Page 103 of The Secret of Flirting

In the ballroom of Canterbury Court, Gregory drank punch and watched his new wife dance with her great-uncle, who, true to his word, had been on an extended visit to England for the past two months. Rumors were already swirling that an offer of marriage from him to Gregory’s mother was imminent. That made Gregory scowl.

“It’s only been three hours since the wedding. Surely you are not already regretting the marriage,” Hart said as he approached.

“Hardly. The only part I regret is having to call Beaumonde my relation.”

“Twice over, if I’m to believe the rumors.”

Gregory’s scowl deepened. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”

“You do realize that your mother has a right to be happy, too.”

He sighed. “I just worry that Beaumonde isn’t the sort to make her happy.”

“No one can decide that for someone else.” Hart nudged him. “Though, honestly, you landed in clover, old fellow, getting to have Monique Servais as a wife.”

Gregory’s scowl vanished. “Don’t I know it. No man was ever so lucky.”

“You got an actress and a princess all in one. Who could ask for more?”

“Well, I doubt the princess part will ever come to fruition, with Princess Aurore still young and healthy.” He shot Hart a sly glance. “Though a royal title could come to pass for our child.”

Hart stared hard at him. “My God, don’t tell me that you two are expecting.”

With a smug smile, Gregory lifted his glass. “Keep this under your hat, but why do you think we married so quickly?”

“Quickly! You courted her for two months! And that was after you had clearly secured her affections.”

“The plan was to court her for six.” He grinned at Hart. “Not that I’m complaining. You have no idea how hard it is to court a woman respectably when all you want to do is marry her.”

“I have no idea, indeed,” Hart said, “since I haveneverwanted to marry. Or at least not in a very long time.” Just as Gregory was going to press him further on that, Hart released a heavy sigh. “And now I owe damned Jeremy a hundred pounds.”

“What for?” Gregory asked.

“Hesaid that you were marrying to cover up the fact that you’d got Monique with child. Idiot that I am,Iinsisted that you would never be so reckless as to allow such a thing to happen, if you know what I mean.”

Gregory chuckled. “I do, actually.” The dance had ended, and his wife was heading toward him. His heart sped up, as it always did at the prospect of spending time with her. “But when I see something I want, I don’t stop to think about consequences. It’s my one failing.”

“Huh. Better you than me. When it comes to women, Ialwaysthink about consequences.”

“You donow. That may change.”

Hart frowned. “Unlikely.”

Monique had reached them. “Lord Hartley! It’s so good to see you. Where have you been the past two months?”

“Nowhere he can tell you, my sweet,” Gregory said as he drew her to him. “You know how that is.”

“Ah. More schemes, I see.” She cast Hart a fond glance. “Well, good luck to you, sir. I assume you’ll need it, to follow any instructions my husband would give you.”

“What I need is to stop betting against married men,” he grumbled, and walked off.

She eyed Gregory quizzically. “What is he talking about?”

“No idea.” Somehow he doubted that she would enjoy hearing about Hart and Jeremy making bets on her virtue. “So, how is the count?”

A snort escaped her. “Grumpy as usual. At present your mother refuses to consider the idea of marriage.”

Thank God. “Well, he can’t blame me. I said not one word against it. And at least he fulfilled his end of our bargain, too.”