Deverell's Obsession: A Risqué Regency Romance by Sahara Kelly

Charles and Hannah, by the way?”
    “Still honeymooning, from what I understand. And trying to straighten out the Penvale estate mess. But blissful, of course.”
    “Of course.” Lucius grinned. “I’m waiting to see that blissful grin on your face, my lad.”
    Dev, to his annoyance, felt a slight color rise on his cheeks. “Don’t hold your breath.”
    “Don’t think I’ll have to.” On those cryptic words, Lucius led his friend out to find the carriage.
    *~~*~~*
    Julia read the note and snorted. “Gone to one of their gentlemen’s clubs. Really.” She glanced at Léonie who was tucked up against a pillow beneath several soft blankets. A fire was burning, since the day had turned cold and rainy yet again.
    “Is that normal for an afternoon?” She raised her eyebrows. “I have no idea how an English gentleman comports himself on a daily basis.”
    Julia smiled. “To tell the truth, neither do I.” She told Léonie the story of her marriage to Lucius. “So you see, I’m not the best person to ask about the habits of English gentlemen. I haven’t a clue.”
    They shared a laugh.
    “But your Lucius is a good man.” Léonie’s voice was firm.
    “He is. I’m blessed, and I thank God every day for him, and for our son.” She smiled, a soft look of contentment. “I have to add that Dev is another just like him. There are three, Lucius, Dev and Charles. You haven’t met Charles yet, since he married quite recently after some interesting adventures.”
    Léonie chuckled. “These gentlemen seem to be completely in control, until it comes to the ladies in their lives.”
    Julia blinked. “You know something? You’re absolutely right.”
    “But you believe that Dev and now Lucius…if they put their minds to it, they can help me out? Find out who…who wants me dead?”
    Julia didn’t miss the slight tremble in Léonie’s voice and reached across the linens to lay a hand on top of hers. “My dear, we can only make assumptions at this point. And that is never a good idea. Yes, you were attacked, that is without question. But we don’t know why. We certainly cannot say that it was an attempt on your life.”
    “It felt like it. ” Léonie grimaced.
    “Can you talk about it?” Julia asked tentatively. “I have a suspicion that Dev is going to treat you like a fragile invalid for a while. He’s a man, so he can’t help it. And it’s not a bad trait to have, by any means.”
    Léonie nodded and leaned back against the pillow with a sigh. “You have no idea how annoying it is though. Yes, I’m still tired, I get a damned headache more than I like and I know I’m not back to full strength yet. But you’re right. He is tiptoeing around me and sometimes I want to smack him and tell him to treat me normally. That I’m not going to break.”
    “Give him time, Léonie,” grinned Julia. “It’s only been a day or so. And you’ve knocked him for a bit of a loop.”
    “Yes, that painting.” She blinked. “It knocked me for a loop as well.”
    “So.” Julia settled into the chair and pulled a blanket over her lap. “Tell me about your mother?”
    “Ahh, Mama.” Léonie smiled and stared into the fire. “She was so beautiful, Julia. Hair as dark as midnight and with a shine that dazzled everyone. I remember when I was very little she came into my room one night, just before she had to attend some function in the Winter Palace. She wore a gown that looked as if it had been woven from starlight and such jewels , Julia.” She sighed.
    “I’ve heard tales of how magnificent the Winter Palace is. I can’t begin to imagine it…”
    “I visited a few times, I remember. With Mama and Papa. There were other diplomats and their families so for some occasions we would be allowed to come en famille. There would be special dishes for us children, and games set out in one of the magnificent rooms. Goodness, there were so many. It truly seemed like a palace out of a fairy tale.”
    “Did you have