"In that case," he whispered, "welcome to the Mutual Mischief Society, Matrimonial Division."
Her lips curved against his."Do we have rules?"
"Only one," he said."All significant wagers are to be made jointly."
She considered."And no drowning without prior agreement."
"Agreed," he said solemnly.
From the doorway, a gasp.
"Iknewit," Genny whispered loudly."Pay up, Foxmere."
James closed his eyes."Of course."
Esme turned.Genny and Niall stood just inside.Behind them, Pippa peeked over Niall's shoulder, one hand clamped over her mouth.
"You swore you would not follow me," Esme said.
"I swore no such thing," Genny replied."I merely said I would not interrupt.I have upheld my honor admirably."
Niall jingled a small purse."I, on the other hand, have just won a tidy sum.Half the room bet you would take another fortnight.Fools."
James groaned into Esme's hair."My love, if we marry, we must forbid wagers on our domestic life."
Esme's breath caught at the wordlove—he felt it—but she did not shy away.
"On the contrary," she said, cheeks flushed but eyes bright."We shall simply ensure that we are always the ones placing them."
Genny clasped her hands."Oh, excellent.Married mischief.Society will never recover."
"Out," James said, without heat."Both of you, before I change my mind and throw myself into the nearest reflecting pool."
"Too late," Pippa sing-songed."You're already drowning."
They vanished.
Esme turned back, amusement and apprehension mingling in her gaze.
“My brother,” she said."My mother.”
He sobered."I will speak to your brother tonight," he said."If he attempts to strike me, rest assured I have practice at dodging blows."
She laid a hand over his."Allow me to speak first."
He hesitated."Esme?—"
"You gave me the choice," she said."Let me use it.I should like to tell him myself before he hears it from Lady Honoria's verse about 'devils in conservatories.'"
He winced."A fair point."
She drew a breath."Come with me?"
"Always," he said.
Harrison Jones, Viscount Woodmere, looked as though his ledgers had decided to rearrange themselves.
In a small anteroom off the main hall, summoned there by Pippa's machinations, Esme faced her brother with Redford at her side, fingers twined with his.
