Page 59 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

Juliana’s cheeks heated. “It’s just Juliana. Drake is my half-brother.”

“Ah, of course. Then I’m simply Nash, and this is my wife, Adalyn. My courtesy honorific is practically useless in America.”

“Except when you want to impress someone,” Adalyn said, to which Nash’s lips quirked.

“I’m Mena.” The young girl curtsied, but her blue eyes gleamed with mischief. “And this is my baby brother, Benjamin.”Mena tilted her head, studying Juliana. “You look a little like Adalyn.”

Heat raced up Juliana’s neck and flooded her face.

“Manners, Mena,” Adalyn admonished.

“Well, I meant she’s pretty.”

Mena’s compliment did nothing to relieve Juliana’s blush. “Thank you, Mena.”

“Forgive our adopted daughter, Juliana. For most of her life, Mena lived on the streets, pick-pocketing under the pseudonym of Fingers. That is until my wife took her under her wing. Adalyn can’t resist a challenge.” Nash grinned.

Somehow, Juliana had the impression Nash wasn’t only talking about Mena.

Nash shifted Benjamin to his other arm, not appearing to mind at all when the child patted his father’s cheeks. “And where, pray tell, is your husband, Duchess? I was looking forward to meeting the man who finally captured your heart. I need to size him up to make sure he’s good enough for you.” Although Nash’s voice held a note of seriousness, his dark eyes crinkled at the corners.

Honoria lifted Kitty from Simon’s arms. “He’s at Lords, but we expect him home early. The session is nearly finished, and they’ve only remained this long because of Prinny’s—the king’s—ill health.”

“Old Prinny is still holding on, eh?” Nash shook his head. “Please forgive the intrusion, Your Grace. After receiving word of Charlotte’s marriage, I felt it my brotherly duty to come and meet the man she’s decided to torture for the rest of his poor days. We enquired at Edgerton’s, but his relic of a butler practically threw us out, saying we would find them both here.”

“Ha! See, he understands. I like this fellow,Lottie.” Simon waggled his eyebrows.

Charlotte glared at them both. “You are both fortunate that I love you.”

Honoria cast a quick glance at Juliana, and something in her eyes sought permission. Before Juliana could move close enough to ask what for, Drake strode into the room.

“Frampton told me we have guests.”

Juliana waited quietly while Charlotte made the introductions, the whole time sneaking little peeks at Adalyn. The woman wasn’t only lovely, but poised, intelligent, and warm. No wonder Victor fell in love with her.

Adalyn cooed over little Kitty and, much to Charlotte’s dismay, hugged her new sister-in-law when Simon made the announcement that they, too, were expecting a child next spring.

“We have so much to celebrate,” Drake announced. “Juliana and Victor Pratt are to be wed, and you’ve arrived just in time to attend the ball held in their honor tomorrow evening.”

“Oh, that is wonderful news,” Adalyn exclaimed. “Felicitations. I’m so happy Mr. Pratt has found someone with whom to share his life.”

Juliana squeaked out a tiny, “Thank you.” She peered at Nash, who studied her.

“Speaking of the wedding,” Simon said. “Why don’t we take the future husband out this evening for a final night of freedom? I proposeThe Knave of Hearts. It’s a new gambling hell that Drake has yet to visit. Why not join us, Nash? I’d like to get to know my more amiable brother-in-law better. You can share stories ofLottiewith me so I have something to hold over her.”

Charlotte snorted a derisive laugh.

Honoria’s gaze darted nervously toward Juliana. “No doubt Lord Nash and Adalyn are exhausted from their journey, Simon.”

Nash’s gaze remained locked with Juliana’s. “The duchess is correct. Exhausted, and we’ve yet to secure lodgings.”

“You must stay here.” Simon’s gaze darted toward Drake. “If that’s agreeable?”

“Of course. There’s plenty of room, and Charlotte’s family is ours.”

“I appreciate the gracious offer, but I must beg off accompanying you gentlemen. No doubt Benjamin will be up all night, and Adalyn becomes as disagreeable as my sister when she doesn’t get enough sleep.” Nash grinned at his wife.

Simon barked a laugh and received a sound slap to his shoulder from Charlotte.

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