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"We’re not here to discuss Avendale," Claybourne said "We’re here because of the ruave his attention back to his sister with an impatient roll of the eyes "This rumor--did it come from someone reliable?"

She pursed her lips "Lady Charlotte"

He should have known Making hershould have visited Millbank immediately after he’d delivered Frannie to her door

"I do hope you don’t consider that rather unpleasant wo about that she’s your mistress, because you were there with her without benefit of a chaperone"

Dah truth be told, he suspected the rumor had more to do with their disparate places in society than the lack of a chaperone He would have to find a way to stifle the rumors He wanted her, but not at a cost that embarrassed her or ruined her reputation But he wasn’t about to ad that she’s near thirty, the arbitrary year, as far as I can tell, when a chaperone is no longer required"

He could see that he had her there It was a silly bit of etiquette, but there it was

"But Sterling, you’re only twenty and eight"

"Are you i I’m the one in want of a chaperone?"

"Don’t be obtuse You’re younger than she is"

"I don’t see that enerally look to older woossipers"

Another bit of silliness He ell aware that er than thelass, he jerked his head around to where his liquor cabinet stood Claybourne was standing there pouring whiskey into two tumblers "Do feel free to make yourself at home"

Claybourne prowled over to the desk, veryof a panther he’d once witnessed taking position right before it struck its prey Holding one glass, Claybourne set the other in front of Sterling and sat on the edge of the desk "Drink up You ht not have been hardened by the streets, but he’d had so his travels and come close to death a time or two They tended toof his liths