striking Georgina and Daniel as well.
Furious that her gown was ruined before the evening had even begun, Georgina leaned over and picked up a handful of the juicy fruit, heaving it at the young man she saw darting into the crowd.
As her wild throw splattered against an elderly lady in widow's weeds, Daniel groaned, "I wish you hadn't done that," and pushed her toward the door.
The room erupted in splattering fruit and cookies, flying lemonade, and thrown fists. Daniel caught a chair heaved in Peter's direction and flung it to the floor, but he couldn't drown out the curses and threats from the crowd. Peter grabbed the chair and used it as a shield against two young men who rushed in with fists upraised, but he couldn't shield himself on all sides. More fruit struck his turned back, and bright patches of red bled together with the green.
With a sigh of regret Daniel swung his boot and tripped the man running at Peter from behind. Shoving his younger brother through the shouting, cursing melee, capturing Georgina by the waist, he pushed his way out of the rioting crowd.
They were no longer the main attraction. Fights had erupted all across the floor as old grievances gave way to new, and flying objects sent tempers soaring. Abandoning Peter to fend off his latest attackers, Daniel grabbed Georgina, swung her up in his arms, and pushed and shoved his way to the door. Peter followed close on his heels, wielding a chair like a sword.
The brawl was already spilling out of the lighted hall and into the darkened alleys around it. With Georgina clinging to his neck, Daniel hurried to the safety of a lighted thoroughfare. The sounds of the melee fell behind them.
"Daniel, put me down." Georgina struggled to regain her feet, succeeding only as Peter reached them.
"There for a moment I almost imagined you were defending me." Peter said, wiping strawberry juice from his forehead.
"You brought it on your own damned fool self. I was protecting my wife. You'd better get the hell out of here before some of them come looking for you."
Georgina heard the odd note of defensiveness in her husband's voice. Daniel had every reason to despise Peter, yet he did nothing now to show his contempt. She had seen him divert the blows meant for Peter. Another man would have used the opportunity to beat his enemy to a pulp, but Daniel had protected Peter with his fists and strength. Uncertainty kept her from intervening.
"I wanted to talk with Georgina."
Whether that was an excuse for his appearance at the dance or a demand for her attention now couldn't easily be discerned. It didn't matter. Daniel kept Georgina protectively behind his back.
"Get lost, little brother. She's my wife now and none of your concern. And don't come back this way again if you know what's good for you. You're persona non grata in these environs."
"The cowboy speaks Latin. How fitting." Shoving his handkerchief back in his pocket, Peter turned his tailored back on them and strode away.
It was only then that Georgina realized Daniel had just driven off his brother for her sake. He had given up all hopes of coming to terms with the only family he had in favor of the one he hoped they would make together.
She wasn't certain if she was honored, terrified, or just plain dismayed at the thought.
Chapter 28
They were both silent as they climbed the stairs and by mutual agreement entered the bedroom rather than the office. Georgina was glad that Daniel stayed with her rather than going to his easy chair, but now that he was here, she was nervous of his presence. Somehow, tonight, he seemed to fill the room with his energy, and she was acutely aware of their physical differences. She didn't mistake him for an older brother or a platonic friend anymore.
She almost jumped when Daniel caught the back of her gown and began unfastening the hooks there. Her stomach knotted as she realized what this action must mean. She had to remember she was a lady and behave circumspectly so she wouldn't disgust him again, but what she wanted more than anything was to turn around and throw herself into his arms and beg for his kisses.
That was a rather dismaying notion, and Georgina stood silently for his ministrations. She wanted Daniel to care for her, but she hadn't the slightest idea of how to go about it. She was terrified she would drive him