“Christopher and Henry go to that club.”
“They do, and Henry was there. He’s not as bad as Christopher, actually. I think you should reach out to him. He asked after you.”
Gray stayed silent.
“Right, well, it’s something to think about. Just as an aside, I believe Viscount Lester is a loathsome beast. What that man did to Ellen Nightingale is unforgivable.”
“I agree. How anyone could walk away from her, no matter the circumstances, is beyond me.”
“I do believe I’m about to weep after that touching statement.”
Gray saw the two horses coming toward him, but it was the riders that had him biting back a curse.
“Alex!” Ramsey waved.
“Will you stop,” Gray hissed. But it was too late. The Nightingale brothers were coming their way. He’d hoped to avoid a confrontation with Leo over Ellen and the Baddon Boys. It seemed it was now unavoidable.
“What? I thought you liked them?”
“We are not ten, Ramsey, and in need of making a spectacle of ourselves.”
“I was waving. Hardly making a spectacle. Plus, it is important to keep on side with your future in-laws.”
Before he could dispute that claim, the brothers were upon them.
“Good morning,” Alex said. “Lovely day for a ride.”
“Superb,” Ramsey said with his usual enthusiasm.
“Lord Seddon, my cousin, Ramsey Hellion.” Gray made the introductions.
“Hellion.” Leo raised a hand in acknowledgement.
“We are heading to the park for a gallop,” Ramsey said.
“Wonderful. We’ll join you,” Alex said. He then rode away with Gray’s cousin, leaving the two men who really didn’t like each other very much together.
“Look, I—”
“I believe I owe you—”
They both spoke at once.
“You first, my lord.”
“Leo will do,” he said. “My sister is important to me, Gray. She has been hurt many times, and I am very protective of her.”
Gray wasn’t sure where this was going, so he nodded and stayed silent.
“She’s headstrong and cares little about her safety.”
“You have taught her to protect herself, but yes, I can see she can be reckless.”
“Even as I know you’re correct, I want to roar at you for calling Ellen reckless.” Leo sighed. “My aunt and uncle told me I am too severe on her and anyone who is not family and comes near her. Which apparently is you?”
Gray had a feeling this could be a trap, so he kept quiet.
“My point is, Gray, that I know you cannot be a bad man, and you have shown us that more than once. You stood in to look after my sister at the flower market, and I thank you for that.”
