Julius's Passion (Regency Club Venus #4) - Carole Mortimer Page 0,29

James as the rightful Earl of Ipswich. After which, it would be the younger man’s responsibility to curb his sister’s impetuous behavior of lending her assistance to the smugglers in the area.

And also to prevent her from accosting other gentlemen in their bedchamber and demanding to watch them pleasure themselves!

Julius still could not bear to even think of Bethany touching another man with the same intimacy as she had him.

He released Bethany’s arm before stepping away. “Would you please give your uncle my apologies? I will not be joining the two of you for luncheon.” It was one of the times when he could be sure Metford’s bedchamber would be empty for at least an hour or so. Hopefully, the man’s valet would also have found something else to keep him occupied.

Julius really did need to leave Ipswich Park as soon as possible, before he did something even more reckless than allowing Bethany to assist him in reaching a climax.

Bethany looked momentarily hurt by his abrupt dismissal before she forced a polite smile to her lips and gave a brief curtsey. “Of course.”

Julius made no effort to stop her from leaving this time. Instead, he watched silently as she unlocked the door before opening it and checking there was no one outside in the hallway before she made good her escape. All without so much as a second glance in Julius’s direction.

What else had he expected after he had dismissed her so coldly?

Something which, although he had acted in a manner he felt was best for both of them, now caused an uncomfortable tightness in Julius’s chest.

Meaning what?

He had hurt Bethany, which in turn now caused a deep regret inside him.

Again, meaning what?

Julius was almost afraid to answer that question.

Not almost. He was afraid to answer that question!

He needed to resolve this situation as soon as may be and then put as much distance between himself and Bethany as was possible now that he counted James amongst his close circle of friends.

A friendship which would be severely tested once Julius had confessed to the intimacy he had shared with Bethany.

Something which went completely out of Julius’s head when he entered Metford’s bedchamber a short time later and discovered James already there.

“What the hell are you doing in here?” Julius stared incredulously as he watched the younger man slide out from beneath his uncle’s four-poster bed.

“Someone needs to have words with the maids,” James muttered as, having stood, he now brushed the evidence of dust from his dark clothing. “I shudder to think how long it is since someone cleaned beneath that bed.”

Julius leaned back against the closed door. “Once you are earl, you can ensure it does not happen again.”

“Oh, do not worry, I will.” James raised his head, the frustration obvious in his expression. “There is nothing in the safe but several deeds for property in London which do not belong to the Ipswich title, but are owned personally by my uncle.”

Julius straightened. “Did you read them?”

The other man scowled. “How else would I know they are not part of the estate?”

“Do not take out your frustration on me,” Julius snapped. “Do you remember where in London these properties are situated?” His tone softened, as James looked suitable chastened.

“Piccadilly.”

“All of them?”

“Yes.”

“When did he purchase them?”

“The first was shortly after he assumed the title.”

“Hm.” Julius frowned in concentration. “Have you heard of the Burlington Arcade, the new covered shopping area? I believe it is being built so the rich and privileged ladies can shop even when it rains,” he added dryly.

“Well, of course. I— The new arcade is being built off Piccadilly,” James realized.

Julius nodded. “And it appears your uncle has been buying property in the surrounding area for several years.”

James frowned his puzzlement. “What does that mean?”

“Apart from the fact those properties are now worth thrice, possibly more, of the value he bought them for? Once the arcade is open to the public and other shop owners require their own establishment in the fashionable area?”

James sat heavily on the side of the bed. “Are you saying my uncle had me killed so that he had the wherewithal to purchase property?”

“I am sure there was more to it than that,” Julius evaded, determined to have answers to his questions regarding the death of James and Bethany’s parents. “But it is a fact that, as the younger brother of an earl, Metford would not previously have had the funds with which to buy much more than a midden.” He glanced toward