“Tarryton did so, but not before saying, "I wouldn't be surprised if Billington came up to scratch on this gel.""Billington, Farnsworth, and a few others," Alex said with his most affable smile."Ashbourne?" Dunford's voice was colder than ice."Dunford?""Shut up.”

“I wasn't in any danger," Henry said quickly. "Dunford likes to exaggerate.""He does?" Alex asked, raising his brows."He was very anxious," she told him, then turned to Emma as if she had to explain. "He gets very anxious.""Anxious?" Emma echoed."Dunford?" Alex asked at the very same time."You must be joking," Emma added, in a tone that suggested there could be no other possible alternative.”

“I don't think Henrietta suits anyone," she replied. Then she offered him her cheeky smile, and Alex saw in an instant why Dunford was falling like a rock for this girl. She had spirit, and although she didn't realize it yet, she had beauty, and Dunford didn't have a chance.”

“Dunford arrived a few minutes later and gave her an approving nod. "You look lovely, Henry."She smiled her thanks but decided not to put too much stock in his compliment. It sounded like the sort of thing he said automatically to any woman in his vicinity.”

“The pig reached the assembly of servants, and the maids shrieked, running in every possible direction. Stunned by the sudden movement, the pig stopped, raised its snout; and let out a hellish squeal—and then another, and another, and..."Will you shut up!" Dunford commanded.The pig, sensing authority, didn't just shut up—it actually laid down.”

“They climbed up into the carriage and were on their way. Henry caught her bonnet on the doorframe as she was getting in, a circumstance which caused her to mutter most ungraciously under her breath. Dunford thought he heard her say, "Bloody bleeding blooming bonnet," but he couldn't be certain.”

“I wonder where everyone is," she muttered."Sleeping, if they have any idea what's good for them," Dunford replied acerbically."I suppose we could get started on our own," she said doubtfully.For the first time all morning he smiled broadly and meant it. "I know less than nothing about stonemasonry, so I vote we wait.”