opened, and he whirled around, sure that she was going to persist in arguing with him. But Mr. Stonewall was the person whose large frame took up most of the doorway.
Aaron waved for him to go. “I don’t require your services at this time. You may leave.”
“I’m to be with you at all times, my lord.” Mr. Stonewall entered the room, his hands clasped in front of him and a solemn expression on his face. “Your wife was explicit in her instructions.”
“But there is no one in this room.” He gestured to the furniture. “My wife has no need to worry that I’ll be with another lady.”
“Perhaps you might peruse some illustrations, write a missive to a lady, or engage in some other inappropriate activity. I have to make sure your behavior is what your wife expects from a celibate husband.”
“This is unnecessary. I have no inclination to do anything inappropriate. All I want to do is read a book in my favorite chair. That’s why I’m in my library.”
Mr. Stonewall’s eyebrows rose. “What book will you be reading?”
“Does it matter?”
“Very much.”
When Aaron realized he was serious, he let out a frustrated huff and picked up the book he had set on his desk to read before Kitty and Mr. Stonewall had interrupted him. “You’re welcome to inspect it if you must.”
Mr. Stonewall closed the door and then went to take the book from him. Aaron didn’t like this. If the gentleman shut the door, it meant he intended to stay. And just what was he going to do while staying here? Watch him read?
Mr. Stonewall checked the title on the cover then opened the book. He took a good minute to browse the contents before he handed it back to Aaron. “Dull and boring. The book will suffice.”
Aaron glared at him. “If I want your opinion on what I should read, I’ll ask for it.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
As he wished? Who was Mr. Stonewall trying to fool? Aaron knew full well that Mr. Stonewall had no intention of doing anything that Aaron wished. He had given his allegiance to Kitty.
Aaron bit back a retort and tucked the book under his arm. After a moment, he decided he couldn’t sit in this room and read while someone was watching him. “I’ll take this to bed.”
He strode out of the room, but he didn’t realize Mr. Stonewall was following him until he was halfway up the stairs. He jerked in shock and almost dropped the book.
“What are you doing?” Aaron asked, too appalled to sound appropriately upset.
“My sleeping quarters are in your bedchamber,” Mr. Stonewall replied. “If you are to retire for the evening, then I will do the same.”
“You will not sleep in my bedchamber!”
“Weren’t you paying attention when your wife explained where I’d be sleeping? Her chaperone is to sleep in her bedchamber. I am to sleep in yours. That is, of course, unless you and your wife choose to be together.”
“We most certainly won’t be together.”
“Then I will check out my sleeping quarters right now.” He gestured for Aaron to keep going up the stairs.
Aaron was too stunned to reply. This was really happening. Somehow, his manipulative wife had convinced this gentleman to make an incredible nuisance of himself.
He wasn’t going to forgive Kitty for this. She had no right—no right at all—to treat him like a child! This was unconscionable. No other grown gentleman had to endure such nonsense. Even his father had received better treatment. Gritting his teeth, Aaron marched up the steps.
Chapter Seven
Lilly and Emilia couldn’t stop giggling the entire time Kitty told them how the previous evening had gone when she’d introduced Aaron to his chaperone. Once more, Miss Britcher had checked the drawing room of Lilly’s townhouse before agreeing to sit in the hall so Kitty could have some privacy.
But this time, Miss Britcher’s lack of trust didn’t bother her. She was much too pleased by how upset Aaron was that morning during breakfast. He hadn’t said anything, but it’d been apparent he hadn’t been able to get much sleep. His eyes had been red, and he’d kept yawning. If Mr. Stonewall hadn’t been sitting next to him, he might have fallen asleep.
“Mr. Stonewall is perfect,” Kitty told Emilia. “You’re right. Benjamin found the right person for this job. I was afraid Mr. Stonewall might accept Aaron’s offer to pay him to leave.” She put her hand over her heart. “I was so relieved when Mr. Stonewall didn’t take the offer.” She