For the first time in a long time, Katie had something to look forward to. Hopefully with the dowager’s help, Paula, and perhaps even Lord Soren, she could reclaim her life.
Chapter Four
That Same Day
“Slice, stop daydreaming and pick up the pace,” Nelson chided.
“What are you talking about?” Sebastian countered with a thrust.
Nelson parried with a riposte. “I think we’ve fulfilled any exercise requirement you needed,” he said in a wry tone.
Sebastian lunged. “Well, we don’t all have a luscious redhead lying abed whenever we feel in need of a little physical exertion.”
Nelson chuckled as he dodged. “What happened to that curvaceous blonde you were bedding?”
“That ended a while ago. A friendly parting of the ways. She was bound for the continent and I for home.” Sebastian lunged.
“Ah, then it must be the lovely Miss Latham that has you off your mark,” he winked as he countered and blocked with a thrust. “You do agree that she is lovely, don’t you?”
“Of course, she’s lovely,” he said a bit too emphatically as he parried with a riposte.
“Remarkable. Not blonde, nor buxom.” Nelson laughed and parried. “A willowy brunette.”
Sebastian ignored his friend’s teasing tone as he lunged. Point of fact, he’d found Miss Latham enchanting. Since last night, he couldn't stop himself from thinking about her…the feel of her in his arms, how graceful she was, even on the heels of her dizzy spell. The softness of her skin, the startling beauty of her extraordinary blue eyes, the violet scent of her dark hair…
“One cannot deny her bountiful attractive traits,” Nelson persisted.
“Nelson,” Sebastian warned, with a block. “I merely assisted a young woman in distress. I am not some love-sick swain at his first ball, tripping over my feet and falling for the first pretty young girl who smiles at me.”
“I’d pay for front-row seats to see that happen. Which is why I’m suggesting you be careful. The heart always wins, my friend. I’ve seen it happen time and again. Even the strongest of men cannot resist the lure of an enchanted beauty. My brother, Colin, found that out.”
“Enchanted? Shefford?”
“Who else?” Nelson laughed and lunged. “Colin and his countess are completely besotted with each other. I have no idea how those two fell in love, given they were constantly bickering and forever at odds.”
“How did your brother and Miss Honoria Mason meet?” Sebastian asked, easily parrying with a riposte. Despite his reluctance to marry, he was curious about how Shefford and Miss Mason went from foes to falling in love. He’d seen them at various functions since his return, and it was obvious they were made for each other, so utterly devoted they were.
“She was running an orphanage in this very building. Her uncle wagered the deed to the building at a gaming table and lost it. After Colin acquired it, we had grand plans. So, we decided to move Honoria and the orphanage so that we could renovate the building and turn it into this fine establishment you see today. As you know, everything turned out well. Colin and Honoria are now married with a growing family.” Nelson gave a last thrust, knocking the foil from Sebastian’s hand and pinning him. “Surrender now, my friend,” he said with a grin. “It’s only a matter of time.”
“Game. You win, but don’t get used to it,” Sebastian said, exhaling from the exertion. He stood and dusted off his pants. “For the record, I have no plans to marry.”
“Famous last words,” Nelson said with a chuckle.
“Speaking of famous, you’re still the finest swordsman I’ve ever encountered, my friend.” Sebastian held out his hand to Nelson to congratulate his win.
“Thank you, Slice,” Nelson said, shaking his hand. “You’re a fine swordsman, but in truth, I would never want to be on the other side fighting you in hand-to-hand combat. I should get some pointers from you on that front.”
Sebastian nodded. “If you ever want a lesson, I’d be happy to show you a few tips.” Sebastian had gained a reputation for his bare-handed fighting skills that he’d initially learned from his older brother. His ability, honed over years on the battlefield and various assignments, had gotten him out of many a dangerous situation.
“In celebration of my win, I’ll take you to my brother’s townhouse for a hearty breakfast.” He grinned, slapping Sebastian on the back.
“How generous of you,” Sebastian said in a dry tone. “But please, no more goading about Miss Katie Latham, especially not in front of your family.”
Nelson held up his hands in a defensive gesture. “I’m on your side, Slice. There are too many luscious ladies willing to be mistresses out there to limit ourselves to one that could see you caught in the parson’s mouse trap. Be careful.”
Sebastian pondered his friend’s advice. Nelson seemed as happy as a clam with his circumstances. He’d been that way too. Until last night. Since the ball, he’d been engaging in mental fencing matches trying to parry and deflect his traitorous thoughts. Perhaps that was why he was not on his game today. Always keep your wits about you, man! He’d learned that as well from taking on dangerous assignments. Losing focus for one moment could lead to a deadly mistake.
Two hours later, after a hearty breakfast with the Shefford family, Sebastian was sitting in a comfortable leather upholstered chair in front of a roaring fire at Whites with his legs leisurely propped up, sipping his favorite cognac.
