“Lord Raine, the eldest, has broken many hearts. It is said that Lady Mary Hatton took to her room for days when he told her his intention was not to marry anytime soon,” Thea said.
“Women are fools to allow a man such power over them,” Daniel said.
“You say that because you have never loved, Daniel. When you do, then it will be you who gives the power to that woman.”
“Unlikely,” he said, although he could not discount that thought as easily as he once had. Abby had changed his reasoning.
“Of course, it’s all an act to intimidate and make a statement,” Thea said, looking at the men. “The Deville brothers get about in society doing as they wish because it’s rare they are challenged.”
“I’m sure there are men in your family who carried on the same way before they found the love of a good woman,” Daniel drawled. “Even I know that power does not necessarily equate to common sense or good behavior, Thea. Men of consequence are not always honorable.”
“Are you mocking me?” She turned a glare his way.
“As if I would do such a thing.”
She snorted.
“It is their sister I worry about. She is a sweet young lady, and since the night I found her weeping in a corner, I have taken an interest in her. They control her every move, the poor girl.”
“Brothers tend to be protective. Yours were no different, I’m sure,” Daniel said quietly, so the men could not hear.
“Yes, but I only had two of them. Good day, gentlemen,” Thea said.
The men nodded as they pulled alongside the carriage.
“Lady Althea, Mr. Dillinger.” The eldest, Lord Raine, spoke first.
“What has you four out in the park today? It is not often I see you here,” Thea said. She was the daughter of a duke, and sometimes he forgot that, but now when she was in the company of her peers it was clear for all to see.
“We are looking for our sister,” Lord Raine said, looking around him, as the other brothers were.
“Is she unwell?” Thea asked.
“No.”
“On her own?”
“No,” another brother, Nathanial, said. “She is out with her companion.”
“Surely you saw her this morning at the breakfast table?”
“We did, my lady,” Lord Raine said.
“Do you have a message for her that cannot wait then?”
Daniel looked at his sister-in-law and wondered at the questions.
“No, my lady.” Lord Raine looked uncomfortable.
“Then why are you here?”
“She is our sister. We are simply watching over her,” he said. “She left the house after we had a discussion,” he added.
“Discussion or argument?”
“Discussion,” Lord Raine said.
“One of many, from what I gather?”
“She has spoken with you, Lady Althea?”
The other men stayed silent, letting their brother do the talking while they continued to look around them. He almost felt sorry for this sister; surely having these four protective men watching your every move could not be easy. And yet, she lived the life of luxury, and Daniel doubted she lacked for anything.
“Your sister and I have spoken only a handful of times, but I have ascertained she is not only lovely but also a sensible young woman.”
“Thank you.” Lord Raine shot a look to the left, and Daniel thought he may be about to make a run for it.
“Yet I have heard how protective you all are of her. It is common knowledge, Lord Raine.”
“As anyone with sisters would be. Is that not right, Mr. Dillinger?” Lord Raine looked a bit desperate now. Clearly, he wanted Daniel’s help.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Thea cut him off.
“Your sister is a sensible woman. You should all try and understand that and stop smothering her,” she snapped. “Good lord, let the girl breathe.”
“Thea.” Daniel touched her arm. “I’m sure they love their sister very much and are doing their best.”
“No, they are smothering her!”
“You’ll beg my pardon, Lady Althea, but she is not used to society’s ways,” Lord Raine said. “Abigail needs us to guide and watch over her.”
“I understand this is her first season due to your father’s passing, but you are all overprotective, and I’ll tell you something else.” Thea looked at each of the brothers. Daniel was fairly sure their expressions matched his when he was being taken to task by his mother. “If you keep doing what you are, she’ll make you very sorry for it in the end.”
“What does that mean?” The youngest, Zachriel, said. “Has she said something to you?”
“No, I am attempting to explain that if you push too hard she will likely rebel, as any sane woman would. Let her breathe.”
“Were she not breathing, Lady Althea, she would be dead,” Michael said in that straightforward way some men had, which to Daniel was a valid point. He understood why they were behaving as they did. He had sisters, and knew how protective he was of them. However, Daniel also had a mother who did not allow him to control their movements.
“You know precisely what I mean.” Thea glared at the brothers.
“She is our sister, and we love her, my lady. Our only concern is that she will fall into trouble and we will not be there to aid her.” Daniel had noted that Michael was quieter than his brothers when they’d met, but he guessed no less determined.
“I understand that, and it’s very admirable of you all,” Thea said, softening. “But let me ask you a question. What would your reaction be if someone was smothering you the way you do your sister?”
Daniel watched each of the men squirm in their saddles as Thea glanced at them.
“She is a woman,” Zach said, and to Daniel’s mind he had not given his words a great deal of thought. Thea would likely make him pay.
“And therefore without brains?” The sweet tone of his sister-in-law’s voice fooled no one.
“I think that will do, Thea,” Daniel said,
