Natalia's Secret Spinster's Society (The Spinster's Society) (A Regency Romance Book)(9)

Maura wanted to know what it had been about. For the last year, the men had continuously disappeared, two or three at a time. This time, it had been William and Frank who’d been gone for a fortnight.

Could the meeting have been about the topic she’d heard the men whispering about last year at Christin’s niece's party?

The Slaughter.

The name of such an event sent shivers up her spine.

She was glad when her cousin started to ask questions.

“Where is Frank?” Lorena handed a very awake Owen to his father.

Emmett placed the boy close against his chest and, as if knowing the protection his father’s arms offered, Owen’s head went down. “He is with the others at Hugh’s home.”

The others were Aaron, Calvin, and Rollo.

“Is he reporting his findings?” Lorena asked, though not even she was entirely sure what she was asking about. “When do you plan to let us know what is going on?”

“Soon.” Her husband’s gray eyes softened as he met hers. “You’ll all be informed of what is happening very soon.” He rested his head against Owen’s soft f hair. His son had fallen asleep.

Lorena looked at William. “Is this dangerous?”

“Yes,” William said without hesitation. “There has been… violence introduced to the situation, so from here forward, we’ll take precautions and make sure none of you are harmed. Your husbands and the rest of us protect you.”

Julius looked away but not before Maura caught the storm in his eyes. She felt the strangest urge to go to him and… pet him, stroke his hair as though he were a wild animal that needed soothing.

Sophia took the hand Morris offered and rose from the floor. “Don’t you think it best we are aware of this danger before it comes after us as well?”

“No one will hurt you,” Morris all but growled before he took Ambrose. When he tried to grab Sophia, she moved toward Maura.

“How can you be sure?” The Duchess of Cort lifted a brow in her husband’s direction.

Morris narrowed his eyes. “Because I’ll shoot anything that stands in my way.” The threat was not idle and made Maura’s stomach tighten.

“You’ve no need to fear anything,” Francis said. “We’ll protect you, and we’re prepared to do just that.”

Maura gave Asa over to his mother with ease, but her arms felt empty without the infant. But that was no matter. There were plenty of babies to go around.

Lorena turned to her brother, Francis. “But who will protect Maura and the women I keep in the house?”

Emmett answered, “Julius and William will see to it, which means they’ll need permission to enter the residence.” The Spinster’s Home for Women was closed to every male, both guests and servants, with the only exception being Zed.

It was understandable why the men would choose Julius and William as their protectors. Both were unattached bachelors and thus had no families of their own to watch over. Maura didn’t know how the women would feel with two more men roaming the halls. “It’s out of the question. I can’t let them in the house. It’s the women’s sanctuary.”

Morris said, “And how would you feel if something were to happen to one of them and you’d not done all you could to protect them?”

Those words struck close to Maura’s heart.

“We’ll be on our best behavior,” William promised with a smile.

Maura narrowed her eyes. “No. You can remain outside but—”

Julius cut her off and turned to William. “Did she just suggest we stand outside like a pair of stable hands?”

“I believe she did.” William kept his eyes on her when he spoke.

“Well, then perhaps we should hire someone else to do the job,” Christin offered. “Perhaps we could find some strong women...”

There were a few chuckles and the clearing of throats from the men. Julius outright laughed, the sound of it deep and rich.

Lorena pointed a finger at him. “Don’t you dare finish that thought!” Owen jumped in his father’s arms but otherwise remained asleep.

Julius pressed his lips together, but that didn’t stop the insult from having its effect.

“I know how to shoot,” Sophia said. Morris, who was a phenomenal hunter, had taught her well.

“And you’ll protect no one but yourself and our sons,” Morris told her then pulled her into his side. “And only when necessary.”

Lorena crossed her arms. “No. This is unacceptable. There cannot be men in the house.”

Emmett cut in. “Either William and Julius are allowed to enter the home, or we close it until the matter is finished. But Maura is one of ours, and we will not leave her to fend for herself. Therefore, the Home’s protection comes with her presence.”

Lorena’s mouth gaped. She was not used to hearing no. Or rather, she was not used to obeying her husband, but there were times when even she could feel the severity of the moment.

This was one of those times.

Emmett went on and caught the eyes of each of the Spinsters. “I’ll not have Maura and those women in danger because of your stubbornness and sense of womanly affections. William is a knight. He was a Major General in the army of His Majesty. The women should be so lucky as to have him for their guardian. The men they fear would think twice before crossing him and if he, a man who’s led men into war, says Julius is fit for this duty, then the women have no reason to fear he is not.”