Lord Romney's Exquisite Widow by Jenni James Page B

smack of the billiard balls could be heard before he tapped on the door and walked in. "And if you are not the most dashed difficult man to find," he said to Atten as he came into the room. "Here you are with Compton, thick as thieves." As he approached the long table, he asked, "Who is winning?"
    Alistair Compton struck the ball with his cue and immediately sent the other into its pocket. "Me." He grinned as he straightened. "Though Atten has promised me he would not leave until he has bested me at least once."
    Atten chuckled. "Never you mind the swindler. You and I both know Compton could not win if his life hinged upon it. So, what took you so long to get here? We have been waiting this half hour at least."
    "Have you?" George shook his head. "Fine chaps you are. Had to find out at White's that both of you had headed over here. You are lucky I came at all."
    Atten leaned over the table and pointed his cue at the white ball. "Did you hear that, Compton? George believes we are lucky he came when we all know it is he who is the fortunate one."
    "Aye, I heard. Must be the bats in his head speaking up now. Must be forgetting why he was so dashed eager to find us.”
    "What are you two on about?"
    "Lady Romney, of course." Atten winked and struck the ball. "’Tis why you are here, is it not?"
    "Well, I do have a notion of finding out why a single man such as yourself would berate me and then take the most beautiful woman in all of London out driving and spend the whole of the conversation on me."
    "See? What did I say?" Compton grinned. "Said he would come running to you the second he heard."
    "Are you implying that you are in on this as well?" George looked at Compton.
    "Certainly! Someone had to save you two. Atten figured it might as well be us."
    "Us? But what have you done?"
    Compton stood up straight and leaned upon the cue stick. "Why, I have given Atten the support he needs to keep his wits about him. Making up for your blunder is not easy."
    "No, it is not." Atten chuckled. "Though I will agree with you on one thing. Lady Romney is exceptionally pretty."
    "She is more than pretty. Admit it." George grinned.
    Atten scrunched up his nose and glanced over at George. "I prefer my ladies to have a particular fondness for me, not for other men. So, no. I do not find she is my variety at all."
    George let out a sigh and sat down upon the nearest high-backed chair. "I am relieved to hear it. A part of me worried I really would have to fight that duel for her."
    Compton came over near George and sat down. "Atten told me how you insulted the lady. Now, tell me you are at least intelligent enough not to wound her further and to repent of your wrongs."
    "Aye." George nodded. "I have begun the attempt, though I fear it will be some time before we see a definite improvement." He glanced over at the tall man beside him. "How did you win over Lady Lamb so easily?"
    "Me?" Compton laughed. "That was mere luck, that was. After placing that bet, and then discovering my feelings for her, I never thought I would have a chance with her. Turns out, she is a lot more caring and kind than I could imagine."
    "Do not downplay the scenario at all," Atten said as he pushed off the wall and joined them. "Compton only won the lady because he was clever enough to find some puppies."
    "Yes, puppies that have completely overrun her household, I might add. The incorrigible scamps!"
    George let out a small chuckle. "Who would have supposed? Perhaps I am nearer to bringing Lady Romney over to my side of the fence than I first assumed."
    "How so?" Compton asked.
    "I gave her a kitten yesterday. Cats are the one animal she has continuously coveted. Adorable little thing, too. All gray fluff. I believe she was immensely delighted."
    Atten nodded. "Right. If this works out, I am investing in breeding baby animals until I find a lady who will champion my cause."
    George and Compton both laughed.
    "Ho! No dashing my hopes with your mockery."
    "I can see you now,