Page 76 of The Viscount's Silent Pugilist

He pecked his mother’s cheek, climbed into the carriage, and squeezed his arse between Floppy and the door.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Genevieve should beenjoying everything about this chance she’d been given and not fretting about the possibility of failure. Firstly, Jonathan had already given her a few weeks’ worth of allowances. She’d tucked the money inside the precious note from Christopher and someday soon, she could send for her siblings. And secondly, she wasn’t going to get knocked out or die. At least, not at an exhibition fight. Thirdly, no one would recognize her because she didn’t know anyone living near Redhurst House. And if someone from her past was in the audience, the white paint hid her true identity.

Although Genevieve could now talk to Jonathan, she remained quiet when they were in the company of others. Her fellow travelers, except for Jonathan, who looked half-contemplative, half-uncomfortable, talked and laughed as if they were on their way to a celebration. Meanwhile, Genevieve’s lips tingled from holding her breath.

She exhaled and wriggled, retrieving her writing implements from beneath Horatio’s front quarters. Using his back as a desk, she wrote,Josie and Franny, did you remember to pack the white cosmetics?

“Yes,” Franny said. “I remembered.”

From beside her, Jonathan squirmed. “May I ask what it is that you remembered?”

“The white face paint,” Josie said. “I also have the outfit Lady Paulsgrove gave to me.”

“Gen trained in the whiting the other day and some of it came off with her sweat, so we must not get it near her eyes,” Franny said. “It didn’t totally change her appearance, but enough that if you aren’t specifically looking for her, you probably won’t recognize her.”

“Splendid way to get into character,” Nicolas said. “The Fancy will love it.”

Jonathan remained silent, and Genevieve couldn’t see his expression unless she turned to the side to look at him. But she couldn’t look him in the eyes right this second. Not after the way she’d avoided him all week. She wanted to marry him, but she had to see to her siblings safety first. And she wanted to make love to him. But Coach Valentine had said sexual congress was prohibited the week before a mill. And, right this second, she wanted him to hold her and tell her that everything would be fine. But that was also impossible with others watching them.

Inhaling deeply, she ran her hand over Horatio’s back. Luckily, the feel of soft fur on her fingertips helped calm her jitters.

Grinning, Nicolas pointed at Horatio. “I say, Davenport, are you giving up your seat so the dog can be comfortable?”

Jonathan snorted.

The unfortunate man was rather crammed.

Genevieve was just about to nudge Horatio onto the floor when Jonathan hoisted the pup’s rump onto his lap.

“Much better,” he said as he settled his back against the squabs.

Franny laughed.

“Who would have guessed that Jonathan would have a baby before you?” Josie said as she clasped her husband’s forearm. “Or that the wee one would inherit the viscount’s propensity for drooling.”

“Ha. Ha,” Jonathan said. “But Floppy does not drool.”

Of course, only one of them drooled and it was not Jonathan. On second thought, he had drooled a few times when she’d been naked. Genevieve laughed so hard that her tense muscles relaxed. With Floppy’s front paws on her lap, and his hindquarters on Jonathan’s, it really was as if the three of them were one happy family.

“This should be a fascinating event,” Josie said. “I am so grateful to His Grace. ’Tis a wonderful way to promote The Silk Knuckles and perhaps convince more prizefighters to train with us.”

“Agreed,” Franny said. “Lord Griffendale has seen to every detail. It shall be fun to spend the weekend at Redhurst House. I hear ’tis lovely and since I am not training for a fight, I shall enjoy the delicious food. I just wish Edward could enjoy it with me.”

Although it was none of her business, Genevieve was curious as to where he was. Perhaps, since he was a lawman, he was working on a case.

Josie chuckled. “I suppose Bear and his crew will enjoy staying at a fancy estate. I do so enjoy a good mash-up of the classes.”

Her husband rolled his eyes. “Do not instigate trouble, darling.”

Looking quite incredulous, Josie brought her hand to her heart. “Me, instigate trouble? How dare you, husband!”

Jonathan chortled. He seemed to be relaxing.

“What say ye, Viscount?” Josie said, her eyes sparkling. “Any fun wagers about our companions? Oh, I know. How many hours before Roseanna punches Bear? How long before fisticuffs break out between Griffendale and Spider? How many fancy pastries Whale eats before he casts up his accounts on an heirloom?”

“I plan to behave this weekend,” Jonathan said.