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“How old were you when you ate your first ice?” the child asked.

Hepuzzled his forehead. “Four or five, I think. It was chocolate, and I remember getting it all over my face and shirt. My nurse was quite cross with me.”

“Today was mine, Paddy’s, and Siobhan’s first time.” The picture of innocence, she gifted him a brilliant smile. “Thank you for treating us.”

Herpretty manners caused a small swell of pride to blossom behind Siobhan’s ribs.

“You are most welcome.” Fletcher met Siobhan’s gaze across the carriage, and a scintillating current passed between them.

Asmuch as this unexpected and new connection with Fletcher thrilled Siobhan, she was pragmatic, if nothing else. She’d heard the whispers circulating among the guests and female employees at De la Chance. He might be a wealthy, polite, and kind rakehell, but he was a rakehell nonetheless.

“It was my idea,” LordDarius teased. “Don’tI get a thank you too?”

Herface scrunched in the way children do when they are in deep thought, Kimber considered his request.

“Yes. It was most thoughtful of you, LordDarius, but I think you were as eager for an ice as Paddy and me.”

Fletcherlet out a hoot of laughter. “Smart child. She has you pegged, little brother. You have always been one for sweets.”

LordDarius released a good-natured chuckle and then winked.

Siobhanwatched the exchange with a mixture of pleasure and bewilderment.

Whenshe had disguised herself as a boy, she’d never for a single instance regarded Fletcher in any regard other than her employer. However, since her ruse had been exposed and she’d been permitted to be female once more, she couldn’t seem to stop seeing him as a handsome man. Far above her menial station, to be certain, but an exceptional chiseled and muscled example of masculinity nevertheless.

She’dhave to be blind not to notice or so ancient she didn’t care.

Shewas neither.

Hewas also the rogue quickly wiggling his way into her brother’s and sister’s hearts.

And mine?

~*~

Hatangled to keep the sun from his eyes and also permit Fletcher to regard Siobhan from beneath hooded eyes undetected, Fletcher observed the play of emotions across her face. She tried to maintain a neutral, impassive mien, but her expressive eyes gave her away.

Itwas truly a wonder or perhaps plain stupidity that he hadn’t realized she was a female sooner. She’d avoided eye contact and kept her chin down those first weeks. He understood why now.

Intruth, the outing to Gunter’s initially had him on edge, but as the day progressed without issues, he allowed himself to relax a jot and enjoy the excursion.

Whenwas the last time he’d indulged in something so frivolous?

There’dbeen no more ominous messages or riffraff loitering around the outside of his clubs and theater, as reported by Chandler that morning after Fletcher found the disturbing note.

It’s not over.

Whatexactly did that mean?

Theharassment wasn’t over?

Thethreats, fires, and attempts on Fletcher’s life?

Hehad both Huxleys monitored so closely they couldn’t pass wind or belch without Fletcher hearing about it. He’d have to give the viscount credit for patience. The man wasn’t in a hurry to show his hand.

Fletcherdidn’t believe for an instant his lordship had decided to cut his losses.

No, Huxley was up to something and merely bid his time.