As for Daniel and Suzette, Daniel was a close friend of Richard’s who, along with Robert, had stood by the pair and helped sort out the mess that George Fairgrave had created. That sorting had included uncovering a plot where George and two other lords were to marry the three sisters and thereby gain control of the rather large inheritance the Madison sisters had been left by their grandfather. Once the marriages had taken place, of course, the three sisters would have been expendable. Fortunately, they’d discovered the plot and put an end to it. Two of the three sisters had settled with husbands during the ordeal; Christiana with the real Richard Fairgrave, Earl of Radnor, and Suzette with his best friend, Daniel Woodrow, the Earl of Woodrow.

Daniel had been as helpless in the face of Suzette’s charms as Richard had been with Christiana, and Robert wasn’t at all surprised that the two couples were so blissfully happy together. He was glad for his old friends the sisters, and equally glad to make new friends in their husbands. Both Daniel and Richard had quickly become very good friends this last two years . . . and at times, friends could be a pain in the arse.

This was one of those times, he decided and merely muttered, “A silly schoolroom crush is all it is.”

Daniel gave a bark of disbelieving laughter. “A schoolroom crush? Lisa’s twenty-one, long out of the schoolroom.”

“Twenty-one?” he asked with surprise. It seemed like just days ago the chit had been chasing after him in pigtails, her skirts flying and adoring eyes on him with a serious case of hero worship. Where did the time go? he wondered, and then glanced to Richard when he spoke.

“Yes, she’s twenty-one and has finally consented to a coming out. You’d best be careful else you shall lose her. I think Lisa’s lost hope for her longstanding devotion to you and decided to be sensible and find a husband among the available bachelors in town this year.”

“Hmm.” Robert frowned at the suggestion. His feelings for Lisa had always been more filial than anything else so the sudden outrage he felt at the very suggestion that she might give up on him to seek another was rather startling. Pride, Robert excused himself. He had probably enjoyed her silent adoration on some level and was just miffed at the possibility of losing it. Shifting uncomfortably, he muttered, “Well, good for her. I wish her luck. I, myself, am not ready to settle down. I am quite happy with my mistress and my life as it is.”

“Of course you are,” Daniel said dryly, and then grinned and added, “But then why should you be happy while the rest of us suffer in matrimonial hell? As a good friend, you should really join us there.”