They both shot him equally puzzled looks.

Rory looked Arthur in the eyes. “I read that story about puppets today,” he said pointedly. “And maybe I think I should go read more about puppets and you should go make sure Lord Fine here doesn’t go thinking he should be reading about puppets.”

“I’m fairly certain I’m not going to think that,” Lord Fine interjected, glancing between them in confusion.

Rory held Arthur’s gaze. Last thing they needed was Lord Fine getting too interested in anything that could lead him to the paranormal. He’d been too close already, back in the antiques shop in New York.

Arthur sighed. “Fine,” he said to Lord Fine. “I’ll meet you there.”

“Excellent.” Lord Fine clapped his hands. “And since you’re not busy tonight, how about I teach your infant some billiards?”

Rory wrinkled his nose. “What, pool?”

“Do you know how to play?” When Rory shook his head, Lord Fine said, “Then I’ll show you.” He leaned forward. “With the caveat that it is impossible to teach anyone to play billiards without getting rather handsy.”

“Oh, you don’t gotta worry about that,” Rory said. “Ace reminded me today that he doesn’t ever get jealous.”

Arthur opened his mouth, then closed it.

“Really.” Lord Fine glanced at Arthur, eyebrow raised. “You don’t mind me bending your precious angel over a billiards table and teaching him how to handle my stick?”

Arthur smiled with narrowed eyes. “I’ll teach him myself.”

“You’ll do no such thing, you’re wretched at pool,” Lord Fine said. “What’s your objection to me doing it? Apparently you’ve even told your sweetheart that you don’t suffer jealousy like other mortals.”

Arthur frowned. “I didn’t mean it like that—”

“It’s fine, Ace, I know I’m the one who’s gotta get it together.” Rory turned to Lord Fine. “Sure, I’m all yours. Get as handsy as you want with me, Ace won’t care.”

Lord Fine smiled winningly at Arthur. “As handsy as I want.”

Arthur’s gaze darted between Rory and Lord Fine. “What if we play cards instead?”

“And keep a nice, respectable distance between us all.” Lord Fine’s smile turned amused. “Sure. Poker?”

Rory hesitated, shooting an uncertain glance at Arthur. “We played a few rounds on the ship, but I was on the verge of puking the whole time. And if you two high hats are wanting to make bets, I’m not gonna pretend I can keep up.”

Lord Fine waved a careless hand. “I’ll fund your bets. No, no, I insist,” he said, right over Rory’s protest. “I’m going to get back every penny when you lose it all anyway.”

Rory folded his arms. “Who said I was gonna lose?”