Trevor’s gaze followed her until she disappeared around a turn in the staircase. She had smiled, like the Percy he had known of old. Not just now, but in the carriage. And she had been positively beautiful when describing what had been done, what was being done, what needed to be done to help the veterans and dependents of deceased heroes.
He had wondered with the first smile if she was beginning to thaw, if his intrepid Percy was beginning to emerge from hiding. Now he was certain. It augured well for his hope to make her his wife.
“I see you are smitten.” Aldridge’s drawl broke into Trevor’s thoughts.
He turned to face the Marquis. “And what if I am?”
“It is nothing to me.” He gave an elegant shrug. “But if you distress the young lady again, you will upset my mother and my sister. That in turn shall upset me to the point where I might be called upon to teach you a lesson—a painful one.”
Trevor, equal in height and breadth to Aldridge though a couple of years younger, looked him up and down as if inspecting a subaltern. “You might find that more difficult than you imagine. I know a great deal more about fighting and self-defense than when I was a school-boy.”
“Neither of us is a child, Trehallow. Any fight between us would be settled as adults. But let us hope it does not come to that.” Aldridge laid an arm across Trevor’s shoulders. “What say you join me for a pleasant evening of cards and lovely women?”
Trevor shook his head. “I am honored by the invitation, but I find of late that such activities hold little interest for me.”
The Marquis raised a brow. “You are indeed smitten. Make certain to see me about the settlements before you make an offer.”
“I’ve promised your mother not to speak before the day of her Venetian Breakfast.”
“Just about two weeks from now. When you are ready, send round the name of your solicitor.”
“I shall.” Trevor bowed and wished the Marquis good night.
“And a good night to you as well.”
Less than two weeks. Was there enough time? He had best send for his solicitor and perhaps examine the Trehallow family jewels. If nothing there was suitable for Percy, he would have to visit a jeweler and all of that took time.
 by Rue Allyn "Pinterest")
