“Are you?” inquired Horatia, regarding Lethbridge, who had risen at Lady Massey’s approach, and was watching her with and indefinable smile. “Then I should l-like very m-much to play with you, I assure you!”
“You will need iron nerves, ma’am,” Lady Massey said banteringly. “If he were not here I might tell you some shock-ing tales about him.”
At that moment Lord Winwood, who was strolling towards the doorway, caught sight of the group by the couch, and promptly bore down upon his sister. He executed a bow in Lady Massey’s direction, and bestowed a nod on Lethbridge. “You’re very obedient, ma’am. Servant, Lethbridge. I’ve been looking all over for you, Horry. Promised to present a fellow to you.”
Horatia got up “Well b-but—”
The Viscount took her hand to draw it through his arm, and as he did so pinched her fingers significantly. Understanding this brotherly nip to mean that he had something of importance to say to her, Horatia sketched a curtsy to Lady Massey, and prepared to walk away with the Viscount, only pausing to say seriously: “P-perhaps we shall try a throw against each other some day, my lord.”
“Perhaps,” Lethbridge bowed.
The Viscount led her firmly out of earshot. “Good God, Horry, what’s all this?” he demanded, with pious intention but a complete absence of tact. “Keep away from Lethbridge: he’s dangerous. Damme, was there ever such a one for getting the wrong company?”
“I sh-shan’t keep away from him,” declared Horatia. “Lady M-Massey says he is a hardened g-gamester!”
“So he is,” said the ill-advised Viscount. “And you’re no pigeon for his plucking, Horatia, let me tell you.”
Horatia pulled her hand away, her eyes flashing. “And l-let me tell you, P-Pel, that I’m a m-married lady now, and I w-won’t be ordered about by you!”