“Which is not the truth, but as I have no time for that, I will tell you again to get in the carriage.”
“I have an appointment.” Which wasn’t exactly a lie. He did have an appointment, but just with a plate full of food, a large brandy, and after that a soak in the bathtub. His ribs were starting to hurt. He’d not noticed them until now.
Damn Zach. Last night they had been training and Michael had taunted the youngest Deville that he would never be better than Nathan. The result had been Zach losing control. It had taken all Nathan’s strength to wrestle him onto the floor and subdue him.
“What appointment?”
“Of the business variety, so I must decline your polite request.”
Abby’s lips formed a line as she thought about how to get him to do what she wanted.
“What business? You don’t do business things.”
“As it happens, we do now thanks to your husband.”
“That man is a nuisance,” she said, a sly look crossing her pretty face. “Get in the carriage; your nephew is pining for you.”
“Toby is in there?” He stood on his toes to take a look, and sure enough there was his nephew sitting on Dimity’s lap. Nathan got in the carriage.
“Move, Walter,” he said to the dog who sat in the middle of the seat he wanted. The dog grumbled but slowly did as he asked. He then took his nephew and settled him in his arms as the carriage started moving. He received a gummy smile followed by something garbled that made his chest warm.
“Do not be fooled by that angelic face. He did not sleep a wink last night.”
“I find it hard to believe my nephew is not always well behaved.” Nathan kissed the downy head. “Walter, do not slobber on my shoulder.” The dog ignored him and rested his nose there.
“Why is your face bruised?” Dimity asked.
“Is it?” Nathan looked down at his nephew.
“You’ve been in a fight,” Abby accused. “I know the signs. I confronted Zach also, as his jaw is turning an ugly shade of purple, but he would tell me nothing.”
“Is there any point at all in me saying this is none of your business?”
“None.”
“Excellent. So now you know that yes, I have been in an altercation, as has another of your brothers, I wish to return to the house.”
“You can return soon. For now we have somewhere to go,” Abby said.
“Where?” Nathan said as the carriage began to move.
“The Carlow townhouse,” Abby said.
“I beg your pardon?” He was sure he’d not heard those words correctly.
“There are rumors about you and Bethany Carlow. They must be nipped off at the stem,” Dimity said.
“In the bud, I believe is the correct term,” Nathan muttered.
“The point is, Nathan, if you are seen with her then they will have nothing to feed on.”
“‘They’ being society,” Abby added. “This must be done. I care not one jot for Bethany Carlow, but you I do care for.”
“And while that warms my cold heart, I would rather enter a den of poisonous snakes than the Carlow townhouse.”
“Pit,” Dimity said.
“Pardon?” He glared at her.
