risk,' Peyton reminded the group sternly.

'Anything worthwhile contains risk. I am well aware of the risks involved when dealing with Oswalt, probably better aware than most. That makes me eminently capable of seeing this situation resolved to my satisfaction.' Paine spoke confidently, refusing to be cautioned.

Julia gave him a searching glance. There was so much she didn't know about his past with Oswalt. His motivations for so fully engaging Oswalt were more than a fleeting concern. Although it was flattering to believe that he did all this on her behalf as her champion, reality suggested there were other, stronger forces at work that prompted his choice.

Paine needed her protection as much as she needed his. Oswalt was dangerous to them all. Around her the men

of risks and benefits, but she'd had enough.

She had to end this before another man, one she cared for immensely, ended up injured or dead. She had to get away from Paine

for his sake.

Julia stood up and smoothed her skirts. Her voice was firm as she made her pronouncement. 'Gentlemen, I thank you for your input and your services. It has helped

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Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady

me see the situation I face and, in part, the situation I created when I left my uncle's home. It is also clear to me that I cannot in good conscience continue to implicate others in a web of my own making. Tomorrow, I would kindly request the use of a travelling coach so that I can return to London.' She turned to face Paine directly.

'I am afraid we can't let you do that.'

Julia looked around in confusion for the voice. She'd certainly expected to hear those words of refusal, but she'd expected Paine to be the one to say them. The feminine tone came as a complete surprise.

Julia stared in amazement as Beth set aside her needlework and rose from the chair she occupied near the work table. Julia had been so wrapped up in the discussion over Oswalt's motives, she hadn't heard or seen the woman come in. Beth gave her a smile and

moved to stand beside her, tossing Paine and his brothers a scolding stare. 'Shame on you all, you can't simply ride back to London and declare war on Oswalt.

Think about what it will mean to Julia. She'll be beyond the pale if she shows up in your company.'

'We'll be discreet, Cousin,' Peyton began in a placating tone. 'We'll

her to Dursley House where she'll be

well guarded, and we'll be with her whenever we're out.'

Beth gave an unladylike snort that made Julia like the woman immensely. 'Just like a man, even a well-meaning man. Men don't have to think of these things, so they don't,' she said dismissively. 'How will you explain Julia's

Especially, how will you explain

why Julia is at Dursley House and not back with her

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family? And who will be at Dursley House? She can't stay there with the three of you! She needs a chaperon, a very formidable one at that. What would the
ton
say if they knew she was living with three men? Have you thought of that?'

Julia smothered a giggle. In spite of the seriousness of their circumstances, there was a modicum of hilarity behind watching the

brothers shuffling from

foot to foot, staring at each other, waiting for one of them to pick up Cousin Beth's social gauntlet. In truth, there was no arguing with Beth. She was entirely correct. They had analysed Oswalt quite thoroughly, but had not addressed the immediate concern of what to do with Julia.

'Point well taken, Cousin,' Peyton said after a bit more shuffling and staring passed between the brothers and they somehow decided Peyton got to eat humble pie because he was the eldest and the earl. 'You're precisely right, as always, about these matters. To start with,

write to Aunt Lily. She's in town and can take up residence at Dursley House immediately. That will provide Julia with an appropriate chaperon. chaperon doesn't get much more proper than the Dowager Marchioness of Bridgerton, fondly known as our father's sister or Aunt Lily.'

Beth would not be satisfied with half-measures.

'That's a fine

but what about the rest? I think

it will look exceedingly odd for her to stay with friends with her family so close at hand, mere streets away.'

This was more difficult and for a while Julia thought