“Mahogany?” Josiah offered.
“Not a word I’d have thought to use, but yes.” Julian nodded his approval. “And the most kissable lips. She’s about the same height as Louisa, I think, and slender, though not without some rather lovely curves. Ah, but it was more than just her appearance, Joe. There was something about her. Can’t properly explain it. It’s just a feeling.”
“A wonderful description, which leaves me wondering why you never mentioned the lady till now, given the effect she’s apparently had on you.”
“I didn’t mention her because there’s little point.” Julian eyed his empty glass, wondering if he should, in fact, have another drink. “Since I won’t be seeing her again.”
“Uh-oh. I take it she didn’t much appreciate being knocked on her arse, then.”
Julian grimaced. “Actually, it’s because she’s promised to another. Getting married in a fortnight.”
“Damn.” Josiah sat down again. “That’s too bad. I haven’t seen you this taken with a woman in ages. If ever, actually.”
Julian huffed. “I’m still trying to make sense of it. Like I said, we only spent a half-hour together.”
“‘The heart has its reasons which reason knows not,’” Josiah replied, and took a sip of his drink.
“Good lord,” Julian muttered, “he’s a bloody poet as well.”
Josiah shook his head. “Cannot take the credit, brother. ’Twas a French fellow by the name of Pascal who wrote that particular line.”
“Still, the fact you can quote the stuff with such ease is impressive.”
“The ladies like it,” he replied. “Truly, though, it’s too bad your Miss Fairfax is spoken for.”
Yes, life was unfair at times, Julian thought, and decided he would have another drink after all. He rose and wandered over to the sideboard. “Like I said, there was something about her, but it is not to be, so that’s that. What about you, Joe? Other than the fine lady whose portrait I saw today, is there anyone significant in your life?”
“I will never be with a woman indefinitely and to the exclusion of all others, Jules. I much prefer…” Josiah glanced over at the door as if to reassure himself no one was listening, “mutually satisfying temporary associations, for want of a better description. No obligations or commitments for me, thank you very much.”
“Fair enough.” Julian poured himself a half-measure. “But you don’t intend to maintain that lifestyle indefinitely, do you?”
“I do indeed. I have absolutely no intention of marrying. The mere thought of shackling myself to one woman for life has me reaching for the laudanum. I’m quite happy to leave the misery of domestic imprisonment to you. And I thought you didn’t want another drink.”
“Changed my mind.” Julian returned to his seat. “What aboutchildren?”
Josiah gave him a sideways glance. “There are ways to avoid that particular consequence.”
“No, I mean, don’t you actually want any?”
He sucked air through his teeth. “Lord, no! This city already has a surplus. I see them wandering the streets every day, poor little devils.”
“Hmm.” Julian sat back. “Still, you never know. The day may come whenyou’llbump into someone and be knocked onyourarse.”
“I suppose there is a slight possibility of that,” Josiah replied, waggling a brow, “but only by a jealous husband and not by accident. Which is why I’m so careful.”
Julian laughed. “Again, that is not what I meant. And a jealous husband might do more than knock you on your arse.”
Josiah huffed. “Stop carping. Like I said, I’m very selective about the company I keep, male or female. I have to be. You’d likely be surprised at who wanders in and out of my social circle.”
“No doubt,” Julian replied, tamping down a twinge of something that resembled guilt. Truth was, he and Aldous, their father, had long since made it their business toknowwho wandered in and out of Josiah’s social circle. Their observance was not intended to be intrusive so much as protective, and its purpose actually extended beyond Josiah’s personal well-being to that of the entire Northcott family. Aldous was prepared, with quiet reservations, to make allowances for his second son’s free-spirited ways, but harbored a guarded fear that he might be lured into London’s dark underbelly, where the foundations of law and common decency had extremely loose footings. Those who prowled its shadows came from all levels of society, from the highest to the lowest and everywhere in between. It was a dangerous and unpredictable realm.
Josiah appeared to have no idea his actions and interactions were, to some degree, being monitored. And so far, his ventures had given little cause for worry, including his secret and lucrative pastime ofpainting erotic scenes on the walls and ceilings of some of London’s more illustrious homes. He worked incognito, his real identity unknown, at least for the most part. Both Aldous and Julian, however, had recently been made aware of it.
“You needn’t worry about me, brother,” Josiah said, as if following the direction of Julian’s thoughts. “I know I’m considered to be the black sheep in the Northcott fold, but I’m not a fool. I can hold my own.”
Frowning, Julian lowered his gaze and swirled the cognac in his glass, feeling uneasy in the midst of his, albeit well-intended, deception. Then he leaned forward, looked his brother in the eye, and spoke with utter truthfulness. “You have a propensity to underestimate your value to us, Joe, and you are mistaken in doing so. I have never once thought you a fool. Far from it. I truly admire your talent and your certitude. We all do, unquestionably. Never doubt it. Not even for a moment.”
Josiah, wide-eyed, regarded Julian for a moment, then blinked. “Thank you. That means a lot,” he replied, shifting in his seat. “So, are you looking forward to going back to Highfield and all those complexities?”
