Emily took his hand and lowered her voice. “You could have done that with a bit more finesse. I think you’ve horrified them.”

“I did just as you asked.” His voice remained calm. “I believe you wanted me to publicly acknowledge you as my wife, did you not?”

Emily ventured a slight smile. “I did, yes.” Her skin warmed as she looked into his gray eyes. He caressed her knuckle with his thumb, and it made her imagine all the ways he might touch her later tonight.

Couples had begun lining up in a quadrille, and she glanced toward Freddie, who had joined the others. “Are you certain you want to join in this particular dance? He might have to partner with me.” The dance involved switching partners, and Freddie stood nearby. He probably thought to ensure her safety, but it was entirely unnecessary.

“If he touches you, I’ll cut off his hand,” Stephen said smoothly.

She tried in vain to keep a straight face, but her heart was soaring. “You have no reason to be jealous.” Especially now.

Stephen sent the man a dark warning, but the poor man could not escape. When they switched partners, Emily sent Freddie a reassuring look. “Don’t worry about Lord Whitmore. Everything is fine.” She struggled to remember the steps of the dance. Now that she had a moment to speak with Freddie, she wondered why his name was mentioned in Daniel’s accounts. “I’ve been meaning to ask, did you ever invest in a shipment with my brother?”

Freddie’s face grew shamefaced. “To my regret. Please know that I hold the highest esteem for your late brother, but—”

It was time to switch partners again, and Stephen cut in, taking her by the waist. He dropped his voice into an angry whisper. “I don’t want you near Reynolds, Emily. He was involved with the shipment.”

“I know,” Emily gritted out. “I’ve been trying to get answers from him.” She changed palms and turned around. “Just give me a moment to ask questions.”

She was about to move back in the other direction when Stephen caught her wrist. “You should know that the Viscount Carstairs was murdered tonight.”

Murdered? Why would anyone wish to kill Carstairs? Her throat closed up, and stars blinked in her vision. It suddenly became more difficult to catch her breath. She’d known it was dangerous, but now, she was starting to understand why Stephen had become so overprotective.

Before she could ask him more about it, they switched partners in the quadrille again. Freddie took her hand in his. “Your brother assured me that the investment was a wonderful opportunity,” he continued as he took her hand. “I am still hoping that the missing funds turn up,” he added. “But your Uncle Nigel has his doubts.”

At the mention of Nigel’s name, Emily faltered. “Nigel, you said?”

“Of course. It was his suggestion that I invest.”