Part 35 (1/2)

”Iced water,” Harry replied. He transferred his gaze to Frederick Amberly's innocent visage.

”You needn't linger, Amberly. I'll escort Mrs Babbacombe back to my aunt.”

Mr Amberly's brows rose, but he merely smiled gently.

”If you insist, Lester.” Lucinda held out her hand and he took it, bowing elegantly.

”Your servant always, Mrs Babbacombe.”

Lucinda bestowed a perfectly genuine smile.

”Thank. you for a most ... delightful interlude, sir.”

Mr Amberly's departing look suggested she was learning.

Then she glanced up at Harry's face. He was eyeing her narrowly.

”My dear Mrs Babbacombe, has anyone ever explained to you that remaining a virtuous widow is conditional on not encouraging rakes?” Lucinda opened her eyes wide.

”Encouraging rakes?

My dear Mr Lester, whatever do you mean? ” Harry returned no answer but his lips thinned.

Lucinda grinned.

”If you mean Mr Amberly,” she continued ingenuously, 'we were just chatting.

Indeed,”

she went on, her smile widening again,

”I have it on excellent authority that I'm incapable of encouraging rakes.”

Harry snorted.

”Rubbish.” After a moment, he asked, ”Who told you that?”

Lucinda's smile lit up the room.

”Why, you did--don't you remember?”

Looking down into her very bright eyes, Harry inwardly groaned. And hoped Amberly hadn't noticed just how thin the lovely Mrs Babbacombe's skull was.

Taking the empty gla.s.s from her fingers, he deposited it on a pa.s.sing tray, then took her hand and placed it on his sleeve.

”And now, Mrs Babbacombe, we are going to perambulate, very slowly, around the room.” Bright blue eyes quizzed him.

”Very slowly? Why?”

Harry gritted his teeth.