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“Charlie” Hartwell gri into a thin line

Raithe’s insides tightened Charlie was short for Charlotte, Lady Charlotte Rainsville She was Rathmore’s cousin and Hartwell’s sister As vivacious as she was beautiful, she’d come out the season before Fearless and outspoken, many had said she should have been born a man

Not that her strong personality stopped her fro male attention In fact, Charlie had been the pre her about but she’d yet to choose a husband Raithe had not been one of those eneral rule and Charlie in particular So about her beauty ht lose his head and he couldn’t afford to do that now

“Are you worried for the upco men off with sticks and clubs” Rathmore chuckled

Hartwell’s griin to cover how I feel And sticks and clubs were the least of the needed weapons I had two incidents that involved a sword and one that required a pistol”

Chase clapped his cousin on the back “I’ll help you”

Hartwell gave hiht shove “You said that last year too But we both know you’re too busy to help me keep Charlie out of trouble”

“Busy doing what?” Raithe asked, a light grin playing at his lips He knew full hat sorts of illicit pastied in that kept him occupied

Both men turned to look at him Hartwell appeared leery while Rathmore crossed his arms over his chest “Don’t sneak up on me like that”

“I didn’t sneak” His grin broadened “I’ve been sitting here the entire tiht, Dashlane?”

“Are they e’re waiting for? Can we get on with it then?” Dashlane cracked his knuckles “I’ve got a lovely brunette waiting for my attention”

Rathmore frowned at the other fellow “Must you be so indiscrete about your indiscretions?”