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Dunford had been irritated by all the attention paid to Henry the previous night, but nothing in his life had ever prepared hih hi in Ned's ear

He acted without thinking--he must have, he later reflected, because he never would have behaved like such an idiotic boor if his ed to plant hi her an even, white snashed her teeth, presu rebuke

"Good to see you're back fro at the youngertilt of his head

"I cannot thank you enough for your services," Dunford replied tightly, "but they are no longer necessary"

"I think they are," Henry cut in

Dunford fixed a deadly stare on Ned "I find myself in need of a discussion with my ward"

"In the middle of the street?" Ned asked, his eyes ith mock innocence "Surely you'd rather I returned her home Then you could speak with her in the co room, with tea and--"

"Edward" Dunford's voice was like velvet-covered steel

"Yes?"

"Do you remember the last time we crossed purposes?"

"Ah, but I'm much older and wiser now"

"Not nearly as old and wise as I a the real"

"Is this a game?" Henry asked

"Be quiet," Dunford snapped "This is none of your concern"

"Isn't it?" Unable to believe his nerve and Ned's sudden defection to the caant males, she threw up her arms and walked away The two of them probably wouldn't even notice her absence until she was halfway down the street, so obsessed were they with their rooster-like strutting

She rong

She'd taken only three steps when a firm hand closed around the sash at her waist and reeled her back in

"You," Dunford said icily, "aren't going anywhere" He turned his gaze to Ned "And you are Make yourself scarce, Edward"

Ned looked at Henry, his expression telling her that if she just said the word, he'd take her back home that instant She doubted he could best Dunford in an out-and-out fight, although a draas possible But surely Dunford wouldn't want to cause such a scene in the middle of Bond Street Chin up, she told him so

"Do you really believe that, Henry?" he asked, his voice low

She nodded jerkily