France and the captain conveniently turned into an earl overnight. Cassandra and Julian had been devastated, but that unfortunate turn of events had recaptured the Monroesâ interest and approval. Funny, that. But despite the difference in their sex and circumstance, Owen had always loved his younger sister, even if they hadnât been particularly close as children. He would do anything for Cass and she, him. He didnât doubt it.
âI donât see her. You do remember what she looks like, donât you, Owen?â Cass asked with hint of humor in her voice.
Owen tapped a finger against his temple. âSheâs blond, isnât she?â He couldnât remember. And heâd been testing his memory all week over it. His regular set of friends had proved no help, of course. They didnât remember the look of one particular little Society miss any more than he did. Instead, at the hells, theyâd done nothing but unmercifully tease him about being caught by the parsonâs noose and offered him another drink and another hand of cards. Both of which heâd readily accepted. As usual.
âNo. Sheâs not blond at all. Her hair is dark brown,â Cass said. âAnd youâve been introduced before, so it would be odd for me to attempt to introduce you again. Do try to search your memory.â
Swifdon snorted. âExcellent start, Monroe.â
Owen rolled his eyes. âFine. Just point her out when you see her, wonât you? I need to get this over with.â He was still searching for a footman. A duke, of all people, should bloody well have more footmen at hand.
Cass shook her head. âWhat a romantic.â
âIf you donât like my methods, why have you come?â Owen scowled at his sister.
Cass shrugged. âYouâre in a fine mood tonight. But if you must know, Mother asked me to. She insisted that we have a good showing. I fear sheâs worried for the Monroe reputation.â
Swifdon laughed aloud at that.
Owen glanced around for a footman again. A drink was long overdue. âOf course they wanted to emphasize that Iâm not the only family member. What a disgrace that would be.â
Cass frowned. âI only meantââ
Poor Cass. His sweet sister. She always believed the best of him despite every bit of evidence to the contrary. âNo. I understand,â Owen replied. âNo need to explain. Besides, Iâm hardly worried. If the duke and duchess didnât approve of me, they wouldnât be discussing the marriage contract with our estimable father already, now, would they?â
Cass inclined her head toward Owen. âTrue, but I donât believe itâs the duke and duchess whom you need to impress. Itâs Lady Lavinia herself.â
Owen gave his sister his most infamous grin. âIâve never had a bit of trouble charming ladies.â
Cassâs blond brow arched. âI fear you may have met your match with Lavinia. She has a reputation for being a bit ⦠difficult.â
Owen eyed his brother-in-law. Swifdon coughed into his hand, but Owen strongly suspected it was done in an effort to cover his laughter.
âYes, Iâve heard as much,â Owen replied to Cass. âDifficult, eh?â
âJust a bit ⦠prickly,â Cass replied.
âNo matter.â Owenâs grin widened. âIâve found few ladies who can resist my charms. When I choose to be charming, that is.â
âSo modest, dear brother,â Cass said, rolling her eyes. âThough I must admit, Iâm looking forward to your interactions with Lady Lavinia. I cannot wait to see if she can, ahem, resist your charms. I think itâs high time you settled down, you know.â
âAh, the refrain of the married. They always think everyone else should marry as well,â Owen replied.
âIt isnât half bad, Monroe. You really should try it. Though it makes all the
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