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Frederick jerked his head toward the door to his left. “In there.”

She started forward, so he caught her arm. “You are an innocent, aren’t you? Never barge in on newlyweds.”

His insouciant question ought to have sparked outrage; instead her eyes sparked with irritation. “They aren’t married!”

“Close enough. Tell me your name and the details of your cousin’s horrible suitor.”

She squinted at him. “You’re the major’s brother?”

“The same.”

“You reek of brandy.”

“True,” he agreed. “It’s my preferred scent.” He gave a loud sniff. “You smell of … something flowery.”

“Orange blossoms,” she said, giving in. “I suppose I’ll wait here for Livie. You’re certain she’s inside that room?”

“I brought her there myself. Livie?” he said musingly. “Suits her. And you?”

“Daisy.”

“Disturbingly akin to names for a pair of fluffy kittens.” He slid away when she swatted him. “We might expire from boredom guarding this door while yon lovebirds coo at each other, so you’d better tell me everything.”

Three minutes later he straightened and barked, “What?”

“You nearly fell over! You’re intoxicated, aren’t you?”

“Not quite. On the threshold of Bacchus, not in his very bedchamber.”

“Bacchus?”

He sighed. “Listen, very young woman, someday you’ll understand me, but I’m too old to play schoolmaster. We have a problem. My brother will be deeply offended when your cousin asks him for help.”

“Why?”

“I don’t answer foolish questions. Take it as a given. He’s a man of honor.”

“He’s in love with Livie!” she protested. “His letter was daft, but Livie is never wrong about people, and she said he loves her.”

“ ‘Daft?” he repeated.

“Like gilded mirrors,” she said impatiently. “Better without all the false gold.”

“I don’t—”

The door opened before Frederick could set the girl straight about elegant correspondence. His brother strode into the corridor, pushing the door closed behind him.

“Hi! You!” Frederick called, but Joshua glanced at him, turned without a word, and walked off down the corridor.

Yup. That hadn’t gone well.

“In a temper. What did I tell you?” Frederick said, slumping back against the wall.

“Distinctly unfriendly,” Daisy agreed. “Are you certain Livie was with him?”

“I expect she’s in a storm of tears. Believed herself in love, you said?”

Daisy nodded.