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Gareth choked on his drink

“It’s good, isn’t it?” Anthony said, looking at the bottle “Aged twenty-four years”

“I don’t believe I’ve ever ingested anything quite so ancient,” Gareth murmured

“Now then,” Anthony said, leaning against the edge of his desk, “you’ll want to discuss the settlements, I’m sure”

The truth was, Gareth hadn’t even thought about the settlee as that seemed for a man in possession of very few funds He’d been so surprised by his sudden decision to marry Hyacinth that his mind hadn’t even touched upon the practical aspects of such a union

“It is coe that I increased her dowry last year,” Anthony said, his face growing h I would hope that it is not your pri her”

“Of course not,” Gareth replied, bristling

“I didn’t think so,” Anthony said, “but one has to ask”

“I would hardly think a man would admit it to you if it were,” Gareth said

Anthony looked up sharply “I would like to think I can read a ”

“Of course,” Gareth said, sitting back down

But it didn’t appear that the viscount had taken offense “Now then,” he said, “her portion stands at…”

Gareth watched with a touch of confusion as Anthony just shook his head and allowed his words to trail off “My lord?” he murmured

“My apologies,” Anthony said, snapping back to attention “I’m a bit unlike myself just now, I must assure you”

“Of course,” Gareth reement was really the only acceptable course of action at that point