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“Don’t come the crab with me.” Of course she would pout.

She knew he despised that and would do anything he could to make her smile again.

It had been her biggest weapon during their formative years.

“It will help her and get you out of the house. Both lovely prospects, because I worry over the pair of you. For different reasons, but this one is the same. You are both quite awkward when it comes to society and making friends.”

Is that how she saw him, then? Socially awkward, alone, bitter, sometimes finding the meaning of life at the bottom of a brandy bottle?

Of course, she hadn’t said that, but he could almost feel the thoughts coming from her.

“As I told you before, I am doing quite well by myself. You go with Helena. You will have a lovely time with your daughter; you were always a social butterfly.”

“When did you become such a Grouchy Gus?” she asked as she crossed the room and then flounced into the chair next to his.

He shrugged. “Since the cradle?” Honestly, he couldn’t remember a time when he wasn’t grumpy about something. Serving in the military hadn’t helped. Did that mean his standards in every aspect of his life were too high? Perhaps, and that made him mildly annoyed with everyone.

“Don’t joke. I’m serious.” She frowned. “Truth be told, I’m worried about you, Felix.

You haven’t had anything in your life to look forward to or challenge you since you received your prosthetic.

” As her gaze drifted to the lower half of his left leg, he shifted in his chair, brought his cane around to rest his hands upon the smooth, tiger’s eye head, much like a protective stance.

“You act as if you were seventy instead of one and forty. ”

“There are times when I do feel that age.” Not liking where this conversation was headed, he glowered at her. “I told you, I’m fine. Leave it at that.”

“You’re not.” Because his baby sister was as stubborn as he, she shook her head. The expression on her face told him he was in for a fight where she’d dig in her proverbial heels. “Come with me and Helena. It’s only a week. It won’t kill you.”

He snorted. “You don’t know that.” A house party. A shiver went down his spine. When was the last time he’d done such a thing? “The very thought of being trapped with a bunch of young people is stomach churning.”

“Such gammon.” Felicity shook her head. “I’ll wager you are merely allergic to happiness and youth.”

He allowed a half grin. “Perhaps.”

“Don’t be difficult, Felix.” She took his hand, much like she’d done as a young girl. “Do this for me, then I promise I’ll never ask you for another favor again.”

“Ha! What a bammer that is. Ever since you moved to London, you’ve done nothing but ask me for favors.”

“I have not!”

“Let’s see.” Holding out a hand, he began to tick the items off on his fingers.

“I’ve bought you a new gown here and there.

I’ve let you borrow coin so the girls’ governess and tutors could be paid while you and your husband were going through a rough patch.

In fact, I took your husband hunting one time when you needed him out of the house so you could redecorate. ” He shook his head. “Shall I go on?”

“No, but you are a bully and a bear.”

“Then I guess you’re done asking me for favors?” One of his eyebrows rose in challenge.

“Don’t be an arse, Felix.” Though she tried to frown, a smile overtook it.

“Consider this. Helena adores you. She would welcome you on this trip because she can show off her handsome uncle.” Her expression softened.

“And it will be an opportunity to show that you’re a man she and her friends can look up to, perhaps show them what a gentleman should be.

” When she paused, a groan escaped him, for it was a convincing argument.

“Life is changing so quickly. I want you to spend time with us while you still can. While we all can.”

As if everyone in the vicinity was in danger of suddenly dropping dead.

“I don’t…”

“Felix, please, for me?”

“Well damn.” As soon as he spied tears in her eyes, he was done for. It was always how it was with her, ever since they were small. “Why do you do this, Felicity? Why must you manipulate me into doing your bidding? ”

She flashed him a grin. “Because you’re far too stubborn for your own good.

” Then she winked at him. “Besides, this will allow me the chance to have time away from Mama. She enjoys quite the social life in Bath and it’s oftentimes too much for me, with the children, traveling back forth between there and London. ”

Not that he could argue with that. Felicity had taken on the lion’s share of the responsibility when it came to looking after their aging mother, who lived in Bath, where she could take the waters for her health.

Why? Their mother was more stubborn than them both combined, and she didn’t wish to live in London in the townhouse Felicity’s first husband had gifted to her in his will because Town was too crowded, too noisy, and too polluted.

Damn it all to hell.

For long moments, he regarded his sister. Of course he loved her and would do practically anything for her. Even this. “You are quite skilled in doling out guilt. Now I know how you convinced your husbands to marry you.”

“Rogue.” She tossed a decorative pillow at him, which he blocked. It fell to the floor with a soft thud. “Well, I learned it from Mama.” Her grin was a thing of beauty. “Does that mean you’ll accompany me and Helena?”

“Against my will? Sure.” This was the beginning of the end of him, wasn’t it? “Shall I rent a traveling coach?” Though Kent wasn’t all that far away, he wanted to have a comfortable trip, for sitting on a bench for hours with the ache in his leg didn’t appeal.

“No need.” She waved a hand in dismissal. “I shall borrow the use of one from the girls’ grandfather. Athena will stay with them for the week I’m gone, in any event. The boys are staying in London with their father.”

There were times when his sister simply amazed him. “Jonathan doesn’t mind you using resources from your first husband?”

“Of course not.” Her tone suggested he was a nodcock. “Life is difficult for everyone. Every little bit helps.”

“I suppose you’re correct.” At this point, his megrim had fully bloomed into a persistent ache.

He rubbed his temple with his free hand.

“It’s too bad Inspector Bright and his family are out of London just now, at a house party of their own.

His oldest son is getting married.” It felt like it had been an age since he’d seen them at Christmastide last year.

“You could have sent the boys there to play with his children. They would have got up to loads of mischief.” He’d worked with Bright for a few years before he’d left Bow Street.

Bright retired a couple of years after that.

They kept in touch through letters, thus his thoughts had come ‘round full circle since his sister had arrived .

“I haven’t been introduced to either of the Brights, so I wouldn’t leave my children with them.”

“Bah. He is a good friend of mine. I trust him with my life.” Then he waved away any further comments. “When do we leave? I have some correspondence to finish.”

“The twenty-third.” After springing to her feet, Felicity leaned over him and bussed his cheek. “Let me tell you of the guests I know are coming…”

“Oh, be still my racing heart. I’m on pins and needles with curiosity.” There was so much sarcasm in his voice, it was a wonder she didn’t blush. In fact, he barely paid attention to her as she droned on, but he hoped to heaven this wouldn’t prove a mistake merely to placate his sister.

Why the hell did I ever let Bow Street force my retirement? Having a false leg has nothing to do with how my mind works.

Yet he’d done nothing but mope since then. Perhaps on this upcoming trip he would find inspiration that would guide him to a new path.