“For the best part of a week at least,” he promised.
“Perfect, I will consider it. Now, do you think these stairs are sound enough to use?”
“I think they’re sound enough for you to use.”
“Not you?”
“Perhaps after you use them.”
“I weigh more than you,” I said.
“I know, that is why I will feel perfectly secure using them after you determine they’re sound with your girth.”
“It’s muscle, you ought to try getting some.”
“I have a lean frame, my muscles are very wiry.”
“Oh, of course. I assume that is how you woo the women at the theater you are always with. Using your wiry muscles?”
“Something like that. Watch that step, there, it looks rotten,” he warned. It creaked and gave way under my foot, I managed to catch myself on the banister, which shockingly held.
“Thank you ever so much for the advanced warning.”
“Of course. I think we should abandon the upstairs for today.”
“I suppose, I would rather not test the fortitude of the banister any further.”
“You just wish to escape before you meet the rat.”
“Yes, fine. I hate rats. Let us be off. Michael and Juliet are arriving early in the afternoon. Kate and Juliet wanted some time to discuss whatever it is ladies discuss.”
“You,” he said.
“What?”
“They will be discussing you. And Michael. And your performance during certain amorous activities.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“You wished to know what ladies discuss. As you pointed out, I spend a great deal of time around women. If they wish for privacy, they’re discussing you,” he explained.
“You cannot know that.”
“Oh, Hugh. Have you learned nothing? I know everything.”
Yanking the door closed behind me, it eventually slotted back into place. If I heard increased skittering from behind the door, it was certainly imagined. Unfortunately, the smug expression on my brother’s face was anything but imagined.
* * *
Kate
Hugh and Tom returned from wherever they went this morning covered from head to foot in dust and mud. Mrs. Tanner nearly had a fit, and I could not blame her at all. Michael and Juliet arrived shortly after luncheon and, when the men came down, they were dressed for fencing. My husband did not often actually dress in his fencing… costume? Outfit? Whatever it was called, it was nice, but perhaps less enjoyable than when he practiced in his shirtsleeves.
Michael, having just arrived, quickly stripped down to his waistcoat, and Hugh handed him a spare foil before they wandered out to the back of the house to play at stabbing each other.
Jules looked as appreciative as I felt. Mary, who had been dropping off the tea service stared longingly after them, adding, “It has been so long since they all practiced together.”
“They used to practice together?” Jules managed to express my shock as well.
