No, this had to be down to something else.
Could it be about the list? This had been a thing that started to occur only recently, so that seemed a bit unlikely. Yet not entirely improbable.
Could it be the curse?
Surely not, though he could not disregard the fact that the harassment had started after he turned thirty, presumably activating this family curse.
The other option was that hedidhave that sort of face? Preposterous, if he may say so himself.
He didn’t know which idea he resisted the most.
All of them.
Ardently.
This was what his life had come down to—too many inexplicable things. It made him uncomfortable. He needed those moments of peace. He wanted a lifetime of them, not just three. But for now, any would do.
A hand gripped his shoulder in a tight vise. “Running off so soon?” Saville’s grating voice sliced between his shoulder blades, causing them to stiffen. “It seems everyone has set out to vex me this evening.”
Warrick turned to his friend, shielding Selena’s view. “Shouldn’t you be more concerned with the reason you are here?”
“That little harridan hasn’t noticed me yet. You, on the other hand, should escort my sister home. She has to gather her belongings for Fielding Park.”
Selena snorted, stepping up to her brother. Never a good thing. “You’d dare to send me away?”
“I’m notdaringto do anything. I just do it.”
Her chin lifted a notch. Several notches. Warrick tried to step between the two, but her words were faster. “I’m not leaving.”
“You are retiring to the country,” a foxlike smile upturned his friend’s mouth, “or you are marrying. Choose.”
Curses stuck between Warrick’s teeth. “Saville.”
Selena stepped forward. “I choose neither. What will you do?” she challenged.
“That’s not an option. My word is law.”
“Saville,” Warrick spoke in a low voice. “I shall see your sister home.”
A mocking gaze met his. “Can I expect a proposal?”
Warrick back shot straight. “What are you talking about?”
“Yes.” Selena prickled like a porcupine beside him. “What grave mood have you entered into now? Insisting I marry is one thing, but trying to pawn your friend off on me? Are you a revolting villain?”
“I share your sister’s sentiments.”
Her shocked gaze flew to his. “You do? This must be a first.”
Before Warrick could break free from those bright eyes that locked on him with meaning, Saville snapped, “Is this a conspiracy?”
Then Warrick did something he had never done before: he shoved his friend back a step. “Consider your words before you speak, man.”
“What are you doing right now?” Saville demanded.
Hell if he knew. “Do not lose your temper with us when we are not the ones who ignited it.”
“What does it matter who ignited what? Escort Selena home. She is leaving for Fielding Park in the morning.”
