Xenia bit her lip. “The reopening is important?—”
“Nothing is more important than Gigi’s well-being,” Ethan said.
James nodded. “On that, we agree.”
“Hear, hear,” Owen added.
Perfect. The one time these three agree on anything, it is on restricting my freedom.
Gigi scowled at her brothers. “Why must I be treated like a prisoner? Why can’t you trust my judgment? It’s not fair. I am twenty-two years old. At my age, James was on the Grand Tour, Ethan was giving concerts all over England, and Owen…”
Too late, she realized her slip. In the heat of the moment, she’d referenced the painful period in Owen’s life that had the power to trigger one of his explosive episodes. Filled with guilt and dread, she shot a wary look in his direction.
Owen’s storm-colored gaze met hers. He was as handsome as her other brothers, but the ordeal he’d suffered had left its mark. Lines aged his face, permanent shadows smudged beneath his soulful eyes. Although he’d gained some much-needed weight since coming to Chuddums, he was still too thin. His brown hair was shaggy and needed a trim.
Hitching his shoulders, he said, “Life isn’t fair, is it?”
Seeing that his expression was ironic rather than haunted, she let out a slow breath. As did everyone else at the table. Except for Owen, who took a gulp of tea and popped a bite-sized ham and mustard sandwich into his mouth.
“We do not make the rules, Gigi.” Now that disaster was averted, James took up the refrain. “As an innocent young lady, you are bound by the dictates of society.”
I am not that innocent. Rebellious pleasure quivered through her. And what if I am tired of society’s stupid dictates?
“It is our duty as your brothers to keep you safe.” Ethan added his brick to the tower they were building around her. “We are looking out for your best interests, Gigi. You know that.”
Dash it all. Was there any explanation more annoying than, It is for your own good?
“Surely there can be a compromise,” Xenia said. “What if, in place of Colette, I accompany Gigi to the spa and promise to keep an eye on her at all times?”
“You wouldn’t mind?” Gigi breathed.
“Not at all,” Xenia said warmly. “I know how much the spa means to you.”
“What about the sonata you were helping me with?” Ethan asked. “I compose better with you by my side.”
“I can do both. I shall accompany Gigi during the day and help you in the evening.”
“Then I shall look forward to your nighttime assistance, my love.”
At Ethan’s devilish smirk, roses bloomed in Xenia’s cheeks.
Before Gigi could celebrate her victory, James said, “Who is this Godwin fellow?”
Botheration.
“It’s Conrad Godwin,” Ethan said.
James’s expression hardened. “The industrialist? The cove’s a shark in his business dealings. Not to mention a rake?—”
“That’s the one,” Ethan said dryly. “You see why I kept Gigi away from the spa?”
“Is he still here? Have you paid him a visit?” James demanded.
“Ethan has not,” Gigi burst out. “Because I begged him not to make a mountain out of a molehill. And will you please stop talking about me as if I weren’t here?”
James looked briefly nonplussed. “We were doing no such thing.”
“I’m a grown-up and capable of handling myself. Nothing happened that day. My reputation is safe, so please don’t go looking for trouble.”
