“A license?” a deep voice rumbled. “What the bloody hell have you done?”
Rex had been looking back at Jacob but his head snapped around. Theo stood in the kitchen at one end of the table while Petal stood at the other brandishing a kitchen knife like a saber. Jacob instantly brought the shotgun up and chambered the bullet. It resounded about the kitchen with a definite click.
“Do be careful, Theo. Your new siblings are about to make a mash of you.” Rex crossed his arms over his chest as Theo glared back. “And if they don’t, I think I will.”
“Theo!” Petal cried, dropping the knife. “Why didn’t you say so?”
“Jacob,” Rex growled. “Don’t put that gun down just yet.” Theo was his best friend in the world but something primal was making him taut as a bow. He had the feeling that Theo would not support his actions here and would, in fact, try to take his new family away.
“Rex.” Petal put a hand on her hip, her voice sharp and eyes narrowed. “Don’t be rude.”
“Rex?” Theo’s lip curled. “It’s Rex is it? Is this why you’ve stayed in London instead of returning immediately?”
“Did you read my letter?” Rex took a step toward Theo, ready for whatever happened next. He loved Theo but he’d toss him out in an instant if he tried to come between Rex and Petal.
Jacob dropped the gun barrel and ejected the shell. Setting it on the table, he crossed round the kitchen and stuck out his hand. “I’m Jacob Chase.”
Petal clucked her tongue, ignoring Rex and Theo and focusing on her brother. “You’re Lord Westcliff. At the very least, you’re now Jacob Westcliff.”
Jacob shrugged. “Pleased to meet you, Your Grace.”
“Call me Theo,” he said, then shook Jacob’s hand before turning to reach for Petal’s. Taking her delicate fingers in his, Theo brought them to his lips. A rumbling protest erupted from Rex’s chest. Theo was overstepping.
Theo turned to him, his face tightening. “I think we need to talk.”
“I agree,” Petal answered. “Follow me to the sitting room.”
Theo cleared his throat, turning back to her. “Forgive me, Lady Daffodil, but I wanted to speak with Rex alone about the—”
“Not happening,” she answered before he could finish. She began walking toward the door as she tossed an angelic smile over her shoulder on her way to the opening. “Jacob, please prepare some refreshments for us.”
Rex watched those hips sway as she lifted up the corner of her skirt, making her way up the stairs. Dear lord, he loved that woman.
* * *
His Grace, The Duke of Waverly, was walking in Daffodil’s wake. She forced herself to keep her head forward and not glance back. It was a good thing he was now family because even she could not believe her own audacity. At least, she consoled herself, she no longer needed him to help her find a husband. At least she assumed she wouldn’t need him. By the tension between Rex and Theo, she wasn’t entirely certain. What if Rex changed his mind?
Not that His Grace had a say in the matter, though men often assumed they did. He was Violette’s husband but he was also a stranger. With that thought, she squared her shoulders and entered the sitting room. Crossing to the settee, she waited for the men to enter before they all sat. She’d moved to the settee and Rex strode across the room, positioning himself next to her.
“Petal,” he said as soon as they were seated. “Try not to judge Theo too harshly. He’s really a likable guy when not being a total gobshite.”
She gave a Rex a glare. He wasn’t helping. “Your Grace,” she started turning to her brother-in-law.
“Theo,” he replied.
“Theo,” Rex grumbled. “Did you or did you not get my letter?”
“I did.” Theo replied. “Which is why I got on horse and damn near rode all night to get here.”
Rex sat forward, his chest expanding. “I was nothing but honest and forthright in that note about the state of affairs here.”
“I have every confidence that you were being completely honest. And honestly, I will tell you in return, your affection for Lady Daffodil was also absolutely apparent. I’ve seen you when you care for a woman. Nothing gets in your way.”
Daffodil’s spine snapped up even as her inside sloshed about. “Other women? Besides your first wife?”
“You told her about Mary?” Theo’s eyes were wide.
“Theo, I beg you to stop helping.” Rex looked to his friend before turning to Daffodil. “I have had a few dalliances, but I’ve never felt about another woman the way I feel about you.” Then he turned back to Theo. “I’ve kept my hands to myself, if that is what you’re worried about.”