An Inconvenient Arrangement

Chapter 47: Rafe & Sylvie

"So," Graham gave Rafe a smirk as he lit the cigar Rafe was holding in his hand, "when is the wedding?"

Rafe sputtered on the inhale, taking smoke into his lungs, coughing loudly. His so-called friend continued to stare at him smugly, not even offering him a relieving thump on the back as Rafe cleared his throat.

"I beg your pardon?"

"These things take a surprising amount of time, you know? Venue, clothing, guest list, the food at the wedding breakfast, the arrangements for the honeymoon. Best start planning for it soon. Oh and rings! Those take a while to get done. Have you any idea what types of stones she favors? Because that is another headache on its own. God, I am so thankful I eloped."

"What are you talking about?"

"Have a Christmas fete, perfect time to announce the engagement. Spring is usually a lovely time for a country wedding," Graham continued cheerily while Rafe fought to keep his expression neutral in spite of the peculiar way his heart had turned over a time or two.

"Graham, you are not making a lick of sense," Rafe felt the bite of defensiveness in his answer, and his friend's growing smile meant that he had not missed it either.

"I am talking about you and your woman of course."

"I haven't the faintest what you mean," Rafe cleared his throat loudly, pointedly taking a long drawl of his cigar.

"Oh, come now. Watch how you speak to her," Graham made an attempt at imitating Rafe's scowl and the snappish way he had delivered the warning.

"She's my ward's mother. A dear old friend," he shuffled on his feet, awkwardly. He, who was never awkward! "It is my duty to protect her now that she has lost both her father and her brother."

"Oh, yes, because you are known for your strong sense of honor, why you're practically a virgin," Graham replied sarcastically. "I saw how you looked at her, like a starving wolf. If you aren't bedding her, I will eat my cravat, starch and all."

"Well, yes, but it's only a casual arrangement. We're about to bring it to a close any day now," Rafe's heart plummeted in protest, his hands feeling a touch clammy.

"Ha! I don't see you letting her slip your grasp so very easily," Graham's eyes danced with amusement. "You were positively territorial. Notice how you did not even protest when I called her your woman?"

"Oh, sod it," Rafe snapped, pulling out his pocket watch, hoping that enough time had passed to allow a polite exit. He felt as if he were at the end of an inquisition!

"Oh, don't feel too embarrassed," Graham laughed, a full-bodied sound. "I did my fair share of chest beating and roaring when I first met Sera. I think I may have threatened to break Rothbury's arm a time or two."

"Threatened by Rothbury?" Rafe snorted. "That man is kept on a tight leash by his wife. And what's more, I think he enjoys it."

"Oh yes, Rothbury is the one on a tight leash but it is you who keeps glancing at his watch to see how soon he can approach his lover. And not for any carnal purposes, mind you, but because he has a surprise planned for her on her birthday."

"She is my friend," Rafe glared, seriously regretting taking Graham up on his offer for a smoke. He could have taken the extra time to check if everything was in order for the afternoon. "And therefore entitled to some care and consideration."

"Oh, a friend. A friend at whom you make – what was it that you said about Rothbury and I? Ah, yes- disgusting, longing, mooning eyes."

"I do not long or moon, stop being ridiculous."