Free Deverell's Obsession: A Risqué Regency Romance by Sahara Kelly Page B

none of that.” Dev tugged on her hand. “I think a spot of lunch is in order. What do you all say?”
    Lucius grinned. “Food. An excellent diversionary tactic, my friend. Glad I taught you how useful it is.”
    “Lucius?”
    “Yes?”
    “You’re a bird-witted dandiprat.”
    “Damn. I’ll have to look that one up.”
    Dev smiled. “I know.” With that, he led the little party back downstairs, still holding Léonie’s hand.
    She wasn’t about to withdraw it. It felt too perfect just where it was.
     

Chapter Eight
    It took a bit of work, but Léonie was finally persuaded to rest. Dev enlisted Julia’s help and she disappeared to settle Léonie for an afternoon’s nap.
    It gave Dev a chance to thank Mary and Eileen, and also to take care of what he felt was an enormous debt he owed them.
    “And I’ll hear no more about it, if you please.” He made his tone as stern as he could. “You’ve save not only Léonie but also myself from the worrying task of finding something to wear or engaging annoying dressmakers. You know her size and her style and you’re our friends. So let’s close this issue. I now have an ongoing account with you and I’ll be sure to let Léonie know as soon as she’s up and around on a more permanent basis. I foresee ball gowns in her future.”
    His highhanded speech was listened to respectfully, and then ignored. They both hugged him, taking the wind out of his sails.
    “Anything she needs, Dev.” Mary patted his sleeve. “She’s a dear and deserves all good things.”
    “Don’t you be worryin’ about the lass, Dev,” Eileen added. “She’s got good luck lookin’ over her shoulder. She’s here now, and with you and Julia and Lucius on her side?” She threw her arms wide open. “Canna ask for more, lad. Canna ask for more.”
    Dev sighed, surrendered and hugged them back. “We will keep you up to date, ladies. I promise.”
    With that, and the considerable largesse that Dev had insisted would open his “account” with them, Mary and Eileen took their leave, promising a few more garments over the coming days, “just to tide the lass over”.
    Lucius, who had been leaning against a newel post in the foyer and watching the entire thing, chuckled as the door closed.
    “Aren’t they wonderful?”
    “They are indeed. Salt of the earth.” Dev nodded and sighed. “Well, my friend. Where do I start?”
    Lucius considered the matter. “If I were in your shoes, I think the Elwyn matter deserves attention. He was some kind of family connection; the Earl of March is in town, I know, and with Elwyn’s death, inquiries would seem natural.”
    Dev nodded and then glanced at the ornate grandfather clock solemnly ticking away the seconds in one corner. “I might just drop over to his club for an afternoon visit. With luck, I’ll catch him having an early brandy.”
    Lucius straightened. “You know, that’s not a bad idea. If I come with you, I might be able to catch one of my acquaintances from a while ago who has ties to the diplomatic circle. If he’ll still speak to me.” He frowned. “I don’t think I still owe anyone anything, but you never know.”
    “Buffoon.” Dev punched him in the shoulder, knowing his debts had all been satisfactorily settled quite some time ago.
    “As you say.” Lucius rubbed his shoulder. “Let me leave a message for Julia with Baxter. God knows when they’ll be done talking.”
    “I’m so glad they’re getting on, Lucius.” Dev walked beside him to the small butler’s nook to retrieve their coats. “Léonie needs a friend. Someone other than me that she knows and can trust.”
    “We’ll be in town for a week, but no more,” answered Lucius. “It’s odd, but neither of us want to be gone from Gordonstone that long these days. Having a son makes life…different.”
    “That’s how it’s supposed to be, you know.”
    They shrugged into their coats and Dev penned a quick note to his wife.
    “Have you heard anything from