“Which is not a sound notion and could lead to her falling into trouble. Especially considering how lovely she is,” Gray said and then wished he’d chosen his words better.
“I’m glad you think she’s lovely.” The woman was happy about that. “And she can look after herself. We made sure they all could do so after their father’s death.”
Gray stared at her.
“I know you are aware of what happened to my family, Detective Fletcher. I don’t believe in talking around the truth.”
“I told you, Ellen. It is not safe for you to leave the house without us!”
The siblings were now standing toe to toe to their right, still yelling. Gray lived in solitude. He couldn’t imagine this kind of chaos going on around him constantly.
“I was not alone! I had a member of Scotland Yard with me,” she shrieked at her brother.
“They love each other really,” Mrs. Nightingale said, patting Gray’s arm, which he thought might be to comfort him but couldn’t be sure. She could just be one of those demonstrative types of people. He’d never been that way and rarely liked to be touched. Strange how he didn’t mind Ellen’s hands on him.
“You are entirely too reckless and innocent. Anything could have happened to you!” Leopold roared.
Gray could handle most things, and clearly this was how the siblings communicated by their aunt’s reaction. But it was a direct hit to his honor to suggest he would not keep Ellen safe when she was in his company.
“I can protect myself, Leo, but there was no need,” Ellen said.
“You are a woman. There was every need!”
“That will do, Lord Seddon,” Gray said, his anger tweaked. “I asked your sister to assist me, and she consented. She was in no danger, nor would I allow that to happen. You insult your sister and me to suggest otherwise.”
He caught the flash of surprise on Ellen’s face before her brother stalked toward him, blocking her from his sight. Gray didn’t back away. He’d confronted more dangerous men in his lifetime than this one.
“I don’t know you,” he growled, his face inches from Gray’s.
“Not quite true. I believe I fought alongside you the other night.”
Something flashed across Seddon’s features, and then it was gone before Gray could read it.
“She is my sister and therefore mine to protect,” Leo gritted out.
“I understand and admire that, my lord. But she was in no danger.”
“Leo, cease.”
“We’ve told her not to leave the house, Aunt Ivy.” Leopold looked at his aunt.
“And you have been reassured she was safe. Enough now.” The small woman wedged herself between Gray and her nephew. “She is, as you see, her usual beautiful, strong-willed self.”
“Trouble?”
Gray looked left and watched Bramstone Nightingale enter the fray. He held a small girl in his arms, and with them was Alexander Nightingale.
“Ellen has returned,” Ivy Nightingale said.
“Hello, niece.”
“Hello, Uncle Bram.”
“Are you well, Ellen? Has Detective Fletcher harmed you in any way?”
“Of course he hasn’t,” she said quickly.
“Then I see no need for Leo to continue roaring or scowling. Let the detective and my wife go if you please, nephew. Our afternoon tea is to be served. We will discuss whatever needs to be discussed while seated, in a civilized manner,” Bramstone said.
