“Don’t rightly care if you are or if you’re not, you’ll not be taking advantage of the situation,” bull neck said. “You’ll watch your hands and kiss her quickly, on the cheek, then move on.”
“I beg your pardon?” Sir Spotty did not look pleased. “You’ll not threaten me, your better.”
“Better, is it? I’m not thinking so. You still put your breeches on a leg a time like the rest of us; nothing special in a title,” bull neck said, folding his arms. “Now hurry it along, it’s cold out here. Besides, I want a good seat for the contest.”
The raised voices had Isabella pressing into his leg and Meredith burrowing closer. Rory patted a head and held the little bundle in his arms closer. “It’s all right.”
“Problem?” The Duke of Raven arrived… his brother. Rory wondered if he’d ever get used to that.
“’Lo, Uncle James.”
“Is there a reason you made your uncle pick you up when his shoulder is sore, Meredith?”
She simply smiled and went willingly into her uncle’s arms.
“That man’s mean, Papa,” Isabella said, pointing to Sir Spotty.
James smiled at his daughter, who was still wrapped around Rory’s leg.
“Well then, we can’t have that. Move it along, Scouty, this is not a place for grandstanding.”
“Duke, I was merely pointing out—”
“I know what you were doing, and it’s not appreciated here. Now as I’ve stated, move it along.”
The peer walked away red-faced and uncomfortable. The murmuring in the line told Rory the other men were more than happy with James’s resolution to the conflict, especially as he took their word against one of his circle.
Kate looked flustered.
“We shall replace Miss Kate Sinclair with her sister, the soon-to-be-married Miss Sinclair, if that is all right with you all,” James said. “And the duchess will be replaced by Lady Sinclair. Mrs. Radcliff is happy to stay where she is,” James added, hiding his smile.
“But not before Uncle Rory kisses Kate, Papa. We’ve waited in the line for that,” Isabella said, much to Rory’s horror.
“No, I’m—”
“Of course then he must have his kiss,” James said.
“I’m sure I can—” Rory was interrupted by a prod in the back.
“Step along there, lad, no need to be shy. Miss Kate Sinclair is awaiting you, after all.”
Behind him stood a grizzled old man with a remarkable moustache that covered his lips.
“Need me to give you a few lessons?”
“Thank you, no, I have it.” Stepping forward, he looked at Kate, who in turn looked like someone about to face her doom. “Good day to you.”
“Mr. Huntington.” She nodded.
“He’s Uncle Rory, Kate,” Isabella chimed in. “He’s nice.”
“Yes, thank you, Isabella.” Rory patted her on the head. “I’ve got this now.”
“Money in there.” Kate pointed to a small wooden box.
“Ahh,” Rory went through the motions of patting his pockets, knowing full well they were empty.
“I have this.” James’s hand came into Rory’s line of vision, and the coins made a clunking sound as they hit the bottom of the box. “Kiss the woman.”
