Page 65 of The No Good Irresistible Viscount Tipton
She tried not to wince at the disapproving tone.
“You must forgive me, my dear, but your sudden marriage came as a shock to all of us.”
“Really?” Wynne’s smile should have frosted Oz’s eyebrows. “Anyone close to the family could obviously see how smitten Tipton was with our Devona. I am certain you could understand how a couple in love is swept away by the romance of eloping.”
Oz glowered at Wynne. “I was under the impression, Miss Bedegrayne, that Sir Thomas heartily denounced this match.”
“Father was naturally disappointed that Tipton denied him the pleasure of marrying his youngest daughter off with the flourish suitable to our rank. Perfectly understandable, do you not think?” Wynne gazed directly into his eyes, her warning unambiguous. “Nevertheless, Tipton has the support of the Bedegraynes.”
Devona tried to get her sister’s attention, but she was too focused on putting Oz in his place. Wynne had never been very tolerant of Oz’s peevishness. She had always said that the only reason Mr. Lockwood hung around them was his interest in Devona’s hand. If this was true, the man had done a remarkable job hiding his intentions.
“Would you care to join us, Mr. Lockwood?”
Oz rolled his walking stick between his palms. “I had hopes of luring you away for a private discussion, Lady Tipton.”
Wynne touched her hand before Devona could agree to the request. “Unfortunately, you have caught us at an awkward moment, Mr. Lockwood. You do understand.”
Devona didn’t, not one word. “What awkwardness?”
“My brother’s displeasure,” Maddy happily explained. She spooned another mouthful of ice into her mouth.
Ah, they had a point. Devona could not claim that her husband was a jealous man, but he did have some odd notions about her male friends. “We must continue our shopping, Mr. Lockwood. Another time, perhaps?”
Oz’s lips had thinned to the point that his upper lip had disappeared completely. His hand tightened on the silver head of his walking stick as he leaned heavily on it. “Forgive me for intruding, ladies. I look forward to our next encounter.” He nodded to Wynne, a small capitulation from the vanquished. “Lady Tipton.” He moved on quickly, as if attempting to distance himself from their rejection.
“Oz Lockwood is harmless,” Devona announced to anyone who needed reminding.
Pearl, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, shifted in her seat. “He’s had his eye on you; it’s obvious.”
“Ridiculous. The man is my friend. I have known him for years.”
Wynne signaled to Gar that they were ready to depart. “I would not try that pathetic defense on your husband.”
Being the youngest Bedegrayne was wearing on Devona’s cheerful disposition. “I am not naïve, Wynne. Stop treating me like a child.”
“You should be grateful for my intervention,” her sister replied, oblivious to Devona’s increasing exasperation “I will wager Mr. Lockwood is, or will be once his anger diminishes.” She took a bite of her ice, then pushed it away.
“Grateful for chasing my friend away? Why should I be grateful?” Devona wondered aloud.
“That Lord Tipton doesn’t murder Mr. Lockwood for approaching you for a private discussion.” Maddy made her astute observation while she licked the pink smear of sweet confection from her lips.
***
“I am surprised you called this meeting at the club,” Rayne said, taking the seat offered by Devona’s father. “I had anticipated a more private setting.”
“Like Wimbledon Common at dawn?”
A reluctant smile pulled at the corner of his mouth. “Something along those lines, although I expected Brock to issue the hotheaded challenge.”
A blaze of indignation fired up in Sir Thomas’s gaze. “What, Tipton, you think a little gray hair means I lack the teeth to punch a ball into your heart?”
“No, sir. I suspect a man like you would simply forget about the invitation.”
The older man leaned forward, his stance intimidating. “I’m no coward, Tipton, to plan an ambush. If I wanted you dead, you would be the first to know.”
Rayne settled back in his chair. He liked the old Bedegrayne, even respected him. Rayne could tell from which side of the bloodline the offspring had acquired their character.
“You expressed my thoughts better than I, Sir Thomas. My apologies if I offended you.” He waited while a servant poured him coffee. “Your daughter is well. She hopes you will visit us soon.”
