“What about a firearm for when you are within society?” the duke asked. “Don’t suggest a sword. You may not realize this, but these days officers at balls are not allowed to carry their swords beyond the cloakroom.”
“I carry my own sword everywhere without being discovered.” Joshua pushed a button on his cane, and the handle slid out to reveal the blade inside it. “Since I always need my cane, I prefer that it serve a dual purpose.”
Thornstock whistled low. “How clever is that? I’m impressed, Wolfe. You are prepared for every contingency.”
“I’ve heard they make canes with small pistols in the handle as well. I hope to buy one in London.” Another good reason to accept Thornstock’s offer.
“You could usemypistol for the time being. It’s one of a pair, so you and I could each carry one.” The duke picked up the pocket pistol he’d set down on the writing table moments before. “What it lacks in the quick firing of your pepperbox, it makes up for in ease of use. Although I don’t know if it could be hidden inside a dress uniform.”
Joshua stared covetously at the firearm’s gold-chased barrel and intricately carved ivory stock. “Trust me, I could find a way to hide it.” Damned right he could, if only to get his hands on it. “Though it appears to be rather too valuable to use as a weapon, Your Grace.”
“I did pay two-hundred pounds for it only last month.”
Bloody hell, that was the equivalent of Joshua’s salary on the estate for five years.
Thornstock held it out to him. “I assume I can trust you to keep it safe.”
Joshua should refuse to accept the costly piece. God only knew what would happen if the damned thing proved more ornamental than useful. But he couldn’t resist its sheer beauty. “I will do my best to return it intact,” he said as he took it.
Thornstock lifted a brow. “You can keep it as payment for guarding my sister . . . as long as you returnherintact.”
Joshua was still reeling at the incredibly generous offer when Lady Gwyn said loftily, “I am not a gun, Thorn. Nor do I belong to you, to be loaned out to the major on consignment.”
“More’s the pity,” the duke grumbled. “He might actually be able to keep you in line.”
Joshua wasn’t touching that statement for all the gold and ivory pistols in England.
Lady Gwyn’s eyes flashed at her twin. “And you wonder why you have so much trouble with respectable women.”
“I deal perfectly well with respectablemarriedwomen,” Thornstock drawled. “It’s the unmarried ones trying to leg-shackle me who drive me mad.”
“So, are we finished with this highly inappropriate discussion about how to manage me in London?” Lady Gwyn quipped.
The duke smiled thinly. “I doubt many men could ‘manage’ you,Liebchen. I wouldn’t even attempt it.”
“Good. Because if you did, I’d hand you your bollocks in a box.”
Bloody hell, even Beatrice wasn’t that outspoken. Lady Gwyn had quite a mouth on her, one he wouldn’t mind explor—
Don’t even think it, man. That’s asking for a world of trouble.
“Only one more matter needs mentioning, Wolfe,” Thornstock said. “You mustn’t tell Mother why you’re traveling with us.”
“Much as I hate to agree with my brother about anything, he’s right.” Lady Gwyn’s face looked shuttered. “It would alarm Mama to hear that my very . . . er . . . future could be in danger. And with her so fragile since our stepfather’s death . . .”
Eyes narrowing, Joshua looked from one twin to the other, sure that they were hiding their reasons for keeping it from his aunt. But if they were, he couldn’t imagine why. “So what am I supposed to tell her?” he asked testily. “She’ll find it odd that I’m leaving my post on the estate for no reason.”
“Tell her you wish to see Bea.” Lady Gwyn colored again. “I mean, Beatrice. Tell Mama that you wish to attend the ball where your sister is presented as Grey’s duchess.” She clapped her hands. “Yes, that’s perfect! Mama will be delighted bythat.”
“But Beatrice will find it suspicious,” Joshua grumbled. “She knows I am not one for crowds.” And she knew why, too.
“Just let me handle your sister.” Lady Gwyn’s smile turned impudent. “I will describe how you’ve pined for her ever since she left, how you get terribly lonely over there at the dower house, and how you justhadto see her in her shining moment.”
Joshua eyed her askance. “Beatrice will laugh in your face if you spout any such fustian. She knows me better.”
Although hehadbeen lonely and hehadmissed her, he wasn’t about to admit that to her lofty ladyship. Or to Beatrice, for that matter.
“Oh, very well,” Lady Gwyn teased. “I’ll have to work on making it sound more manly. God forbid a man should miss his sister.” Her smile vanished. “Right, Thorn?”
