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unnecessary.”
    “Oh but of course. I was about to accuse you with the notion of philandering with my daughter. My sincere apologies.” Phillip held his glass in the air to salute John. “And my deepest thanks for rescuing her.” He smiled, unaware of the façade, and swallowed a mouthful of scotch.
    John debated a minute whether to unveil the total truth to Mr. Howard, but after shifting his view to Melissa again and encountering the desperate, pleading expression upon her not so innocent face, the debating was over. He cursed himself in silence for following along with the deceit and gave Phillip a smile, saluting his own glass in agreement. “I’m grateful that my carriage was in the right place at the right time sir,” he said, watching Phillip take another swig, emptying his glass. To say the least Mr. Howard had become inebriated.
    Melissa must have noticed also for she was at her father’s side in a second. Taking his empty glass from him, she set it on a nearby table and ordered him, “Father you’ve had more than usual to drink tonight. I think you need to lie down in bed.”
    He lifted from his chair, taking her hand for assistance. “I think you’re right, love. Apologize to Lord Blackburn for me, will you?” he asked in a low voice as they stepped toward the doorway. “I’ve been rude to drink so much and leave so abruptly.”
    Melissa glanced over to John. “Of course father.” Miss Beckett got her attention when she came over to them.
    “I’ll take him to bed, love.” She gave John an approving glimpse and then took Phillip from Melissa. “You’ve got company to attend to.”
    “Thank you auntie.” Melissa reached over and gave her father a kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight, father.” Her father said goodnight as he and Miss Beckett trailed off toward his room.
    Melissa stood there for a moment watching them, nervous about approaching her company who still sat on the couch waiting for her. She hadn’t wanted to make up stories for her father. In fact, this was the first time she had ever had to, but she couldn’t jeopardize her chances with Lord Blackburn. She thought by saving his bum from her father he would return the favor by teaching her. It was quite amazing how fast she had come up with all the details of the story she’d made up. Feeling proud of herself, she turned to face Lord Blackburn with a smile on her face, only when she did, she discovered a definite glare of contempt. “More brandy?” she offered, prancing toward the bar.
    “No, that isn’t necessary.” John returned in a perturbed tone.
    “Very well, then.” She placed the bottle back in its place.
    “Are you proud of yourself?” John asked, interested to hear her response.
    She took her father’s place in his chair across from John. “No, of course not. I’ve never, ever done that before.”
    “You mean lie?” John pointed out.
    Her eyes found his. She hadn’t lied. She couldn’t think of it that way. “I would never intentionally hurt my father,” she hissed. “How can you be so ungrateful? I was saving your bottom after all!”
    “Yes, I suppose you did, except I didn’t get a chance to explain about our situation.” He sat up straight, setting his glass on the table next to him. “I have to congratulate you though on your creative choice of words.” His grin was meant to embarrass her along with the emphasis on the word “creative.”
    It must have worked, for within seconds her cheeks flushed. Her eyes veered away from his continuing gaze.
    He continued to harass her. “You were amazing, you know? I admit at first I was upset that you cut in like that, but the way your story evolved I started to believe it myself.” He hesitated, knowing his taunting unnerved her for she was looking everywhere but at him. He carried on anyway because he couldn’t help himself. “It was enough to shame yourself, but you about mortified your father. A rapid stallion?” he chuckled. “How did you come