Part 44 (1/2)

Eyes hooded, Harry took a soothing sip of brandy, the gla.s.s cradled in one hand.

Only to be thumped on the shoulder at the most critical moment.

Harry choked. Recovering his breath, he swung to face his a.s.sailant.

”d.a.m.n it--I hope your wife aims to teach you some manners!”

Jack laughed.

”Probably--but none, I suspect, that will apply to you.” Deep blue eyes twinkling, he raised his brows at Harry.

”She thinks you're dangerous. In severe need of the right woman to blunt your lethal edge.”

”Indeed?” Harry replied, repressively chill. He took another sip of his brandy and looked away.

Jack was undeterred.

”As I live and breathe,” he affirmed.

”But she's of the opinion it'll take a brave woman--a Boadicea, I gather--to successfully take you on.”

Harry rolled his eyes--but couldn't stop his mind supplying an image of Lucinda, half-naked, bedaubed with blue paint, driving a chariot.

”Your wife is clearly blessed with a typically extravagant feminine imagination.”

Jack chuckled.

”I'll let you know after the honeymoon. We're off to Rawling's Cottage for a week. Nice and quiet up in Leicesters.h.i.+re just now.” Harry shook his head, a half-smile on his lips as he took in his brother's bright eyes. 'Just don't lose anything vital--like your wits. ”

Jack laughed.

”I think I'll manage--just.” His slow grin surfaced as his gaze found his wife at the centre of a crowd near the door. He turned to Harry and put out his hand.

”Wish me luck?”

Harry met his gaze. He straightened--and took Jack's hand.

”You know I do. And your Golden Head as well.”

Jack grinned.

”I'll tell her.” Poised to leave, Jack slid Harry a sidelong glance.

”Take care yourself.” With a last nod, he headed for his future.

Leaving Harry to wonder just how much of his current predicament showed in his face.

Fifteen minutes later, at the top of the steps outside the Webbs' house, he watched as the carriage carrying Jack and his bride rounded the corner into South Audley Street and disappeared from view. The a.s.sembled throng turned with a sigh and shuffled back indoors. Harry hung back, avoiding Em and his father.

He re-entered the hall at the rear of the crowd. The butler had just returned with his gloves and cane when a cool, calm voice enquired,