first, shooting Tony a look that warned of an upcoming lecture.
Leo was very good at instructing others on how to conduct their lives. Less so when doing the right thing himself. If Leo so much as uttered a word about Tony’s conduct, Tony meant to fling Lady Masterson at his brother’s head. That would shut him up.
Leo held out his hand to help his new sister-in-law out of the carriage.
Maggie smiled up at his brother, plump lips wide as if she meant to bestow a kiss.
Possessiveness stung Tony again. He was beginning to detest the sensation. He should never have encouraged her ridiculous scheme to wed Carstairs, nor requested she play the piano half-naked. It had only delayed the inevitable. Tony had known the moment he’d seen her at Gray Covington last year, arched over that fucking piano, that he was going to have her. He should have taken action then and convinced her to become his mistress.
He glanced at his wife.
Damn her.
Perhaps after he’d had Maggie a time or two, the desire for her would wane and he could go back to his life. He’d give her this house and she could invite every female musician in London to tea if she wished. Play the piano until her fingers bled. Tony would live at Elysium and have as many mistresses as he liked. Opera singers. Maybe an actress or two for variety. He’d insist none of them have the least musical inclination.
The idea had sounded more appealing last night after half a bottle of scotch.
“Welcome home, my lord.” Fenwick, Tony’s butler, swung open the door.
“Fenwick.” Leo clapped the butler on the shoulder. The first time his brother had done such, the very proper Fenwick had nearly expired on the spot.
“Mr. Murphy.” The butler gave him a weak smile.
“Fenwick,” Tony said not moving further up the stairs, “this is Lady Welles.”
The butler bowed politely. “Lady Welles, your trunks have already been brought upstairs. Daisy arrived a short time ago and has unpacked your things and prepared your rooms.”
“Thank you,” Maggie said in a quiet voice. “Daisy is…?”
“Romy’s maid,” Tony interjected. “I thought you might use her until you find a replacement for your own. My sister was more than happy to lend her to you. Fenwick will show you up. I need to stretch my legs a bit.” He kept his expression bland.
Annoyance flared in Maggie’s dark eyes. Her lips pursed, not caring for his abrupt dismissal.
Tony glanced down to see her hand on Leo’s forearm. Was she intentionally trying to annoy him?
“Tony—” Leo said under his breath.
“Have a drink. I’ll join you shortly,” he shot back. It was rude and completely inappropriate to leave his new bride with his brother without even walking her inside, but Tony thought he’d explode if he didn’t at the very least walk around the block. Or perhaps take a ride through the park. He was a storm of emotions at the present, and none of them were good.
“Of course, my lord.” The new Lady Welles barely glanced back. “Mr. Murphy, I’m sure you know the way. I could do with a drink myself.”
Ah. There she is.
Tony detested the meek demeanor Maggie had adopted as a way to survive both her aunt and society. He much preferred her obstinance.
Maggie turned away from him, stiffened her shoulders and walked purposefully into the foyer.
Leo waited until she’d disappeared inside before he said, “You’re behaving like an ass. None of this is her fault.”
“It’s all her fault,” Tony spat back at Leo. “But at least you’ve made a pretty penny on whether I’d marry her or not. Did you think I wouldn’t find out about the open betting at Elysium?”
“I did,” Leo said unapologetically. “I was fairly certain of the outcome.”
“You don’t know anything, Leo.”
“Why? Because I’m not the bloody heir?” Leo shook his head. “Regardless, take your walk. Ride your horse until you collapse. Just don’t come back here until you’ve burned away some of your anger toward your bride. She doesn’t deserve it.”
If Leo didn’t stop talking, Tony might well punch his brother. “She deserves every bit.”
Leo leaned close to him. “Imagine, you’ve seduced literally dozens of women. And not one of them as carelessly as my new sister-in-law. You meant to do it.” Leo jumped up the steps away from him and into the house. “You wanted her and decided to give yourself no choice in the matter. Or leave her a choice, either.”
Leo was remarkably astute. Tony hated him for that.