Race’s brows rose. “And you’ve stuck them in that house with your crazy aunt?”
Leo shrugged. “No alternative.”
“Tell me, does she still have those three little yappy mongrels?”
“No,” Leo said, and after a moment added, “there are now six.”
Race chuckled. “I almost feel sorry for these girls.”
“Nonsense, they’re perfectly happy there. If you’re going to feel sorry for anyone, feel it for me. I’m the one who’s going to be dragged into society.” He pulled a face.
Race chuckled. “My heart bleeds for you.” He sipped his port. “The legitimate one, the heiress—is she pretty?”
Leo thought for a moment. “Not really. More plain than otherwise. But a perfectly pleasant young woman all the same.”
“Oh well, the fortune will make it easier to fire her off.” He grinned and added meaningfully, “So, it’s the other one, is it? Getting you all stirred up.”
“What do you—no... of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not stirred up.” Aware of his oldest friend’s scrutiny, he did his best to sound bored and indifferent.
Race gave a crack of laughter. “Don’t tell me—Miss Whatever-her-name-is, the baseborn one, is pretty, isn’t she?”
“Quite attractive,” Leo said coolly. “But with no sense of her place.”
“Prettyandspirited,” Race said. “And you’re wildly attracted to her and have no idea how to handle it. You try to talk to her, and your brain turns to mush and your body to steel, and you retreat, as usual, into your grumpy oyster shell.”
“Oyster shell indeed,” Leo said crossly. His friend was far too acute for his comfort. “What gave you such a ridiculous notion?”
Race laughed again. “How long have I known you?”
Leo mustered his dignity. “Well, you’re wrong. I’m not ‘all stirred up,’ as you have it, I’m merely irritated.”
“ ‘Irritated’?” Is that what they’re calling it now?” At Leo’s snort Race leaned back with a grin. “Well, I’m delighted. About time you got over that ghastly Lascivia.”
Leo scowled. “Nonsense! I haven’t thought of Lavinia for years. The situation with Miss Isobel is nothing like that. It’s just that as her half sister’s guardian, I’m in a delicate position. Anyway, I made the girl an offer—no, get your mind out of the gutter and listen. It was a perfectly respectable—and generous—one that would have supported her in comfort, and the only condition was that she leave her half sister. Of course Studley should have done it years ago, but better late than never.”
Race raised a brow. “And?”
“She didn’t hesitate, flung it back in my teeth. Refuses to leave her half sister. And Clarissa—the legitimate one—is just as stubborn and insists she won’t go about in society without Isobel.”
Race frowned. “She can’t do that. People won’t stand for it. But I see your point—they’re naive but stubborn. So what are you going to do?”
Leo leaned back in his chair, and contemplated the coals in the fire. “Nothing.” He’d decided that when he was out riding. It was wonderful how fresh air and exercise helped clear one’s mind.
Race quirked a brow. “Nothing?”
“Absolutely nothing. Leave them in the house with my aunt. They’ll soon be bored to bits. They’ll come to their senses eventually.”
Race chuckled. “Excellent. Now, change of subject—I’m off to Tattersalls in the morning. Rumor has it that Jeavons lost a fortune at cards and has been forced to sell his grays. A matched pair, beautiful movers. Care to accompany me?”
Leo nodded. “I’ll see if I can find a mount for myself at the same time. I’ve been envying you your gelding. A magnificent animal.” Horses and masculine company would be a refreshing change from recalcitrant females and house renovations.
***
The following morning dawned sunny and bright, so after breakfast, since Lady Scattergood had nothing she wanted them to do, Clarissa and Izzy explored the garden. It was a magical place, with garden beds bursting with flowers, and several rose arbors that reminded Clarissa happily of her favorite spot at Studley Park. There were sunny stretches of lawn and hidden pockets of shady dells, places where one could be quite private even though thegarden was surrounded by houses. Late-spring flowers were still in bloom, and Clarissa in particular was enchanted by the various fragrances.
“Oh, what a delicious combination these would make,” she exclaimed as she sniffed flowers and rubbed leaves. “I must make some toilet waters from them. I brought the last batch of rose water that I made from the roses at Studley Park, but I want to keep that for special occasions. These will make a lovely light fragrance for everyday wear.”
Izzy nodded. She occasionally helped Clarissa with her experiments with perfumes and fragrances, but it wasn’t a passion with her as it was with Clarissa.
