‘What a crowd,’ Fanny said. ‘Who would have thought such a boring thing as selling horses could be such a social occasion? I thought I should like to join Freddy and see the bidding.’
Harry bowed low over Fanny’s hand as Sebastian introduced her.
‘Enchanted. Of course, Mr. Lynch and myself are acquainted, but Alder never mentioned you were cousins.’
‘Well she’s not actuallymycousin,’ Sebastian pointed out. Henearly added,I appear to have inherited her with the estate, but refrained.
‘Are you a friend of dear cousin Sebastian’s?’ Fanny enquired, tucking her hand around Sebastian’s arm.
His jaw clenched at the unwanted intimacy and the assumption of ownership the gesture entailed.
‘We served together in the same regiment, my dear,’ Harry said.
‘Oh, then you must have some wonderful stories to tell about Seb—Lord Somerton.’
Fanny flashed Sebastian her prettiest smile but he had become inured to her charms over their short acquaintance.
As Harry opened his mouth to speak, Sebastian shot him a warning glance and Harry said, ‘Just boring military stuff. Nothing of any interest to a pretty young thing such as yourself.’
Fanny giggled, covering her mouth with her free hand and patting her curls.
She cast a dimpled smile at Harry. ‘I do hope you will be attending the ball, Colonel?’
‘What ball?’ Harry cast an enquiring eye at Sebastian.
‘Some ghastly soiree Fanny is organising to allow me the opportunity to meet the neighbours,’ Sebastian replied, removing the clinging hand from his arm. ‘Although, by the look of this crowd, I think they’re all here today. They seem hell bent on introducing themselves to me and I’m damned if I can remember a single name.’
‘Cousin Sebastian is being quite churlish about it,’ Fanny pouted.
‘Sebastian Alder? Churlish about a ball? Never!’ Harry said with a wink.
‘As I have explained to Miss Lynch, a certain French musket ball ended my dancing days.’
‘Nonsense. You hardly limp. I don’t see why you can’t dance,’ said Harry unhelpfully.
‘I am certain an invitation has been sent to your sister, so I do hope you will come as well,’ Fanny continued.
‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world, if only to see Bas here in dancing slippers!’ He glanced at Sebastian and winked. ‘I’ve got no immediate plans that would take me away from Lincolnshire.’
‘I think that is the auctioneer’s bell,’ Sebastian said.
‘You’re not going to watch?’ Fanny pouted.
Sebastian shook his head. ‘No. Bragge can give me the good news later.’
After Fanny left the house, Sebastian shook his head and clapped his friend on the shoulder.
‘You have just set your cap at the silliest female it has ever been my misfortune to meet.’
Harry grinned. ‘Just a bit of fun, Alder.’
‘Odd pair, those,’ Sebastian remarked. ‘You said you know Lynch?’
Harry shook his head. ‘I’ve met him a few times, in London. Always happy for a hand of cards. I must confess she’s a pretty thing, though.’
‘No dowry, no pedigree that I am aware of and one of the most foolish females I have ever met.’
Harry shook his head. ‘Alder, you are too quick to judgement. Apart from the lack of dowry and pedigree, she may well have other redeeming features.’
