Anna smiled over the boy’s head at Devon. “Marcus went to consult with his man of business for the name of a physician who specializes in such things.”

Devon came to stoop before the small boy. “Hello, Richard.”

Richard looked up, his eyes brightening when he saw Devon. The lad’s grin revealed a shocking number of lost teeth.

Devon chuckled and ruffled the boy’s hair. “I hope you grow some new teeth soon or you won’t be able to eat anything but porridge.”

Richard’s grin widened. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a top and a piece of string. After carefully winding the top, he yanked on the string and sent the toy spinning across the smooth surface of the table.

Devon laughed as the top neared the edge and Richard leapt to catch his toy before it hit the ground.

The door opened and Marcus appeared, a neatly written letter in one hand. Devon stood immediately.

“Well!” Marcus said, eyeing Devon with an inquiring gaze. “What’s brought you hither?”

Though not as large as Anthony, Marcus exuded a raw power that instantly made him the center of all attention. Most men responded to that air of command by unconsciously stepping back. Except Chase, of course. Chase had always had more bottom than sense.

Devon nodded to Marcus. “It’s a pleasure to see you, too. And do not fear, Anthony has already ascertained that I’m not here to ask for a loan.”

The hard line of Marcus’s mouth softened into a faint smile. “You’ve never borrowed money from me, though I’ve offered time and again.”

“I’d rather eat a hot coal.”

“Well. I can see you’re in your usual good spirits.”

“Perhaps. I came to ask your advice about something.” Devon glanced at Anna and then back. “But it will wait.”

Marcus’s gaze sharpened. He nodded once. “Very well.” He turned to Anna and handed her a letter. “Here, my dear. A letter of introduction. If there is anything to be done for Richard, the doctor will make certain that it happens with all possible speed. He is expecting you now.”

“Thank you,” Anna said, smiling. She tucked the letter into her reticule and then bent to Richard, who was still playing with his top.

She touched his shoulder. He looked up at her inquiringly. “Time to go,” she said softly.

The boy nodded and rose.

“Shall I come, too?” Anthony asked.

“Oh no, my love,” Anna said. “Stay here and keep Marcus company. It has been several weeks since the two of you have had time to chat. I will return in a trice.” She took Richard’s hand and led him to the door. “Bye, Devon! Will you be here when I return?”

“Probably not, but I will stop by Greyley House tomorrow to visit.”

“See that you do,” she said with mock severity. “I would hate to have to travel all the way to St. James’s to find you.”

“You would storm White’s, would you?”

“I would at least stand outside on the street and ask for you over and over in a very loud and disconsolate tone.” She grinned. “I daresay you’d come running out then.”