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“We are to remain in the shop with them?” her cousin whispered beneath her breath.

“I am in need of a wardrobe. If I depart a shop every time a small-minded bit of muslin enters the door, I will never replace these debutante gowns your mother made me wear.”

“I cannot believe what you said. You are so brave.”

“Not brave. Just determined to live my life without strumpets interfering.”

When Sophia finally reached home, she stalked toward Richard’s study. Pausing by the door which was slightly ajar, she heard his brother, Perry. “No, not him. He slipped and broke his leg over Christmas, so he is languishing at his Derbyshire estate until he recovers. It was a bad break.”

“I will cross him off the list, then,” Richard replied.

Sophia pushed open the door and stormed in. Her husband leapt to his feet, distracting her for a moment. He looked very fine in a green tailcoat that picked out the color of his eyes. “Sophia, you are ba⁠—”

“Did you hire guardsmen for Ethan and myself?”

He glanced away. “What do you mean?”

“The two Johns in the ill-fitting livery? Both of whom are coincidentally recently arrived from your country estates?”

“Four Johns,” piped Perry from behind her. She turned to find him sprawled in one of the ivory armchairs, nursing a drink in his hand.

“Four?”

Perry gave a flippant nod, lifting his tumbler to sip on his brandy with his distinctive Balfour eyes fixed on hers.

Sophia spun back to Richard. “Did you hire four guardsmen?”

Richard glowered at his brother. “I did.”

“Why have I met only two, then?”

“Two of them are on night watch.”

“And why have you hired guardsmen?”

She saw something in his eyes. Shame, perhaps? “No reason. I am an important man, and I now have a new son and bride in my home. It seemed best to be cautious.”

She narrowed her eyes at her lying husband. He was having difficulty meeting her eyes, and he moved his hand to cover a list he had been writing when she entered.

“Are you hiding something, Richard?”

“No.”

“I do not believe you.”

“It is simple. You and Ethan are my responsibility, and I am taking precautions to ensure your security.”

Sophia tilted her head, recalling her mention of security the day before. Was it possible that conversation had prompted him to do so? She felt slightly mollified until her attention returned to Richard, who, she noted, was fidgeting like a schoolboy caught in a lie. Then, no. Something had happened, but he elected not to inform her. Sophia flushed with resentment. He had promised that they would be honest with each other, but now, after a mere three days of marriage, he was keeping a secret.

He did not trust her! She thought they had made so much progress, but … He does not trust me!

Taking a deep breath, she tried again. “Are you sure there is nothing you wish to tell me?”

Richard looked like a guilty child, shaking his head in dissent. The resentment in her chest burst into flames. She wished to claw him in her anger—the stupid, glib idiot.

“I met your dear friend, Lady Partridge, today.” Richard visibly flinched. Behind her, she heard Perry choking back a laugh.

“She is very eager to renew your special acquaintanceship.” This time, there was no concealing it. Perry laughed out loud.