Page 59 (1/2)

“Yes, but there were reasons…never !”

“You have the gist of it What more do you want?”

“You can’t leave it at that? You call her Mandy…you speak as though you know them well…hohere are they?”

“I call her Mandy at her request and I do know them well We have been in each other’s pockets so to speak from the s of society away from people and you discover who they are and these two and their Chauncey are worth all the haute ton put together!”

The viscount eyed his friend and said, “You are taken with them…or is it Mandy you are taken with?”

The duke’s lips curved, “Inquisitive, aren’t you? And yet, private suddenly about your own doings?” He frowned and asked, “Tell me, Skip, does Mandy have a tendre for Sir Owen?”

Skip snorted, “Mandy ain’t a fool for all her hoyden ways Sir Owenout lures, but I’d as life think she would drown before reaching out for one of ‘em”

“Do you think that because you don’t like the fellow or because you have reason to think that?” the duke pursued

“Has nothing to do with me Told you Brock, she is no fool Green, yes, how could she be otherwise stuck up here in the wilds, drea in on a white horse to scoop her up and take her away,” the viscount shook his head “Aye, an innocent, not quite up to snuff, but her head is squarely upon her shoulders, and she sees Owen for what he is Lord, she knows the difference between an engaging rascal like yourself, I’d wager and a park-sauntering gamester which is what he is”

“And hoould Mandy define you?” the duke asked pointedly

“A right’un,” the viscount said with a wide grin “And well you know it!”

“Right, so now that we have that out of the hat is toward, Skip, and don’t pitch any gammon at rave note

The viscount’s smile vanished “You don’t want a round tale, so then, don’t be asking me any questions Brock, you are hed heavily as the duke inclined his head but smirked and he snapped, “Well, you are But, what you can do forI can tell you Leave it at that, Brock”

It was obvious to the duke that his friend was in earnest He was dissatisfied but willing to accoer, so he allowed the matter to drop “Very well, Skip Oh, by the way, there is a runner in town Calls himself Fowler I offered to sell hi part of the Wharfe River”

“You what?” the viscount jumped to his feet