Page 94 of Romancing the Rifleman
Harrington slung an arm around his shoulders.“You always wanted your sister to marry one of the Astley brothers.”
Marcus gave him a baleful look, but the corner of his mouth was twitching.“Fauconbridge.I wanted her to marry Fauconbridge.”
Harrington shrugged.“I’m the next-best thing.”
Marcus huffed.“You honestly think I wanted my sister to marry the man who once informed the Unitarians that I was eager to learn more about their religion?”He shuddered.“They hounded me formonths.”
Harrington took a sip of his brandy.“Sorry about that, mate.I’m also sorry for the time I wrote that letter to the editor of theReading Mercuryin your name, complaining how unsightly the local ‘peasants’ were.”
Marcus groaned.“I had forgotten about that one.But not about the rumor you started that I sent my laundry all the way to France because I insisted upon it being dried in fields of lavender.”
Harrington laughed.“I was amazed anyone believed that one!I mean, you used the same laundress as the rest of us.But it spread like wildfire.”
Marcus rolled his eyes.“Then there was the time you informed a traveling menagerie that I wished to purchase a tiger cub, which they delivered to Long Chamber, along with a bill for a hundred and fifty pounds.”
Harrington’s expression turned abruptly serious.“Now see here—I won’t apologize for that one.You loved Rajendra.Admit it.”
Marcus sighed, a faraway look coming into his eyes.“I did.He was a magnificent creature, and so lively.Although he shredded my favorite coat to ribbons, it was worth it for the few days I was able to spend with him.”
“Ha!”Harrington gave Marcus a squeeze.“I knew you secretly enjoyed my pranks.”
“Enjoyedmight be overstating things.”
Harrington ignored him.“School would have been deadly dull without me.”
Marcus drained his glass.“I suddenly find myself craving a dull moment.”
Harrington grinned.“Too bad.”
Alaric came toddling into the room, and Harrington knelt before him.“Good afternoon, Alaric.I’m your new Uncle Harrington.”
Alaric regarded him with huge eyes.“Mummy said you’d teach me to shoot.”
“I will.When you’re just a bit older.”He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling.“I’m going to teach you everything I know.”
Marcus ran a hand over his face.“God save me.”
Alaric toddled away, and Harrington stood.“Don’t be that way, Marcus.I’m the boy’s favorite uncle!”
Marcus groaned, but Diana could tell he was secretly enjoying his new sparring partner.“You’re hisonlyuncle.”
Someone slipped their arm through Diana’s.She turned to see Lucy smiling at her.“May I steal you away?”
Diana glanced at Harrington.He shot her a wink.Marcus was busy refilling Harrington’s glass, his lips twisted into a smirk.
She turned to Lucy.“You may.I don’t believe I’m needed here.”
She could hear Harrington chuckling as Lucy led her away.
Two hours later, as the party was winding down, Diana stole up behind Harrington and slipped her hand into his.“Come with me,” she whispered.
Harrington glanced about, curious, as she led him up two flights of stairs and down a long corridor toward the back of the mansion.“Where are you taking me?Please tell me it’s your bedroom.”
“It’s not.”
He ignored her.“I can debauch you right on top of your frilly, pink coverlet.”
She cast him a sideways glance.“Don’t you know me at all?What are the odds that I have a frilly, pink anything?I was raised by?—”
