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"Ah, but the cheese in that mousetrap was irresistible," the prince said politely "If you’ll excuse me, dear aunt Miss Damson, Wick I believe my turn has co at that wiggle-eyed gal," Princess Sophonisba said, waving another chicken bone at Wick She didn’t seem to expect an answer because she turned about and started haranguing a footle-eyed?" Philippa asked

"She means velvet," Wick said His smile ell--it should be outlawed It

"Velvet eyes?" Philippa said, pulling herself together "I think I prefer wiggle"

"Smoky," he offered

She wrinkled her nose "I sound like a brothel, all velvet and smoke"

"And what do you know of brothels?" he asked His s," she ad toward her "There are no doxies with sreen eyes nor hair the color of pearls"

"Not bad," Sophonisba barked froht by the sultry tone in Wick’s voice, she’d forgotten all about the princess

"You’d better look out," Sophonisba said to her, using a half-eaten chicken leg as a pointer "The man’s a devil, of course His brother was the same Do you think the princess had a chance once Gabriel had her in his sights? Not a chance!" She snorted "I al her"

"Brandy?" Philippa repeated, completely bewildered

"Don’t ask," Wick murmured

Sophonisba had apparently re some to accompany her chicken

"You seee of unsee for you to shudder and avert your eyes"

"Have people shuddered in the past?" she inquired

"Ladies have" There was so in his voice A little bleak

"I ah of course, onebastards"

"Must one?" Wick asked

"Absolutely," she said firmly "There are those who earn the appellation, by their behavior, and those who area great deal about what it means to be a lady"