The Earl Claims a Bride by Amelia Grey

powdered wigs, decided to put their mark of approval on his request and confirm he was indeed the legitimate eighth Earl of Thornwick.
    Harrison followed Bray through the maze of corridors that led them out of the private inner sanctum of the secluded building and into the area where the members drank, played, and occasionally conducted a little business. They bypassed the gaming rooms, where Harrison heard the sound of billiard balls smacking together and rounds of laughter. All was quiet when they passed the reading room, though a glance inside showed several gentlemen seated with newsprint in front of their faces.
    The two friends didn’t break stride until they entered the large taproom. It was just past midday and only a handful of people were in the darkly appointed room. Harrison and Bray stopped by the highly polished bar and ordered up two tankards of ale. They greeted the gentlemen standing nearby but didn’t stay to chat after their drinks arrived. Harrison motioned to a table by the window where a slice of sunshine filtered through and they settled themselves in their chairs.
    Bray lifted his tankard and said, “To the latest member of the Heirs’ Club.”
    Harrison acknowledged the toast with a nod and took a drink.
    “So,” Bray said, “what do you want to talk about first?”
    “Why don’t we talk about you first?” Harrison answered. “Tell me about married life.”
    “You are making this very easy, my friend. I am content. Quite happy and finally settled in my larger home with my lovely wife and all four of her sisters.”
    “That many sisters?” Harrison shifted in his seat. “I didn’t remember. How are you handling that?”
    “I’m managing. There have been a few instances when I wished it was only the two of us, but very few. I’m getting used to having sisters.”
    Harrison gave him a doubtful look. “Really? Ah, but then they are girls. I suppose they are much quieter and nicer than boys.”
    “There was a time I would have thought that, too,” Bray said. “But no. It’s maddening at times. They will cry over nothing, squeal to the high heavens when they are happy, stand still, pout, and say nothing when they are angry. But things are better now that I’ve employed a tutor to keep them busy with learning.”
    Harrison laughed.
    “What is amusing you?”
    “You. That you’re not just married, but living in a house with five females. You who never had a brother or a cousin. And as of now, your mind still seems to be sound.”
    Bray laughed, too. “I know. It’s unbelievable, isn’t it? But I like having sisters,” Bray assured him. “Most of the time, anyway. They are all different and I enjoy each one of them. But even if I didn’t, I would put up with any amount of aggravation from them to have Louisa in my life because she’s worth it.”
    “I’m sure Louisa appreciates your good nature about them,” Harrison said and took another drink. “I suppose that’s how Adam felt about his wife, too.”
    “Damnation, don’t remind me of the horror he went through. Better than ever now, I understand why he gave up on life and moved to the cold north to be alone. I can’t imagine life without Louisa in—”–Bray paused and seemed to consider his words. “I know it was just as hard on you losing Maddie.”
    “No,” Harrison said and knew it was the truth. “It couldn’t have been. I made peace with my feelings for Maddie after she married my brother and had his son. I considered her my sister. It was still difficult losing them all at once.”
    “I’m sure it was hell,” Bray said.
    “Let’s talk about Adam.”
    “When do you want to go see him?”
    “You let me know a time that works for you,” Harrison said, putting the decision on his friend.
    “Sometime in the next two or three weeks?” Bray suggested. “Will that be good for you?”
    Harrison nodded. “Should I send a post that we’re coming?”
    “I see no reason to put him on notice. Let’s