Alex climbed into the carriage and sat back into its plush seat as the wheels started rolling. “That’s a good idea, Sophie.”

“I’d go tonight, of course, but I really don’t feel up to it.”

“What do you mean you’d go tonight?”

“Really, Alex, you must keep track of things. Lady Worth is throwing a huge bash tonight. I’m sure you were invited. You’re always invited to everything even though you never go. If you don’t start—”

“Spare me the you’ll-never-meet-a-nice-marriage-able-female-and-produce-an-heir lecture, please. I’ve heard it before, and I’m not interested.”

Sophie shot him an irritated glance. “Well, it’s true, and you know as well as I that you cannot remain a bachelor forever. All you do is carouse with your friends, and they’re just as roguish as you are.”

Alex grinned rakishly. “Really, Soph, it’s not as if I’m lacking for female companionship.”

“Oooooh!” Sophie spluttered. “You say these things just to annoy me. I know you do. Those women are hardly worth mentioning in my presence.”

“Those women, as you so delicately put it, want nothing from me other than a few baubles, which is exactly why I choose to share my bed with them. They, at least, are honest about their materialistic desires.”

“There you go again! You know that I hate to hear about your torrid affairs. I swear, Alex, I’m going to box your ears.”

“Cease the histrionics, Sophie. We both know that you love to hear about my so-called torrid affairs. You’re just too prudish and proper to admit it.”

Sophie slumped in defeat as Alex arrogantly lifted one eyebrow. He was absolutely right. She loved hearing about his adventures—amorous or otherwise. She just didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of admitting it. Besides, how was she to keep up her crusade to get him married if he knew how fascinating she found his lifestyle? Still, she made one last attempt. “You know you’re going to need an heir, Alex.”

Alex leaned toward his sister and smiled at her wickedly. “I would imagine that I’ll be physically able to sire a son ten or even fifteen years from now. But if you’d like, I’d be happy to give you the name and address of my most recent mistress. I’m sure she can vouch for my virility.”

“Mama, what’s virility?” Charlie piped up.

“Nothing you need to worry about for many years,” Sophie said breezily. And then in hushed tones: “Alex, I swear you’ve got to watch what you say around him. He absolutely idolizes you. As it is, he’s probably going to be telling all our maids about his virility for the next month.”

Alex laughed. “All right, brat, I’ll watch my speech, if only to protect your maids from falling prey to his lustful desires. Now, will you just be a good girl and tell me about this ball tonight?”

Sophie arched her eyebrows. “Suddenly interested in the social scene, are we?”

“I just want to check up on Meg. I’ll go for my usual fifteen minutes and then leave.”

“Lady Worth wants to introduce her American niece to society,” Sophie explained. “I hear it’s to be a grand affair.”

“Then why aren’t you going?”

“I just don’t feel like going out with Oliver away, and,” she smiled shyly and patted her stomach, “I’m expecting again.”

“Never say it, brat! That’s wonderful!” Alex smiled broadly and swept his sister into an affectionate hug. As dead-set as Alex was against marriage and children for himself, he did love spending time with Charlie and was thrilled at the prospect of another nephew or niece. “Ah, here we are,” he said as the carriage came to a stop in front of Sophie’s home. “Take care now, sister. Don’t overexert yourself.” He kissed Sophie on the cheek and patted her hand.

Sophie took Alex’s hand as he helped her out of the carriage. “Really, Alex, I’m not even showing yet. I hardly think I need to take to my bed.”

“Of course, dear, but you should be careful. Riding in the park is definitely out of the question.”

Sophie smiled at her brother’s concern. “For all your rakish ways, Alex, you really are an exemplary uncle. Just look at how Charlie adores you.”

Alex glanced down at the boy. Sure enough, he was tugging on his coat, begging him to come inside and play. Alex tousled his hair. “Another time, scamp. I promise.”

“You know, Alex,” Sophie began, “I just know you’d make an excellent husband and father, too, if you’d just take the time to look for the right woman.”

Alex crossed his arms. “Don’t start with me now. I’ve had enough lecturing for one day. Besides I’ve got this damned ball to get ready for.” With a wave, he climbed back into the carriage, instructing his driver to take him back to his bachelor’s residence.

Sophie waved back, standing on her doorstep, holding Charlie’s hand. At least he was going to the party tonight. That was a start. With luck, he’d meet someone suitable.

When Emma opened her eyes again, she was lying atop her bed. The pain in her head had diminished appreciably, but a new ache in her hip more than made up for the loss. Belle was curled up with a leather-bound book in a nearby chair.

“Oh, hello,” Belle chirped as soon as she noticed that Emma was awake. “You gave us quite a fright.” She got up, crossed the short distance to her cousin, and perched on the end of the bed.