Chapter 60

“And you don’t carry riding crops?”

“No.” George knew his voice was frigid now. Their horses were so well-behaved they had no need for them.

Mama reached over and tugged his sleeve. “It’s all right.” Her words were so quiet he didn’t think her brother could hear them. She smiled at her brother. “How are you, Lewis?”

“I’m well enough. Married now, with another brat on the way.”

“Congratulations. Another child, you say? How many will that be?”

“Four. All girls. With any luck my wife will finally give me a son.”

“I see. Do I know your wife?”

“That’s hardly likely. Her status is slightly higher than ours.”

Mama raised an eyebrow, and her brother gave a reluctant laugh.

“She used to be Eloise Moreland.”

Mama raised both eyebrows. “I’d say her status is more than slightly higher than ours. She was an heiress.”

“Yes, but it was a love match.”

“Father must have been overjoyed. And speaking of Father…How is he?”

“As stubborn as ever, but…He’s getting on, you know.”