Lady in Demand by Wendy Vella Page A

were at Eaton together. I must say hello, and then I shall return to take you apart shortly, brother.”
    “No hurry, Alex. Take your time. It will make my thrashing you all the sweeter.”
    Laughing as his brother hissed something foul beneath his breath before walking away, he watched as Alex slapped his old friend on the back. Only Alex fenced. Ben liked to box and both were actually very good at what they had chosen, Finn was just better, which in all honesty he should be, seeing as he many years their senior.
    “Finn.” Will wandered in with his usual smile in place.
    Finn watched his brothers to ensure no ruckus ensued, satisfied with the general air of back slapping and camaraderie, he then turned to greet his friend.
    “I saw your sister-in-law riding in the park this morning,” Finn said, swinging his rapier between his fingers.
    “Did you see her fall, too?”
    Finn nodded but said nothing further. He wanted to see what Will knew before saying anything about the incident he had witnessed.
    “I have a groom who used to ride in a carnival and no one will confirm or deny my suspicions. However, it’s my belief that by the bruise on her cheek and sore wrist, that she has been doing tricks.”
    “I think it’s safe to say she is indeed practicing tricks in the park in the morning. But I will add to that.” Finn raised a hand when Will started to speak. “That she is extremely competent, and in fact only hurt herself as I disturbed her this morning. So if anyone is to blame for her injuries, then it is me.”
    Finn wasn’t sure why he had said what he had. Maybe because it was true and she was a good rider, or maybe because he did not want to bring trouble down upon her head, knowing how much she obviously loved her morning rides. Whatever the reason, he did not want to be the one responsible for Will stopping her.  
    “I would, however, add that it would be in her best interests to keep an eye on her. She does appear to have a reckless streak.”
    Will’s curse was whispered. “It would be easier watching over an eel. Phoebe is always slipping out of the house without my knowledge, and rarely tells me where she is off to.  
              “Ho there, Will, come to see Alex trounce Finn?” Ben said, appearing beside Will.  
             “Absolutely, Ben. I have complete faith in your twin. Finn has lost some of his edge lately.” Will then put a hand on Ben’s shoulder and walked him to where there were seats, thus leaving Finn alone to limber up.
    He spent the next few minutes preparing for his fencing match and forcing Phoebe, in her breeches, from his head once again. It seemed everyone wanted to talk about the woman, first Alex and Ben, now Will, although in fairness it had been he who’d mentioned seeing her riding in the park.  
    Looking for his brothers, he found Ben with Will. Both had found a drink and a place to lounge. Flexing his fingers, he then stretched his arms and legs as he looked for Alex, who was chatting with anyone who would listen. A few minutes later he wandered over to where Finn stood.
             “Can’t you take anything seriously?”
            Collecting his gloves, Alex shot his brother a cheeky smile.
             “If I took it seriously and still you beat me, then I could not stand the humiliation, whereas now if you beat me, it will simply be because I was not prepared.”
    Finn stopped his movements to look at his brother. “If I did not look at you and see myself I would question that we came from the same parents.”
    “Yes, it is one of life’s little puzzles.” Alex picked up his foil and checked the button was secure. “Imagine though, Finn, just for a moment,” he added, balancing the tip on the floor. “If I were as tyrannical as you, we would spend every day arguing.”
            “I’m not tyrannical!”
          Finn spun round to glare at Will as he snorted. His friend then fished a bag of roasted