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cancel her order for mourning clothes. I imagine she has already selected something appropriate in black on the off chance that her fondest wish might come true on the morrow. Unfortunately for her, I intend to live yet another day.”
    Jeremy scowled. “I heard that the brother of the Merryweather chit challenged you.”
    “Did you? Amazing how gossip flows through the
ton
, isn’t it? A pity that so much of it is false.”
    “Damn it, man, what are you up to this time?”
    “Nothing that need concern you, Fleetwood.”
    “You’re an arrogant bastard, cousin.”
    “Arrogant I may be, but I am most definitely not a bastard.” Sebastian smiled again. “And that, dear cousin, makes all the difference, doesn’t it?”
    Jeremy’s mouth worked, but in the end he seemed to be unable to find words. He spun around on one well-shod foot and stalked out of the room.
    The buzz of conversation resumed at the card tables. Sebastian turned back to pour himself another glass of port. He stopped when he saw the thoughtful expression in Garrick’s eyes.
    “Don’t worry, my friend,” Sebastian said. “Fleetwood and I have an understanding. Long ago we both made a pact to detest each other.”
    Garrick’s gaze remained on the door. “I believe he truly hates you.”
    “Not entirely his fault, I suppose. His mother has taught him to do so from the cradle. She never forgave my father for running off with my mother and thereby soiling the family name for all eternity. When I came into the title last year instead of her precious Jeremy, she nearly keeled over with apoplexy.”
    “I am well aware of your family history. Be careful, Angelstone. I swear there was murder in Fleetwood’s expression just now.”
    “Calm yourself, Sutton. Your imagination is running riot.”
    “I’m not so certain. I have the distinct impression that if Jeremy Fleetwood could find a way to do you in without making himself look guilty in the process, he wouldn’t hesitate a minute.” Garrick smiled suddenly. “There’s a solution to your dilemma, you know.”
    “And that is?”
    “Do your duty by your title, man. Get yourself a wife and then get yourself an heir as quickly as possible. Once the title is secure for another generation on your side of the family, the Fleetwoods will cease praying for your demise. If you have an heir, there would no longer be any point in hoping you’ll kick the bucket.”
    “I congratulate you on your pragmatic approach to the situation,” Sebastian said, “Perhaps I shall give your notion some consideration.”
    Garrick gave him a sharp, inquiring look. “What’s this? Don’t tell me you’ve finally decided to be sensible.”
    “I have been told that at my age a man should begin to demonstrate the qualities of wisdom and responsibility, Sutton.”
    Garrick shook his head again. “You truly are in an odd mood tonight.”
    “Yes. Perhaps you’d better convey my apologies to young Merryweather before I change my mind.”
    Sebastian ignored the gossip that swept through the
ton
the following afternoon as the haut monde learned of his apology to Trevor Merryweather. Instead of making himself available to the curious in his club or retreating to the privacy of his library, he took himself off to keep an appointment at a certain coffeehouse near the docks.
    Whistlecroft’s message had reached Sebastian just as he had sat down to a leisurely late breakfast. The note had been short and to the point. Whistlecroft’s messages generally were brief, as the Bow Street Runner did not read or write with any great skill.
    S IR ,
    There be a matter of interest I wish to discuss with you. If it be agreeable with you, I suggest the usual place at three
.
    Yrs.
W.
    At three o’clock Sebastian walked into the coffeehouse and found Whistlecroft waiting for him in his customary booth. The Runner raised his mug in greeting. Sebastian went forward to join him.
    Whistlecroft was a heavyset man with a florid, bewhiskered