Forsaking the Prize (The Wild Randalls 2)

Tobias nodded. “Every word Miss Trimble spoke was followed by a swift peek at Lord Archibald to see how he reacted. Do you walk around with your eyes closed old man? Her admiration is as plain as the nose on your face. Smitten, and that fool cannot see it or chooses to ignore it. Damn cruel if the latter is the case.”

Leopold crossed his arms over his chest, flexing his muscles so as to intimidate. “I’m not a fool. You were flirting with Miss Trimble.”

Tobias held his hands up to ward off his brother. “All right. All right. A little—just to see if Lord Archibald would become protective of his cousin. Since he rushed to take his leave, dragging the startled woman away as quick as may be, my ploy worked perfectly. Men dislike competition, even if they don’t yet realize they’ve staked a claim. However, if he can’t be bothered offering for her I could easily consider taking her off his hands.”

Leopold checked the time on his pocket watch. “You play a dangerous game.”

Tobias shrugged. “Life is meant to be a challenge. Although, by now I’m sure Lady Venables has warned Miss Trimble against forming any attachment toward me. As you’ve repeatedly mentioned, people will listen to her opinions.”

“You place great faith in Lady Venables’ powers of persuasion. I would not have thought the two of you would get along as well as you have.”

Tobias buckled over and laughed until his sides hurt. When he stood again, his brother’s scowl could have cracked the earth. “Lady Venables tolerates my presence, Leopold. I’m sure she would rather not have met me at all.” At Leopold’s frown, Tobias swung his arm about his shoulders and led him further from the house. “Tell me what’s happening with you. I’ve barely seen you the past few days.”

“I’m getting married. Isn’t that explanation enough?”

Tobias squeezed his brother and then let him go. “Sounds positively dreadful.”

“Not dreadful, but complicated. Mercy wishes to give up her title and I disagree with her decision. I am sure when her brother arrives he will add weight to my arguments against doing so.”

“That is if he agrees to the match at all. He sounds like another pompous arse.”

Leopold laughed. “From what Mercy’s told me, a debauched arse would be a better description. Mercy swears his daughters are suffering from a lack of mothering, shut away at Stanton Harold Hall as they are while he’s off doing god knows what.”

“Hmm, I like the sound of him. An unattached man has so many more vices and a willingness for good company. We could get along well.”

“That is my hope for all of us,” Leopold muttered fervently.

A prickle of heat swept over Tobias’ neck and he quickly glanced over his shoulder to see what had caused the sensation.

Mercy hurried across the lawn at a near run, Blythe followed with the young duke in her arms. “Leopold, we have company.” He peered at Blythe’s white face. “And by the look of it, unhappy company at that.”

Mercy threw herself into Leopold’s arms. “It’s happened again. I’d thought it had all stopped. Why now?” She sobbed hysterically against his brother’s chest.

“Calm down, my love. Shh,” Leopold said as he cuddled her close.

Tobias turned as Blythe reached them.

“Another rabbit on her bed,” she mouthed so the boy couldn’t hear.

“Here, let me take him,” Tobias said. “He must be heavy for you.”

“I don’t really mind. Soon he’ll be too big for me to carry.” She didn’t make a move to hand him over, but pressed a kiss to the boy’s dark hair before meeting his gaze. “Wilcox will deal with the matter, as he has all others, but it is exactly the same as the other instances.”

“The timing, again, is interesting. Coinciding with visitors to the abbey so we have doubts about who was where,” Leopold said aloud.

Tobias rubbed his jaw. “We were in the drawing room all morning. Together in fact.”

Leopold’s brow rose. “And before that?”

“I woke and went immediately down to breakfast,” Blythe said quickly, “then went to the drawing room. I’ve been reading the old duke’s journals all day.”

A frown crossed Leopold’s face and Tobias guessed his brother doubted her story. Although Leopold still had concerns that Blythe could be involved, Tobias simply couldn’t fathom how. He didn’t believe the woman had it in her to be so cold. Bad tempered perhaps, especially with him, but not cruel. Despite the frost, she loved her sister and nephew dearly. She wouldn’t hurt them.

Tobias cleared his throat. “I woke to find Murphy in my room.”

Blythe scowled at him. “Is that why you started the day sh

outing?”