The look Carenza gave him wasn’t a friendly one, but she walked away without comment.
Before Julian could ask what Mrs. Sheraton was plotting, Lady Brenton joined them, looking very pleased with herself.
“Julian, how kind of you to invite me to your house.” She proffered her hand, and he kissed it. “Olivia assured me that I would receive a verywarmwelcome here, indeed.” Lady Brenton batted her eyelashes at Julian.
“Mrs. Sheraton is correct,” Julian replied and couldn’t resist a little sarcasm. “I recently had all the windows repaired or replaced. It has made a huge difference to the comfort of my guests. Now, please help yourselves to refreshments while I consult with my housekeeper.”
Julian knew he shouldn’t be the one yielding ground in his own house, but things were rapidly spiraling out of control. He had the fleeting urge to leave them all to it and head back to London for the peace and quiet he’d craved. But Carenza would never forgive him if he did.
He had to go into the kitchen to find Mrs. Glebe and ask her to prepare yet another room. She said she’d put Lady Brenton next to his mother and then gently reminded him it was the last decent bedroom and that any more guests would have to sleep in the nursery or in the attics. He apologized again, ignoring the glare the cook was giving him and her muttered comment about how was she supposed to divide the fish between his ever-expanding guest list?
Aragon came in through the back door and caught him staring blindly at the window.
“Everything all right?” Aragon paused beside him.
“Mrs. Sheraton brought my old mistress with her.”
“Lady Brenton?”
“Yes.”
Aragon patted his shoulder. “This should prove a very entertaining house party, brother. I’m so glad you invited me.” He started for the door and then looked back over his shoulder. “I’ll do my best to make Mother behave herself.”
“Thank you.”
“Least I can do, seeing as I’m the one who told her all about your new country house.” Aragon scratched his ear. “I probably should’ve kept it to myself, eh?”
“No. I was planning on inviting her at some point.” Julian walked out of the kitchen with him. “You are quite right that I should’ve done so earlier.” He was almost dreading entering his own drawing room. … Another painful thought occurred to him. “I don’t suppose you invited the Cartwrights, did you?” Julian asked as they paused in the open doorway.
“Well, actually …” Aragon glanced at him. “I did, but apparently they can’t leave the boys to fend for themselves even for a day.”
“Well, thank God for that. Any other surprises to spring on me?”
“No.” Aragon looked thoughtful. “Not that I can think of.” He winked at Julian and went off in Lady Brenton’s direction.
One of his footmen stopped in front of Julian. “This is for you, sir.”
“Thank you.” Julian read the note, turned on his heel, and made his way up the turret stairs to his bedchamber. He went inside, stood against the door, and briefly closed his eyes.
“Please lock the door.”
His eyes flared open. Carenza lounged on his pillows dressed only in her shift.
“What in God’s name are you doing?” he asked, his pulse beginning to pound.
She opened her eyes wide. “Waiting for you. There are two hours before dinner and your mother’s arrival. Don’t you think we should put them to good use?”
He took a deep breath. His cock was already hardening, and the urge to have her overwhelmed his good sense. He shrugged out of his coat and began ripping off his cravat as he strode toward the bed.
She helped him with his shirt and breeches and then he was on top of her. He grabbed hold of her wrists and drew them over her head.
“I’m not in the mood to be kind.”
“Good, because I’m seriously considering murdering you right at this minute.” She glared at him. “Howcouldyou invite all these people who delight in getting in our way?”
She hooked her heel around his hip, opening herself to him, and he obliged with a long, hard thrust that made her gasp and grab his shoulder. He eased his hips back and slammed home again, and this time he didn’t stop pounding into her, the relief of the contact forcing all other considerations from his mind. He came fast, and she barely managed to join him.
Her frown when he eased out of her was magnificent. “You selfish beast.”
