Lady in Demand by Wendy Vella Page B

chestnuts out of his pocket and popped one into his mouth.  
    Finn knew many people liked to watch him and the twin’s fence or box, because Will had always told him it was like a good play.
    “Not tyrannical. Tut tut, brother. It is not I that haul you from your bed every morning to share your morning meal.”
    “If I let you and your brother sleep you would still be there for your evening meal,” Finn ground out.
      Finn watched Alex lean on his foil and then only just managed to leap into the air to avoid being skewered as it sprang free and hurtled straight for him.  
    “En garde!” he howled, rage narrowing his eyes as he watched his brother slowly retrieve his foil and move opposite him.  
    “Salut,” Alex said, offering him an innocent smile before lifting his foil slightly to indicate he was ready.
    Finn drew in a deep breath and tried to focus. If he let his guard down Alex would get under it, as he’d often taught him to do.
    “Excellent contre-riposte, young Alexander!” Lord Gray shouted.
    “You have improved, brother,” Finn rasped minutes later.
    “Its b-because your getting old, Finn. We mortals are catching up.”
    “That was a mistake, Alex!” Ben called. “He’s angry now.”
    Finn shut out the sounds of bets being placed, which he was sure Ben had instigated, and focused on the movements he had been taught and practiced for many years. His shirt began to darken with sweat as did Alex’s. He saw the concentration in his brother’s eyes but did not show his pride; that would come later. When the moment came and Alex lowered his guard, he leapt forward and took the opportunity to win the match. He and Alex then lowered their foils and sucked in deep lungfuls of air.  
    “I don’t suppose you would take me on now. I’d probably beat the both of you,” Ben questioned, coming to where they stood.
    Both brothers merely grunted and then, gathering their things, walked from the building.

CHAPTER SIX

    Phoebe collected Bella, who had been reading in her room, and together they made their way downstairs to take tea with Livvy later that day. She wanted to talk with Will as soon as she could and hoped he was at home also. Her mind was filled with designs she wanted to put down on paper, but before she did this she needed to secure her share of the money to invest in the business. Hannah had said it didn’t matter, as she had more than enough, plus Alex’s share, to start with. But it mattered to Phoebe, very much.  
    “You cannot keep it from them, love. They will soon know, after all.”
    Bella looked at Phoebe as they heard the deep rumble of Will’s words through the open door. Phoebe raised one eyebrow, but Bella shrugged as if to say she had no idea what the conversation was about.  
    “Know what?” Phoebe said moving into the room towards her sister who sat beside her husband on one of the sofas.  
    “Ah—”
    The eldest Langley sister was blushing. Her cheeks red as she turned to glare at her husband who was laughing. Their love was a wonderful thing, and while it had taken a while and several trying months to reach a point where Livvy would acknowledge it, she was now a very happy woman.  
    Bella moved to Phoebe’s side and then both stopped before their sister. They looked at her for a few seconds then both said at once, “You’re going to have a baby!” which made Will laugh harder. Livvy, however, sniffed and gave her sisters a wobbly smile.
    “I had wanted to wait a bit longer before telling you. However, it seems I cannot conceal anything from either of you.”
          “Oh, Livvy,” Phoebe whispered, dropping to her knees and wrapping her sister in her arms while Bella hugged Will.  
    “When will it arrive?” Bella questioned once they had all regained their composure and were seated.
    “I’m not sure, but I will see a doctor soon.”
    “You must take it easy, Livvy. I have heard that these early days are the most important.”
    “Thank you,