Perfect Bride by Samantha James Page B

him. As for patience, if Devon was doubtful, she couldn’t help it. She was convinced she didn’t bring on that particular tendency.
    Justin took a seat on the wing chair opposite her.
    As he did, a black, wet nose sniffed about his ankles. “Well, hello, there! Who’s this?”
    Devon told him about the events of the prior eve ning. “I don’t think your brother was terribly pleased,” she finished.
    “Oh, he won’t mind. When we were children, Ju lianna was always bringing home some poor crea ture. I remember once she brought in a squirrel that had fallen from a tree. Mother, of course, screamed and had the vapors.”
    “Does your mother live in London too?”
    A shadow seemed to pass across his face. Was it sadness? she wondered. A moment passed before Justin answered. “No. Our parents are both dead. At any rate, I’m on my way out. But Sebastian told me you were up and about, so I decided I must stop and see you.”
    “Is he here?” She did her best to sound offhand, but her insides were suddenly twisted in knots. “He mentioned last night he had an engagement this evening.”
    “Yes. The dowager duchess of Carrington is giving a ball tonight. He’s upstairs dressing. I wasn’t invited, I’m afraid. Acceptance in society, you see, hinges on the duchess’s approval. I do believe the duchess toler ates me only because she’s fond of Sebastian. Not that I plan to while away the evening in regret. These things tend to be incredibly tedious affairs.”
    To Devon, a ball sounded terribly exciting. “You’re being sarcastic, aren’t you?”
    “Always,” he retorted. He extended a hand to ward the dog, giving a slight laugh as a rough, wet tongue came out to lap his fingers. “Quite an affec tionate little creature, eh?”
    Neither of them was aware that Sebastian hovered near the door, watching the two of them. Certainly they seemed to get on well together, he decided. It ran through his mind that the two of them would have made a striking couple, Justin’s hair so dark and gleaming, Devon’s all shining and gold... Good God, what was wrong with him? He felt al most jealous.
    Feeling quite the intruder, he advanced into the library...and was promptly greeted by a low growl.
    Justin looked up. “Dumpling doesn’t seem to like you, old chap.”
    “ Dumpling !” Sebastian’s brows shot high as he glanced at Devon. “I thought you said his name was Webster.”
    Devon smiled weakly. “It was. I’ve had to change it, I’m afraid.”
    “Change it? Why?” he asked baldly.
    “Because he is a she.”
    The mongrel was female! No wonder the creature liked Justin and not him!
    “My God,” he said. “You can’t name her Dumpling!”
    “Why not? You made mention of the fact she obvi ously likes to eat. And she does look a bit like a dumpling. It’s a fitting name, don’t you think?”
    Sebastian glanced at the mutt. Dumpling , he thought. Why, it almost made him gag!
    The object of his scrutiny bared her teeth.
    “I do believe Beast would be a fitting name,” he muttered.
    Devon scolded her sternly. “Stop it, Dumpling.”
    With a whine the animal sank down onto the floor, dropping her head onto her paws. But those round black eyes surveyed him warily as he stepped closer.
    Justin laughed, earning a reproving glance from Sebastian. He got to his feet. “I believe,” he said, “this is my cue to leave. Good night, Sebastian. Dev on, pleasant dreams.” A courtly bow directed at them both, and he was gone.
    Sebastian and Devon were left alone. He watched as Devon moved to warm herself before the fire.
    “I trust you had a good day.”
    “Thank you, I did.”
    Thank you . She was such a puzzle, he thought, watching as she stretched out her hands. If he hadn’t known better, she could almost be mistaken for a prim, proper miss. He’d chanced to pass by her room this morning as she was eating, licking the tips of her fingers. She’d looked up then, and saw where his eyes resided. A most