He looked at her oddly. When she placed her hand in his, instead of merely grasping it, he pulled her closer and then lifted her to sit on the wall. George suppressed a squeal. His thumbs were just under her breasts, and her nipples were suddenly sensitive. He gave her a warning look.

What was he about? She felt herself flush.

He vaulted the wall and walked to Mr. Granville. George, left to her own devices, swung her legs over and jumped down on the pasture side of the wall. The men were looking at a pile of wilted weeds.

“These aren’t very old.” Harry toed a sodden stem. “Probably placed here during the night. Hemlock again.”

“Again?” Mr. Granville, squatting next to the plants, looked up at him.

“Yes. It’s been going on for weeks now. Weren’t you told?”

“I’ve just arrived from London. I haven’t even been to Granville House yet. Who is doing this?”

“Your father thinks it’s me.”

“You? Why would he—?” Mr. Granville cut himself off, then laughed softly. “He’s finally paying for his sins.”

“Do you think?”

What was going on? George looked from one man to the other, trying to decipher the undercurrents.

Mr. Granville nodded. “I’ll talk to him. See if I can get his mind off you and onto whoever’s really doing this.”

“Will he listen to you?” Harry’s lips twisted cynically.

“Maybe.” The two men exchanged a look. Despite their differing heights and features, their expressions were strikingly similar. They radiated grimness.

“Do try to get your father to listen, Mr. Granville,” George said. “He’s already threatened to arrest Harry.”

Harry scowled at George, but Mr. Granville grinned charmingly. “I shall do my best, my lady, for Harry.”

George realized she had been calling Mr. Pye, quite improperly, by his given name. Oh, pish. She tilted her nose into the air and felt a raindrop hit it.

Mr. Granville bowed again. “It’s a pleasure to have met you, Lady Georgina. I hope that we can meet again under more amenable circumstances.”

Harry moved closer to George’s side, placing a hand at the small of her back. She had the feeling he was scowling at Mr. Granville now.

She smiled all the brighter at her neighbor. “Indeed.”

“It’s good to see you, Harry,” Mr. Granville said.

Harry merely nodded.

The young man hesitated, then turned swiftly and leapt the wall. He mounted and wheeled his horse in a half

circle to wave good-bye before cantering away.

“Show-off,” Harry muttered.

George blew out a breath and turned on him. “Is that all you’ve got to say after seeing your brother for the first time in eighteen years?”

He arched his eyebrows at her, silent.