“Answer, chit.”
“You know I do. But I don’t at all understand why — ”
“Then you’d best stop flirting with Bertrand.”
Miss Marling flushed. “Oh, I don’t — flirt!”
“Don’t you?” jibed his lordship. “I beg your pardon. But whatever it is that you do, stop. That’s a kind cousinly warning.”
She tilted her chin. “I shall do as I please, thank you, Vidal, and I’ll not be lectured and scolded by either of you.”
“Just as you like, Ju. Don’t blame me when you lose your Frederick.”
She looked startled. “I shan’t lose him!”
“You’re a fool, Ju. What’s the game you’re playing? Trying to make him jealous, eh? It won’t work.”
“How do you know it won’t?” demanded Miss Marling, stung.