“Certainly.” Lucien let out a relieved laugh. “For a moment there I was worried you were cross with me.”
The duke grinned. “Actually I had just remembered the time you stole my clothes by the pond.”
Christ. He had forgotten about that. “It was all Freddie’s idea,” Lucien blurted out. She hadalwaysbeen getting him into mischief.
“I’m sure,” Margrave said with a laugh. “Remind me never to trust you with a secret. You folded faster than my valet.”
Lucien grimaced. It was true.
“I heard my name,” Freddie trilled as she came beside them. Her arm firmly held by her not-quite-fiancé.
“Lucien was just ratting you out,” Margrave said smoothly. “Remember the time you stole my clothes while I was swimming in the pond?”
Freddie threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, you werefurious! I think you chased us all the way back home clutching a bunch of leaves to your—”
Hank Ericson Jr. loudly cleared his throat. “Darling, we need to stop by my parents’ box.”
Freddie blushed and patted his arm. “Of course. Good to see you again, Lucien,” she called out as she was firmly guided to the exit.
A dark-haired man with a mustache in the far corner stared after Freddie with the kind of veiled longing Lucien knew all too well. And yet, he felt only sympathy for the fellow. He managed to tear his gaze away long enough to exchange a nod with Margrave.
“Who was that man with the mustache?” Lucien asked once they had left the box.
“Inspector Holland.”
“Is he interested in Freddie?”
Margrave shot him a sharp look. “Why do you care?”
Lucien shrugged. “I was just curious,” he answered honestly.
Alex had occupied so much of his time lately that he had barely thought of Freddie. The old, familiar ache she usually inspired in his heart felt more like a dull flutter. A genuine fondness for their shared childhood. And Lucien wasn’t quite sure how to feel about that. His love for Freddie had been a guiding force in his life for so long, it was a little unnerving how quickly he had set it aside—and that hersisterof all people was the reason.
Margrave studied him and pursed his lips. “Hmm. Let’s get that drink, shall we?”
As they retreated across the hall to a private bar area for those in box seats, Lucien bumped directly into someone. But before he could make his apologies, the large chap stalked away.Odd, Lucien thought as he stared after him for a moment.
“Are you coming, Taylor?” the duke called from the doorway and he joined him.
Once inside, Margave ordered them champagne. Lucien accepted the coupe and then lifted it. “Allow me to offer a toast to your engagement.”
“Thank you. I am a very lucky man.” Margrave’s smile was small but genuine. “And might we be toasting you and Alex next?”
Lucien choked a little on a mouthful of champagne and the duke slapped him firmly between his shoulder blades.
“I saw the way you were looking at each other earlier,” Margrave continued, unruffled by Lucien’s reaction. “And I highly doubt Alex would be able to fake such interest.” Lucien’s heart fluttered wildly with pleasure. Then Margrave’s eyes narrowed. “Frankly, I’m not sure which one of you is in more trouble.”
Lucien blinked. “Sir?” The word slipped from his lips before he could stop it.
Margrave stepped closer. “If you hurt her, you will need to go a hell of a lot farther than France when I am done with you.
Lucien swallowed and nodded. “Understood.”
“But if she hurtsyou,” the duke began as his eyes softened, “know that you can always come to me.”
“I appreciate that, but it won’t be necessary,” Lucien insisted even while his skin prickled with foreboding.
Margrave’s mouth curved. “Right. Youragreement. My mistake.”
