“Of course not, Your Grace.”
But Tristan knew his butler well enough to understand the man was flustered.
It didn’t take a genius to understand what had occurred. And just when Tristan had supposed his temper could not be stoked any higher.
“Let me guess.” Tristan turned to Aubrey. “You and your wife have not only usurped my household—uninvited—but you have made yourself at home in my own,privatechambers.” His voice rose with each word, ending with the crack of a whip.
The thought of Aubrey pawing through his personal possessions set Tristan’s blood to boiling. His bedchamber and personal study were his sanctum. No one was admitted there without his express permission.
“Cousin . . .” Aubrey began, extending a consoling hand.
“Your. Grace!”
Aubrey flinched. “Your G-Grace, we had presumed that—”
“You presume nothing!” Tristan snarled, taking a step toward the man.
Aubrey staggered back like the coward he was, clutching Lady Lavinia’s arm.
“How. Dare. You.” Tristan enunciated each word with the precision of a pistol shot. He loomed over his cousin. “You took the flimsiest of opportunities and grabbed it with both hands. I will be taking a thorough inventory of my possessions. If I find even so much as a silver button misplaced, I will be calling the constabulary.”
Aubry’s face drained of blood.
“Surely, you do not wish such a scandal, Your Grace,” Lady Lavinia said, voice dulcet and coaxing. “Why, the dukedom would become the talk of theton.”
Tristan whirled on her. “No, Lady Lavinia. My cousin’s reprehensible behavior and attempt to steal my possessions and my title would be the subject of gossip. I anticipate the duchy itself would weather the scandal with outraged dignity.”
“Gracious, certainly matters do not need to come to that.” Lady Lavinia’s nose twitched, enhancing her weaselly appearance.
Tristan smiled tightly. The chilling sort he had learned at his father’s knee. The smile he knew made others’ blood run cold.
Lady Lavinia faltered.
Tristan turned his attention back to Aubrey. “Though I am sorely tempted, you should be grateful I am a decent human being, and therefore, will not hurl you into the street this instant. However, you are no longer welcome here, Cousin. I will not tolerate such upstart behavior under my own roof.” He pivoted to Fredericks. “My duchess and I will retire to the library. Pleasehave a light repast sent in while Mrs. Wilson and the maids prepare the rooms I require. Deal with theireffects—” He shot another basilisk look at Lady Lavinia. “—as you will. Mr. Gilbert and Lady Lavinia will be departing at first light.”
4
Isolde trailed Tristan into the library.
A footman followed, lighting the sconces and touching a Lucifer match to the kindling laid in the cold hearth.
She had only been in the library twice before, both times as Allie’s guest and particular friend. There had also been that day, scarcely three months past now, when she had lounged in Tristan’s chair before the fire and taunted him.
Gracious, how much could change in such a short time? Now, she and Tristan were married, making thisherlibrary, as well.
Similar to aristocratic libraries everywhere, mahogany bookshelves lined each wall and the center of the room featured a large map table. A fireplace and two armchairs sat to the right, while a pair of tall windows stood to the left.
Tristan crossed to a panel of books opposite the doorway. He tugged on a volume and the door of a small hidden cabinet swung open, revealing bottles of liquor.
Interesting.Isolde would have loved to know about that hidden bookcase before now. She could have wreaked mayhem when they were still quarreling.
Now, however . . .
Without a word, Tristan proceeded to pour himself a tumbler of what appeared to be brandy. He tossed the whole back in one gulp and, reaching for the bottle, tipped another two fingers into his glass without offering any to her.
As if she were forgotten.
Isolde nodded as the footman bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him.
