“If you’re finished—” West began, with an irritated gesture of his hand. At that moment, the teacup came unstuck, flung itself off his finger, and went soaring through an open window. Both brothers stared blankly after the path of its flight. A few seconds later, they heard a crash of porcelain on a graveled pathway.

“What’s your first favorite?” “That’s not a subject fit for dinner.” After a pause, he offered innocently, “But I could tell you later.” The rascal.

“Will he have to stay in bed? I’ll bring my cat to visit him.” Phoebe frowned regretfully. “Justin, I’m afraid you can’t keep her.” “Oh, I already knew that.” “Good. Well, then—” “—but you see, Mama, she wants to keep me.”

“If it makes you feel better, I promise never to propose to you.”

“It would be a great pity for you to realize too late what a treasure you might have had in Edward. As the captain of your family’s ship, he would steer a steady course. There would never be surprises with him. No arguments, no unconventional ideas. You would live in perfect serenity.” Yes, Phoebe thought, that’s exactly the problem.

Work is a kind of language—we understand each other better afterward.”

“Before I leave, let me share a piece of hard-won wisdom about women.” “God, must you?”

“You should humor my daughter’s wishes, Ravenel,” Sebastian advised from behind her. “The last time I tried to refuse her something, she launched into a screaming fit that lasted at least an hour.” The comment broke the trance. “Father,” Phoebe protested with a laugh, twisting to glance at him over her shoulder, “I was two years old!” “It made a la

“Ravenel, what can I do?” he asked calmly. “With respect, sir”—Mr. Ravenel was double-dodging and darting, trying to anticipate the bull’s movements—“get the hell out of here.”