Ramsey sighed. He should have known it wouldn’t be that easy. Damn the man. “What do you mean, nothing?”
“I mean, nothing. There’s nothing I can do. We’re attending the Drummel rout tonight, and there’s absolutely nothing I can do since we already indicated that we’d attend, and there’s no way I can modify or try to modify Grace’s behavior before this evening. At least any more than what my wife has already done. Good Lord, if you think she’s frank now, you should have met her a month ago. But I must say, I rather liked her less restrained.”
“You’re Scottish, you think self-control is unnecessary.”
“That’s not fair.” Heathcliff looked slightly offended.
“Perhaps not, but accurate at least of you.” Ramsey didn’t care a whit if he offended his friend. Lord only knew how many times the tables had been turned in his direction! Heathcliff wasn’t truly offended anyway; Ramsey could tell by the way he was holding back a grin.
Pain in the ass.
“So, nothing. I gave my warning and nothing will come from it,” Ramsey stated.
“Your advice is appreciated, but I’m afraid it can’t be put into action.”
“You’re trying to make it sound better,” Ramsey accused.
“Yes. Did it work?” Heathcliff smiled.
“Damn you,” Ramsey replied without any heat in his tone.
“If I had a pound for every time you’ve said that to me—”
“It’s still the truth,” Ramsey replied, then stood. “Well, then I suppose that is all that is necessary. Keep a sharp eye on her, and I’ll . . .” Ramsey breathed out a slow breath, reconsidering the words he was about to say.
“Yes?” Heathcliff stood, preparing to walk his friend to the study door.
“I’ll attend as well. To help keep an eye out. Between you and Lucas, we have more than enough drama and scandal for a decade. Your ward doesn’t need to add to the equation. I’ll help.”
“That’s not necessary,” Heathcliff said in response, his expression frowning.
“I wasn’t asking for permission.” Ramsey arched a brow, meeting his friend’s gaze.
Heathcliff sighed.
Ramsey waited.
“Very well. Just do me a favor?”
Ramsey nodded, but he was more than a little skeptical.
“Take a nap, you’re no fun when you’re like this.”
