The Leopard Prince (Princes #2)(64)
Author: Elizabeth Hoyt

So it was with some relief that Harry spotted the red Maitland hair. “Over here,” he shouted at the newcomer.

He’d only spoken to Lady Georgina’s middle brother once or twice, and the man hadn’t been all that friendly. But all of Maitland’s animosity was reserved for Harry’s companion at the moment. He made his way to them with a look that would’ve sent Wentworth running, had be been sober.

“Harry.” The redheaded man nodded at him; only then did Harry remember his name: Oscar.

“Maitland.” Harry nodded. “Like you to meet an acquaintance of mine, Leonard Wentworth. Says he seduced your younger sister this last summer.”

Wentworth paled. “Now w-w-wait a—” “Really?” Oscar drawled. “Indeed,” Harry said. “He’s been telling me about his debts and how her dowry will help settle them, once he’s blackmailed her into marriage.”

“Interesting.” Oscar grinned. “Perhaps we should discuss this outside.” He took one of Wentworth’s arms.

“May I assist you?” Harry asked. “Please.”

Harry took the other. “Uhh!” was all Wentworth got out before they frog-marched him through the doors.

“I’ve got a carriage over here.” Oscar was no longer smiling.

Wentworth whimpered.

Oscar casually cuffed him over the head and Wentworth subsided. “I’ll take him to London and my brothers.”

“Do you need my help on the road?” Harry asked. Oscar shook his head. “You’ve got him pretty far gone with drink. He’ll sleep most of the way.”

They heaved Wentworth’s now-inert body into the carriage.

Oscar dusted his hands. “Thanks, Harry. We owe you.” “No, you don’t.”

Maitland hesitated. “Well, thanks, anyway.”

Harry raised his hand in a salute, and the carriage pulled away.

Oscar poked his head through the retreating carriage window. “Hey, Harry!”

“What?” “You fit in.” Oscar waved and ducked back.

Harry stared as the carriage barreled around the corner.

GEORGE DIDN’T SLEEP WELL ANYMORE. Maybe it was the life growing inside of her, making its presence known by disturbing her sleep. Maybe it was the thought of the decisions she must make soon. Or maybe it was wondering where Harry was spending the night. Was he sleeping under the stars, shivering in a bundled up cloak? Had he found sanctuary with friends somewhere? Was he keeping another woman warm tonight?

No, best not to think of that.

She rolled over and stared out her black bedroom window. Maybe it was just the chill of the autumn air. A tree branch rattled in the wind. George drew the covers up to her chin. She’d found Harry’s latest gift earlier when she’d prepared for bed. A small, rather funny eel. She’d thought it a snake at first, before remembering the fairy tale. Then she could see the tiny fin running along the creature’s back. Did that complete her collection? He’d made all the animals the Leopard Prince had obtained for the princess. Perhaps it was his way of saying good-bye.

A shadow shifted outside her window, and the frame slid smoothly up. Harry Pye swung a leg over the sill and climbed into her room.

Thank goodness. “Is that how you’ve been getting in and out?”

“Mostly I’ve been sneaking in the kitchen door.” Harry gently shut the window.

“That’s not nearly as romantic as the window.” George sat up and hugged her knees to her chest.

“No, but it’s a lot easier.” “I had noticed that it’s a three-story drop to the ground.”

“With prickly rose bushes at the base, my lady. I hope you saw those, too.” He strolled to the bed.

“Mmm. I did see the roses. Of course, now that I know you were merely using the kitchen entrance…”

“Not tonight.”

“No, not tonight,” George agreed. Oh, how she loved him. His green, ever-watchful eyes. His words, so carefully chosen. “But, even so, I’m afraid it has shattered some of my dreams.”

Harry’s lips twitched. His mouth sometimes gave him away.

“I found the eel tonight.” She nodded at her dressing table.

He didn’t follow her gaze. Instead, he continued to watch her. “I have one more.” He held out his fist and opened his fingers.

A leopard lay on his palm. “Why is it caged?”

George took it from him and looked closely. The workmanship was incredibly cunning. The cage was all of one piece but separate from the leopard within. He would’ve had to whittle the animal inside the cage. The leopard in turn wore a miniscule chain about its neck, each link carefully delineated. A tiny, tiny crown hung from the chain.

“It’s marvelous,” she said, “but why did you carve the leopard in a cage?”

He shrugged. “It’s enchanted, isn’t it?” “I suppose, but—” “I thought you’d ask me why I’m here.” He paced to the dresser.

She’d have to tell him soon, just not yet. Not while he seemed on the verge of flight. George set the caged leopard on her knees. “No. I’m just glad you’re with me.” She poked a finger through the bars and gently moved the leopard’s necklace. “I’ll always be happy when you come to me.”

“Will you?” Harry was looking down at the carved animals.

“Yes.” “Hmm,” he murmured noncommittally. “Sometimes I’ve asked that question of myself: Why I keep coming back when I’ve already said good-bye.”

“And do you have an answer for yourself?” George held her breath, hoping.

“No. Except that I can’t seem to stay away.” “Maybe that’s your answer, then.” “No. It’s too simple.” He turned to look at her. “A man should be able to lead his life, make his decisions, in a more reasoned way. I said I would leave you, and so I should have.”

“Really?” She set the leopard on the little table beside her bed and propped her chin on her knees. “But then what are emotions for? The good Lord gave them to men just as much as he gave intellectual thought. Surely He meant us to use our feelings as well?”

He frowned. “Emotions shouldn’t hold sway over reasoned thought.”

“Why not?” George asked softly. “If the Lord gave us both, then surely your emotion—your love of me—is just as important as what you think about our match. Perhaps it’s more important.”