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Andhe couldn’t summon a jot of concern about his newfound infatuation.

Asif sensing Darius’s ruminations, Mrs. Clarke glanced over her sturdy shoulder. Her squarish features granite hard, she gave him a scorching you-better-not-be-having-impure-thoughts-about-my-daughter glare.

Ratherthan give her a cocky salute and an unrepentant grin, as had been his first instinct, he dipped his chin deferentially. No point in adding fodder to the blaze he wanted to extinguish.

“The dragon is breathing fire today, I see.” EchoingDarius’s thoughts, his twin veered his gaze toward the Clarkes.

Anunapologetic social climber, Mrs. Clarke was a fearsome foe. Darius had determined that truth from their very first meeting and the ensuing stilted conversations. Eudora, on the other hand, didn’t seem as concerned with social standing as her mother.

Despitehis father’s title and his family’s powerful influence in Society, as a younger son, Darius was clearly low on the matron’s list of appropriate suitors. Nevertheless, he suspected, Eudora typically got exactly what she wanted.

Dariusjust needed to ensure she picked him.

Hermother would most likely come around.

Afterall, didn’t all parents desire their children’s happiness above all else?

Hisparents always had.

Ahorrific thought invaded his mind, bringing his romantic musings to a grinding halt.

WouldEudora expect her mother to live with them?

Ye gods.

Noforce on earth would compel Darius to share a domicile with that she-dragon. He expelled a deep breath. He’d have to cross that bridge when he came to it. And right now, that bridge was some distance away.

“She’s just a protective mother,” Darius said, hoping to convince himself. “With a daughter so lovely, she has to be.”

“If you say so.” Cassius’s tone conveyed he didn’t believe that to be the case. “I think she just doesn’t like you. You’re not inheriting a peerage, nor are you wealthy.”

“Thank you for pointing out those deficiencies, brother,” Darius drawled, his tone dryer than hearth ash. Though, in truth, Darius didn’t consider his lack of a peerage title a detriment, nor was he a bloody pauper.

“I know you are infatuated, Darius, and I shall not besmirch MissClarke’s character, but she’s not the sweet, biddable miss she pretends.” Genuine concern and affection softened his twin’s features. “I’ve already discerned that from the short time I’ve been here. You are blind to her faults. Trust me when I tell you my ears are burning from the tales I’ve been told. I fear you are dashing headlong into a tempest.”

“You would have me listen to gossip too?” Darius snorted, betrayal rooting around his belly. “You could at least pretend to like her for my sake.”

Cassiusshrugged. “I shan’t dish out platitudes to soothe your ego.”

“When have you ever?” Darius snapped.

“Exactly so, and that is how you prefer it. And not that you need reminding because I know how intelligent you are, but the truth is still the truth, even if you refuse to believe it.” His expression somber, Cassius disappeared inside the bookstore.

Whydid the rotter have to be right?

Headbowed, Darius sighed.

Washe running headlong into a storm?

Havingseveral older brothers in line for the duchy ahead of him might have much to do with Mrs. Clarke’s disapproval. Or mayhap it was that Darius had determined to pursue his passion and open a bookstore and coffeehouse and therefore would smell of the shop.

Eudora’stinkling laugh drew his attention. She shook her head at something her mother had said, causing her parasol’s pink fringe to jiggle. A seaborne breeze had the temerity to tease a glossy curl near her cheek, and Darius heaved another deep sigh.

Yes, he could be quite content in Woodhaven.

Butwould it be with her?

Hetook another step down the ladder.