Page 23 (1/2)

"You look a bit queer"

No Are you quite all right? or Are you unwell? Just You look a bit queer

It made hiirl, and how ed her the day of Leticia's funeral And itnice for her He looked at his sister one last time, and then said, as he slowly turned back around, "If I were a young buck, which mind you I'm not…"

"Turner, you're not even thirty"

Her expression turned iovernessy way that he found oddly entertaining, and he gave her a lazy, one-shouldered shrug as he answered, "Yes, well, I feel older Ancient these days, to tell the truth" Then he realized that she was staring at him expectantly, so he cleared his throat and said, "I wasaround the crop of new debutantes, I don't believe Olivia would catch my eye"

Miranda's brows rose "Well, she is your sister Aside froalities- "

Oh , for the love of- "I was atte to compliment you," he interrupted

"Oh" She cleared her throat Blushed a little, although it was difficult to be sure in the diht ahead"

"Olivia is quite beautiful," he continued "Even I, her older brother, can see that But there is so behind her eyes"

Which elicited an i to say You knoell as I do that Olivia is very intelligent Fararound her"

He watched her indulgently She was such a loyal little thing He had no doubt she'd take a bullet for Olivia if the need ever arose It was a good thing she was here Aside fro tendencies she had on his sister- and he rather suspected the entire Bevelstoke faratitude for that- Miranda was, he was fairly certain, the only thing that was going to make his time in London bearable God knew he hadn't wanted to co for position, atte to fill Leticia's miserable little shoes But with Miranda about, at least he was assured of soent," he said in a placating voice "Allow uing"

She pursed her lips, and the governess was back "Well, that's your prerogative, I suppose"

He smiled and leaned in, just a hint "I think I'd be far more likely to make my way to your side"

"Don't be silly," she ain, I am older than most of those fools with my sister Perhaps my tastes have mellowed But the point isbuck, and I' around this year's crop of debutantes"

"And you're not looking for a wife" It was a statement, not a question

"God , no," he blurted out "What on earth would I do with a wife?"