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anything untoward, you and Father would have called me on it days ago."
    When dinner was announced , Nash turned to follow the others. Geoff stopped him with a soft request. "I only ask that you be sure of your heart before you involve hers."
    Nash nodded silently. He 'd been advising himself the same thing. All he knew was every moment spent talking to her led to hours spent thinking about her.
    As luck would have it, he was seated beside her at the table. After listening to the conversations around him, Nash leaned closer to Lady Julianna. "I wonder if you've considered the difficulties you might find when married to the man you seek."
    She dabbed her mouth with a napkin before speaking with a pleasant expression. "I've thought of little else. Such as, will his valet continue to polish his armor, or will that task be given to me?"
    Nodding, Nash said, "Yes, that would be important to know. As would, does he sleep in his chain mail?"
    " Now you're being silly, Mr. Sinclair. What sort of man would sleep in chain mail?"
    " I admit, I know of few men who even own the suits. It would take the appearance of Brummell in such costume to bring the style back."
    From the corner of his eye, Nash saw her smile grow. She quickly hid it behind her glass as she sipped. "I prefer gentlemen who aren't creators of fashion. One who knows what is appropriate to wear to various occasions."
    " I see. I shall add that to my list."
    Lady Julianna took a slow spoonful of her soup. "Your list?"
    " If I'm to find your ideal husband, I must know what qualities you find desirable. Beyond his propensity for stalking reptiles."
    " Oh yes, of course. Well then, let me think on it. I should like him to be tall, please."
    Julianna seemed intent on her meal, continuing to eat gracefully, unaware of the many conversations around them. He'd barely tasted his own food, although he'd eaten plenty judging from the number of times he'd lifted his fork to his mouth. How did one accomplish anything when one's mind turned to porridge like this? If Lady Julianna agreed to become his wife, would he be able to return to his normal routine?
    If she turned him down, would he be able to shut the door on his thoughts?
    A footman set a plate of meats in front of Nash. He stared at it before reaching for his fork. "I wonder if cook has a recipe for roast dragon loin."
    Lady Julianna coughed and brought her napkin to her lips. When her breathing returned to normal, she spoke softly. "I should think the meat would be better stewed."
    " Dragon fricassee. Or a ragout, what do you think?"
    " The fricassee gravy would probably do better at disguising the gamey taste."
    Nash stroked his chin. "I wonder what the average age is of the dragons your gentleman has killed. He must have a very large smokehouse. Or do you suppose he is the generous sort and shares his hunt with his tenants?"
    " Of course he is generous. I wouldn't consort with any other type."
    After chewing a few bites of what he was fairly certain was pork, he had a thought. "Do you suppose his tenants remain long on his land? What with his generosity, of course. As his wife, you'd be required to eat what he provided and be happy for it. But the tenants took no such vow of obedience."
    A sound very close to a snigger came from Lady Julianna, who quickly reached for her napkin. "That is something I hadn't considered. Perhaps my knight is bound to render all his game to the king. We must raise our own pigs and beeves to feed our family."
    They continued their silly talk through dessert. His mother 's voice interrupted their imaginings and Nash realized it was time for the ladies to retire to the drawing room. He quickly stood and helped Lady Julianna from her chair. He couldn't recall a more enjoyable meal since the days of eating with his brothers and sisters in the nursery.
     

 
    Chapter Six
     
    Wishing to spend time with her namesake niece, Julianna made her way to the nursery after breakfast, stopping by her room to