Tuck glanced between them. The same brown hair. But the eyes were different. His were more hazel than blue and his features were sharper, as if he were a bird of prey.
“Henry?” Tuck was just about to register the name when Lizzy spoke again.
“My older brother. Henry Percival Wooddash. Henry, take a chair and I’ll introduce you to my husband.”
Henry slumped before doing a quick internal rally, a gesture that was startlingly familiar. “I came here to keep you from ruining yourself.”
“Which I didn’t do.”
They were whispering as if they thought that would keep the conversation under wraps. But it was more akin to stage whispers, where anyone with curiosity could listen in on the circus.
“Hey there.” Tuck stood, unfolding himself out of his chair. He was a good six inches taller than her brother. “My name is Tucker Taylor and I’m a dry-goods merchant from Baltimore—”
“Not an American as well.” Henry looked as if he would combust in three... two... one... “A challenge!” he exclaimed. “I’m issuing you a challenge. For kidnapping my sister—”
“Henry! Stop this instant,” Lizzy exclaimed.
“—and ruining her. And thinking you’d be a welcomed member of the Wooddash family, with our impeccable reputation.”
“What is a challenge?” Tuck had benched weights heavier than this guy.
“It’s when you take a pair of pistols to a quiet glen with the aim of shooting each other in a respectable fashion,” she explained quickly. “And don’t listen to such nonsense. Henry doesn’t even own guns.”
Tuck tried to take it all in. This dude was going to shoot him for marrying his sister? And do so wearing those neck ruffles? The past was way more hardcore than he gave it credit for. It wasn’t all tea drinking and top hats.
“I should be able to procure some in this town with little difficulty. I can’t be the first aggrieved family member to be forced into such desperate measures.”
“Henry, I won’t say this again. So, sit. Both of you.” Lizzy hadn’t so much as raised her voice, but she might as well have screamed. “And then I will speak. If you do not listen to this command—and let me be clear, this is not a request—thenIwill find dueling pistols first and fire one directly into your nose to prevent you from sticking it into our business. I am of age, of sound mind, and now married. We stood over the anvil and exchanged our vows. The blacksmith was the witness. It is done, and the only thing you need to do now is congratulate us. After that, we shall make a plan for how to deliver the news to our parents.”
“You’ve changed, Elizabeth.” Henry’s tone was heavy with accusation as he reluctantly took a seat.
“You say this like it’s a bad thing,” Tuck said, not caring how much the guy seemed to hate him. He was acting like a murder-happy little brat. “Everything and everyone changes. So don’t waltz in here and make threats to my wife.”
Tuck wasn’t prepared for the possessive sensation that flared within him by speaking those final two words.
“How did you find us?” Lizzy asked.
“I had business to attend to in Portsmouth. I decided to surprise you at the Woodlands and—”
“Surprise? Is that what we are calling it?” Lizzy gave him a skeptical look. “‘Spy’ is more like it.”
“Georgie might be deemed respectable, but we all know it’s only because of her income.” He sniffed. “I was seeking assurance that your visit wasn’t marred by questionable activities; one can never be too careful.”
“Heavens, Henry. What questionable activities? Music? Books? Conversation? The Woodlands is a refuge. There’s fresh air, plenty of room to move around, and freedom from judgment.”
“Must I truly dignify that with an answer?” Henry gestured toward Tuck. “You forsook the season to retreat to the countryside for your whimsical notions of writing and indulging in female companionship. Mamma and Father, against my sound counsel, indulged you for a month, and what transpires?”
“Mr.Alby is Mother’s husband. That man isnotour father,” Lizzy ground out.
“That man, as you call him, is father enough for my needs. Remember who kept Mamma from sliding down into less-than-desirable economic circumstances after Papa’s passing. Her marriage to Rufus Alby secured our place back in the best of society. But you? You just love to bite the hand that feeds you, don’t you, sister?” Henry barked out a bitter laugh. “And nowyou go and marry this... this... American with unknown connections and reputation. Did you ever pause to think what this would mean for our family? Georgie was meant to be a chaperone. How did she allow this to happen?” He slammed back in his seat. “How am I to solve this problem?”
“Listen, my man.” Tuck leaned in, balling his hands into fists under the table and digging them into his thighs. As much as he’d love to check this guy, getting red-carded here would only make the situation worse. “Mywifeisn’t a problem. She’s one of the smartest, kindest women I’ve ever met and if you are so concerned over reputation, then I suggest you stop acting like an asshole.”
Lizzy’s eyes widened as their gazes locked.
“I’m not going to step in and tell you all how to end this. All I can say is that it’s a damn shame you haven’t taken the time to get to know your sister. Because if you did, you would realize that she never does anything without a reason.”
Henry’s mouth opened and closed rapidly like a fish out of water.
