“Your father was wrong to tell my father what he did,” Felicity announced abruptly.
Axel was an intelligent, charming gentleman. Her father ought to have realized this. But at the sight of her home, Felicity’s insides flipped. Her father was the most stubborn person she knew, and he had chosen to disapprove of the man she was going to marry.
He was going to have to get past that.
Mr. Michaels,the same gentleman who’d all but thrown Mantis out the day before, must have been watching for the daughter of the house to return home safely. They’d barely arrived at the front steps when the door swung open.
“Her ladyship was growing concerned, Lady Felicity.” The butler spoke to Felicity but then skipped his gaze to Mantis, holding up one hand presumably with the intent of barring him from entering. “I’m afraid you are not welcome here, my lord.”
“Lord Manningham-Tissinton is my guest, Mr. Michaels.” Felicity’s spine stiffened beneath Mantis’ hand. “Has my father returned from his club?”
“Not yet.” This Michaels fellow glanced behind him. “I have orders, my lady.”
“If you won’t allow us to enter, then the two of us will await him on the front step.”
“The three of us.” Susan crossed her arms. “I wonder what the neighbors would think about that?”
“Don’t be foolish.” The butler addressed the maid and then turned back to Felicity. “Please, my lady. If you would just come inside, perhaps the Viscount could visit another time.”
Mantis considered pushing past the servant, but the ladies’ strategy might prove more effective. He stepped back and merely crossed his arms. He’d do whatever was necessary.
“All of us, or none of us, Michaels.” Felicity and her maid presented a united front.
Felicity, it seemed, a woman he’d once mistakenly considered to be mostly delicate and feminine, possessed the strength of a soldier. Mantis bit back a grin as he watched her stand up to a man more than twice her size.
He didn’t deserve someone like her—someone so possessed of grace, poise, and an organic gentility.
He didn’t deserve her, but by some unlikely twist of fate, she’d agreed to marry him. And he’d be damned if he let her go now.
“You’ll be sure to inform his Lordship that this was not my choice.” Mr. Michaels moved back. “And I’d appreciate a recommendation when I’m sacked.” Mantis almost felt sorry but couldn’t quite get past feeling vindicated as Mr. Michaels had all but shoved him out the door the day before.
“No one is going to sack you, Michaels.” Felicity touched the man’s arm reassuringly as she and Mantis passed into the foyer. “Is my mother in the drawing room?”
“She is.”
“If you would be so kind as to tell my father that we’re waiting to meet with him there, I’d be grateful.”
“Of course, my lady.”
“And tell him it’s important.”
“As you wish.” The butler bowed, stepping back so they could climb the steps to the main floor.
“Thank you, Susan.” Felicity sent her maid a grateful grin.
“You’re welcome.” Susan then touched Felicity’s arm and then curtsied. “And best of luck to you both.”
“We’re on our own now,” Mantis whispered once Susan was out of sight. Felicity squeezed his hand, smiling over her shoulder. The sudden warmth in his chest wasn’t something with which he was familiar.
But walking with Felicity, talking to her, conspiring with her…
She just made him happy. His gaze followed the slender line of her neck where golden tendrils curled to rest on her shoulders.
Her taste had been uniquely addictive.
He jerked himself back to the present. Now was not the time to relive what had perhaps been one of the most sensual encounters of his life.
When he’d visited Bright Place the day before, he’d noticed the elegant floor and tasteful moldings but had been too preoccupied to consider the empty places on the wall where paintings were noticeably absent.
