Who Will Take This Man?

have nothing to talk about when I visit you tomorrow.”

She stuck out her tongue at him, a childhood gesture she’d never outgrown. “That’s beastly, Philip! I shall expire from curiosity before tomorrow.”

“Yes, well, you know what a beast I’ve always been.”

“Actually, I was the beastly one. But I’m glad someone has gained your attention. Father will be very pleased. He’s been much improved in the past few weeks, anticipating your homecoming and wedding.”

“I’m glad.”

“Have you resolved your differences?”

“Not yet.”

“Don’t wait too long, Philip. Even though he’s experiencing a number of ‘good’ days, he slips a bit further away every day. I’d hate for you to have any regrets, of things left unsaid, when he passes away.”

Sadness, guilt, and remorse reared their heads, glowering at him, but he bludgeoned them back. “Don’t worry, Imp. I’ll make things right.” Then, resting his hands on her shoulders, he said, “I’ve something to tell you. Someone broke into the warehouse this evening and ransacked several of my crates.”

Instant concern reflected in her eyes. “Was anything stolen?”

“I’m not yet certain. I don’t want to alarm you, but it’s possible this may be more than a simple robbery attempt. It might be more personally directed-at me. Promise me you’ll be extra careful and not go anywhere alone. Bakari will see you home.”

Her eyes widened, but she nodded. “All right. I promise. But what about you?”

“I’ll be careful as well.” When she expectantly lifted her brows to an imperious height, he added, “I promise.”

He handed her into the carriage, offering a wave and a reminder to expect him to visit her tomorrow. He then strode quickly back up the walk to face the only guest who remained. Just as he closed the door behind him, Meredith entered the foyer and their eyes met. His heart performed a crazy roll and he had to clamp his jaws together to keep from laughing aloud at himself and his strong reaction to the mere sight of this woman.

“I’ll escort you home after Bakari returns with the carriage,” he said, crossing the marble-tiled floor. “May I offer you a drink while we wait? Perhaps a sherry?”

“Thank you. This time together will also afford us the opportunity to compare notes on the evening.”

“Er, yes, compare notes. That is exactly what I wish to do.”

“So you’ve reached some conclusions regarding the young ladies, then?”

“Indeed I have. Come. Let us retire to my study.”

Philip led the way down the corridor, then closed the door behind them. Leaning back against the oak panels, he watched her cross the room, his eyes drawn to the generous curve of her hips hinted at beneath her gown as she walked. His gaze wandered upward, resting on the vulnerable nape of her neck showing where her lustrous hair was upswept into a Grecian knot. Turquoise ribbons, the same shade as her gown, twined through her curls. God help him, she looked as delectable from the back as she did from the front. What had he called himself? Cautiously smitten? Not bloody likely. There was nothing in the least bit cautious about the feelings this woman inspired.

He expected her to sit on the settee, but instead she appeared to sink out of sight. Concerned she’d fallen, he quickly crossed the room to discover her kneeling on the hearth, tickling her fingers over Prince’s belly, much to the squirming puppy’s delight.

“Is this where you hid yourself all evening, you little devil?” she crooned. “I’d wondered where you were.”

Prince jumped up and planted several enthusiastic kisses on her chin, for which he was rewarded with a cuddle and a delightful sound that could only be described as a giggle. Prince then squirmed free and promptly flopped himself once again onto his back, paws dangling in the air, shamelessly presenting her with his belly to rub, which she did.

Laughing, she looked up at Philip. “I place him firmly in the category of ‘Sweetest Dog Imaginable. ’”

Philip looked at Prince, and he swore the puppy winked at him. Sweetest dog? He’d more likely place the cunning devil in the category of “Smartest Dog in the World.” His gaze riveted on her fingers tickling over the Prince’s belly. Or “Luckiest Dog in the World.”

A vivid image flashed in Philip’s mind, of him and Meredith, naked, lying on the hearth rug, her hands skimming over his abdomen. He instantly swelled against his breeches, and he had to press his lips together to keep from groaning out loud. Blinking to dispel the erotic image, he crossed to the crystal decanters, hoping she wouldn’t notice the slight limp in his gait. He poured himself a brandy, which he tossed back in a single, bracing gulp. After refilling his drink, he prepared a sherry for her, then, feeling much more in control, and thankfully able to walk properly once again, he rejoined her. During his brief absence she’d seated herself on one corner of the settee. Prince lay sprawled beside her, his head resting on her lap, gazing up at her with adoring puppy eyes. As the settee was only long enough for two people-or one person and a dog-Philip opted to stand. Leaning his shoulders against the mantel, he shot a glare at Prince who blithely ignored him. By God, it was a sad day when a man was actually jealous of his dog.

She lifted her cordial glass and smiled. “A toast, Lord Greybourne, to the success we achieved this evening. In spite of that near-disastrous misstep, I have a feeling tonight will result in everything we wanted.”

With his gaze steady on hers, Philip reached out and touched the rim of his glass to hers. The ring of crystal echoed in the quiet room. “To getting everything we want.”

She inclined her head, then took a delicate sip. “Delicious,” she murmured. After setting her glass on the round mahogany end table, she opened her reticule and withdrew a piece of foolscap and a sheet of vellum. While unfolding them, she said, “I jotted down some notes during the cleanup process, which I referenced to the notes I took the other evening regarding your preferences.”

“Very efficient. So you meant, quite literally, for us to compare notes. I’m afraid I failed to take any. But never fear. This”-he tapped his forehead-“is like a sealed dungeon, filled with all my impressions of the evening.”

“Excellent.” She looked down and consulted her two pages of notes. “There are a number of young ladies I feel are suitable; however, one in particular stands out. She is-”

“Oh, let’s not begin with your first choice,” Philip broke in. “Where’s the fun in that? I suggest you begin at the bottom of your list, then work your way up to the grand finale. Makes the anticipation so much greater, you know.”

“Very well. We’ll begin with Lady Harriet Osborn. I believe she is an excellent candidate.”

“No, I’m afraid she won’t do at all.”

“Whyever not? She is an accomplished dancer, and possesses a lovely singing voice.”

“She doesn’t like dogs. When I mentioned Prince, she wrinkled her nose in a way that indicated the beast would be immediately banished to the country estate.”

Prince raised his head at that and issued a low growl, impressing Philip. By God, he very well might be the Smartest Dog in the World.

“See there? Prince wants nothing to do with a woman who would cast him from his home, and I’m afraid I have to agree with him. Who is next on your list?”

“Lady Amelia Wentworth. She is-”

“Completely unacceptable.”

“Oh? Is she not fond of dogs?”

“I’ve no idea. But it doesn’t matter. She is an abysmal dancer.” He lifted one booted foot and waggled it about. “My poor abused toes may never recover.”

“I cannot see how her dancing ability enters into this, especially since I distinctly recall you saying that you yourself were not fond of dancing.”

“Exactly. Your list of my preferences should read that my future bride be an accomplished dancer so as to instruct me. ”

“Surely Lady Amelia can improve her dancing with lessons.”

“Impossible. She possesses absolutely no sense of rhythm whatsoever. Next?”

She glanced down at her list. “Lady Alexandra Rigby.”

“No.”

There was no mistaking the flare of impatience in her eyes. “Because…?”

“I’m not the least bit attracted to her. In fact, I find her most off-putting.”