“You will have to find it. There is no other way to woo a woman that doesn’t include giving her your undivided attention.”
Gavin sat on that a moment. “All right, I will. I told her today that I wished to see her as much as I could—”
“Good.”
“I have instructed Talbert to see that she is invited to all the events I attend.”
“Somewhat good.”
“What is wrong with that?”
“Time,time. If you meet her at balls and routs, you must plant yourself right by her side. You mustn’t move becausethatgirl is lovely. There will be a dozen other gentlemen, maybe more, who will note your interest and be willing to swoop her up from you just for the fun of the chase.”
“Bastards.”
“Men. We are what we are.”
Again, Gavin nodded. However, he made no move to pick up the reins.
“Is there something else?” Jack asked.
His brother looked out over the street a moment, watching the passing traffic, although Jack doubted if he saw anything. Instead, his mind appeared furiously at work.
And then Gavin said, his voice so low Jack had to lean toward him, “I’ve never been with a woman.”
Jack took in his words. “Never been with... such as sleeping with one?”
Gavin kept his sight focused on something only he could see. There was a long beat of silence and then he confirmed, “No, I’ve never slept with one.”
Jack sat back. “You are a virgin?”
Gavin started as if Jack had punched him. He looked around as if to see if anyone had overheard.
No one could have. Jack had not spokenthatloudly and the people on the street were more interested in finding their homes than in what secrets the twins shared.
“Well?” Jack pressed.
Gavin gave a terse nod. “I know it sounds odd,” he said. “Or religious. I’m soon to be three-and-thirty.”
Jack shrugged. “Damn it all, Gavin, it isn’t a crime. I am surprised. What have you been doing with yourself?”
“Working.”
“Working? Even in your bed?”
“When wereyoufirst with a woman?” Gavin asked.
“That night I left my bed in Eton,” he assured his twin. “And every night after that one until they hauled me off and threw me on a ship. That lass was magic.”
His memories did not help his brother. If anything, Gavin appeared more stoic.
Jack sought to raise his spirits. “Come on, man. You can always find out what it is like. A man with your wealth? Your position? I’m surprised the women haven’t propositioned you.”
“They have. There are those who are very forward.”
“Yes, well, if they dangle bait in front of you, bite.”
“I’m not that sort of man,” Gavin protested.
