Page 23 of Their Brazen Countess (The Lustful Lords #6)

A Week Later

L inc and Arthur stood in the front salon of Jos townhome waiting for her to appear. She walked carefully into the room and smiled warmly at them before closing the door behind her.

Concern reared up in Linc as she flew across the room and into their arms. Smothering her face in Arthurs chest, Linc pressed against her side and wrapped a comforting arm around her. She wept silently for what felt like an eternity.

Linc swallowed, a little overwhelmed by her seeming grief. What is wrong, Wood Sprite?

She lifted her tear-streaked face and offered a tremulous smile. Im worried, and was feeling very alone until you two arrived.

What has you so concerned? Arthur asked as he stroked a hand down her spine.

She drew in a deep breath and made to step back from their embrace. They both released her, though Linc took her trembling hands in his and sat with her on the settee. Arthur crowded in on her other side, the three of them buried by her skirts as they crammed on the small piece of furniture that was built for two.

Take a deep breath and tell us what is going on, Arthur encouraged again.

Linc darted him a warning look to be less pushy, but he understood the deep-seated desire to fix whatever had upset Jo.

She cast a wary glance toward the door. Itsits Bernard. My brother-in-law. He has replaced all of my staff with his own hiresI attempted to release the new butler, but was thwarted by the odious man. He suggested the other day that I was not in control of my household any more now than I was when George was alive. I assumed he was being a bully, not that he could actually do anything to control my household.

The bloody bastard! Arthur swore as he rose.

Jo jumped to her feet as well and placed a hand on Arthurs arm. Please! You mustnt be so loud. Someone might very well be listening at the door. She cast another nervous glance in that direction.

Linc reached out and took her hand, coaxing her back down beside him. Well keep our voices down, Wood Sprite. We should move you and Matthew to Arthurs townhome immediately.

Absolutely! Arthur agreed.

But Jo shook her head. No, I shall not give up my sons birthright. He is the new Lord Whitestone, whether my brother-in-law likes it or not. To move out of this house would be akin to forfeiting everything. Bernard and his loathsome brood would simply move inhe certainly cannot afford to maintain two households. Im not even sure how he is doing so now. George always grumbled about how his brother was always asking for more allowance.

Arthur looked over at him. I wonder where the income for the staff he has hired here has come from?

You cant possibly be suggesting that Linc was shocked at what he suspected Arthur was alluding to, but a sharp knock sounded and the salon door opened.

My lady, there has been an accident in the nursery, the butler that Linc did not recognize announced solemnly.

What? Oh, my GodMatthew! Jo jumped to her feet and rushed out of the salon, leaving Linc and Arthur to follow in her wake.

They all rushed up the stairs and followed her flight up to the third floor and into the nursery. As they crammed through the doorway, they found Jo sitting on the edge of her sons bed, occupied by a crying boy. A nurse hovered nearby, looking less concerned than Linc thought was proper, under the circumstances. After all, the boy had clearly been injured while under her care.

Jasper the new butler walked in a few moments after them at a much more sedate pace.

Linc looked back over his shoulder at the man. Has a physician been sent for?

Jasper nodded. Yes, my lord.

Very good. Linc was glad to hear that even if Jos staff were spying on her for Lord Downs, they were at least properly trained.

He nudged Arthur, and together they moved closer to Jo and Matthew.

The boy looked pale and scared as he cradled his arm. I was heading downstairs when He cast a nervous glance up at his nurse. Linc couldnt see her face, but the boy went a shade paler. When I suppose I tripped a-and fell down the steps.

Oh, how scary! Jo whispered as she kissed her sons tear-stained face. Does your arm hurt terribly?

He cradled it against his chest protectively and cast a glance about the room at all the adults. Then he thrust out his little chin, full of bravado. Only when I move it.

Linc sighed internally and repressed an inappropriate grin. Poor stupid boy; lying about the pain wouldnt make it any better, and it likely would only make his softhearted mother more apt to coddle him. Not that she could blame him.

Arthur coughed and then stepped closer to Jo. Perhaps you should send the staff on about their duties. Im sure the doctor will be here soon.

Jo looked up in surprise, clearly not having registered all the other people in the room. As they had been listening to Matthew tell what happened, a few maids had filtered into the room, and it was starting to feel a little crowded. Yes, please, all of you should go back to your duties. Thank you for your concern but everything is fine here. Jasper, bring the doctor up as soon as he arrives.

Very good, my lady. The stiff man nodded and ushered the gawkers from the room.

As he tried to shoo the nurse out, Miss Kelley huffed. My duties are in this room.

Linc shot her a considering look. She didnt seem at all distraught about what had happened.

Ill look after my son for the moment. Your services are not needed here, Jo said, with an air of authority that had Lincs cock standing up and taking notice.

Ignoring his lecherous thoughts, he stepped aside as the nurse left the room, clearly put out that she had been dismissed.

Curious, Linc eased around to the other side of the bed and looked at Jo. May I?

Of course, she agreed, though she looked confused.

Matthew, think back to before. When you explained what happened, you seemed to hesitate. Was there something you wanted to tell your mother that you felt you couldnt? Linc asked gently.

Well, the boy hesitated, glancing at the door where everyone had departed.

Arthur walked over and closed it with a thud. There now. Its just the three of us.

Matthew nodded. II felt someone push me. I didnt trip at all, he said firmly as his mother gasped. Then confusion appeared to cloud his resolve. But I dont know who it might have been. Nurse was in here putting my things away. I had slipped quietly out the door because I had heard Uncle Linc and Uncle Arthur were here. A maid came up here to tell my nurse.

Jo reached out and stroked his face. Well, dont you worry about it. Mother will figure out what happened. For now, you need to hold still until the doctor arrives, then I think you shall have whatever you like for dinner.

A knock on the door sounded and Jasper entered. The doctor, my lady.

Linc and Arthur retreated downstairs as the doctor tended to Matthews arm. The doctor had determined in short order that it was likely broken and so sent for his casting materials.

Arthur paced his agitation, making the movement jerky. I should marry her. He raked a hand through his hair.

I quite agree you should, but I dont think she or the boy are ready for that change. Linc held up his hands in a universal sign of helplessness. Shes barely out of mourning, and it wouldnt look good to the gossips in the Ton.

Arthur sighed, his frustration clear. You may be right, but I hate doing nothing to help her.

Linc stood and walked over to Arthur. Laying a hand on his cheek, he murmured, Look at me. We arent doing nothing, we are here supporting her the best way we can in the moment.

By the time Jo had tucked her son in after his dinner several hours had passed, but they had resolved to stay until they were certain that Jo was well. She had just walked into the salon to let them know Matthew was well when her brother-in-law walked in.

What the bloody hell is going on here? Bernard demanded, all puffed up in apparent outrage.

Furious, Jo turned on the man before either Linc or Arthur could say a word. What is going on here? Ill tell you what is going on here. That incompetent nurse you hired to replace Mrs. Stevens let my son fall and break his arm. I want her dismissed this very minute, as I do not seem to have the authority to do such a thing in my own home.

Bernard stared. I am certain Miss Kelley is quite competent, and that unruly child youve raised is the one at fault.

Someone pushed him, Jo ground out, her voice nearly a growl.

Bernard snorted in disbelief. What makes you say such a thing?

Matthew told me. She crossed her arms under her breasts and held her back rigid. She was quite clearly spoiling for a fight.

To Lincs irritation, Bernard outright laughed. Did the child hit his head? I certainly cant imagine why Miss Kelley would do such a thing? Thats outrageous.

Nevertheless, I want her replaced at once. I do not trust her with my son, Jo insisted.

I hardly think this is an appropriate conversation to be held in front of your, her brother-in-law glanced over and sneered, guests.

They were just leaving. They were kind enough to stay with me throughout the ordeal this afternoon, Jo rebuked him subtly.

Well, I think it is time for them to go. Bernard swept an arm toward the door of the salon.

Linc hated leaving her alone with this man once more, but he feared insisting on staying would only aggravate the situation. If you are well, Lady Whitestone.

I am. Thank you both for staying with me through this. Jo smiled warmly, but politely, as she took each of their hands and gave them a squeeze.

Linc had a pit in his stomach as they walked out of the house. He turned to Arthur. Something is very wrong in there. I do not feel good about leaving her alone to deal with him.

Agreed, but she is stubborn and has made her position clear. For now, we must bide our time and help her, however she will allow us. Arthur sighed as they stepped up into his carriage.

The question was, how long would she wait to allow them to offer help?