Page 114 of Never Besmirch a Wallflower: Dukes and Wallflowers

The front door swung open, crashing into the wall and startling Miss Braddock, who screamed. Instantly, Levi shoved her behind his body, blocking her from the unknown person entering the house. Roxburghe reacted in a similar fashion, tucking Miss Webb behind his back.

“Eveline?” Mr. Braddock’s red face peeked into the room.

He seemed quite surprised by the defensive positions of both Levi and Roxburghe and hesitated before stepping into the parlor.

The outer door closed, and the dull thud of Warwick’s cane echoed in the foyer. A moment later, he appeared in the doorway, still clothed in his greatcoat.

“Tomorrow,” Warwick groaned and leaned against the door frame, discomfort straining his features. “The story will appear near the top of the newspaper.”

“I propose,” Levi said, concerned by Warwick’s deteriorating condition, “we retire for the evening. Nothing else can be accomplished this evening.”

Warwick shook his head. “While I appreciate the peril of this situation, the cold has set into my leg, and the ache is stealing my agreeable personality. I prefer to return to your residence, where I’ll be afforded peace and solitude.”

He bowed, then turned, and limped into the foyer.

Levi hurried after him, catching Warwick as he opened the door. “Are you certain you wish to return to my home? Mr. Philbert’s spirit is still a guest.”

“And he’ll be less inclined to bother me than Beaufort and Mansfield.” Warwick forced a tight smile. “Consider this a test. If I survive to attend the Venning’s ball in two days, your house will be safe for occupation. I highly doubt Mr. Drummond will make an appearance prior to that event. However, if he does…”

“I know where to contact you,” Levi said, clapping his hand on Warwick’s shoulder. “Take care of yourself.”

“Of course.” Warwick’s mouth stretched into a genuine grin. “After all, both you and Roxburghe have lost our wager. I’ll have some additional funds at the end of the season.”

“Not if you lose, too.”

“We’ve had this discussion.” Warwick stabbed his cane into a mound of snow gathering on the doorstep. “I’m unapproachable.”

Levi crossed his arms. “You’re stubborn and cantankerous.”

Warwick shrugged, then bowed. “Have a pleasant evening, Lennox. Don’t get caught sneaking into Miss Braddock’s chamber.”

Which was, of course, precisely the task Levi intended to attempt in roughly an hour. He grinned, closed the door, and turned to find the foyer was not as empty as he supposed.

Scowling, Miss Braddock’s brother dragged her toward the staircase, a firm grip clamped on her arm.

“I expect every man—and woman—to remain in their respective chambers until the morning. Understood?” Mr. Braddock’s eyes locked on Levi.

“Your Grace,” Miss Braddock said to Levi as her brother led her up the stairs, “Ernest is staying in the room you previously occupied. However, the first chamber at the top of the stairs is available, and His Grace may stay in the chamber beside it.”

A hissed whisper floated down the steps. “I should lock you in the room.”

“This is my home,” Miss Braddock retorted, “and you’ll not demand that I adhere to your rules.”

“It’s not a demand, it’s a request.” Her chamber door opened. “And either you promise you will not open this door, or I will sleep outside of it all night long.”

Miss Braddock issued a curse word, then slammed her door.

“At least Miss Fernsby-Webb hasn’t made that threat,” Roxburghe chuckled.

“Don’t tempt me, Your Grace,” she replied as the four of them climbed the staircase. “I’ve slept in less comfortable places.”

They bade each other good night, and four doors slammed in rapid succession.

Levi removed his outerwear, tossing his jacket and waistcoat over the back of an armchair near the fireplace. He pulled off his shoes, wiggling his toes, then padded back and forth in the chamber. Impatience crawled through his body.

An hour passed, and he crept to the door. Opening it a crack, he peered through the small space at the empty corridor. Then he slipped through the gap, closed the door noiselessly behind him, turned, and crashed into Roxburghe.

“Good evening.” He grinned and bowed. “Taking a late-night stroll?”