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‘We are notvoice ‘Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me? I believe I will follow my aunt’s example and retire to my room for a few hours before dinner’ She didn’t wait for a reply, but swept froh

Lucian scowled darkly as he watched her departure through narrowed lids The situation between hih for him to break his word and confide in her? No, he accepted wearily That he simply could not do

‘I believe, dear brother, that you may well have met your match’ Sebastian’s appreciative hts

He turned to look at his brother with cold eyes ‘Then it is as well that I am the one betrothed to marry her, is it not?’

Sebastian held up supplicating hands ‘Calm your temper, Lucian,’ he taunted ‘Grace is very beautiful Very accomplished But I believe I like the idea of her for my sister-in-law far better than asthe effect she has upon my taciturn older brother’

Lucian’s mouth thinned ‘And what effect would that be…?’ His voice was deceptively soft

The deception did not fool Sebastian for a singleas he stood up ‘Only you can know that, Lucian’ He studiously straightened the lace at his cuffs ‘Although I will say…’ he looked up, his gaze very direct ‘…that I approve of the changes I see in you You have been away fro, brother,’ he added huskily

Lucian’s brow darkened ‘It is two years since I resigned my commission and returned to London’

Sebastian’s smile was rueful ‘In body, perhaps In mind and spirit…?’ He shook his head ‘But you are back with us now, Lucian, and if nothing else I will always be grateful to Grace for being the means of that return’

‘I have no idea what you are talking about’ But he did He did!

His brother gave hilance ‘As you please, Lucian’ He nodded abruptly ‘Perhaps you would like to confide inHawk’s disapproval by not travelling to Mulberry Hall to pay hoe to your new nephew?’