does seem extreme measures just to fire off the chit."
"Give over, do. I have given this serious consideration, Dev." Max stood up and, with his hands behind his back, began to pace the floor much like a harried professor. "With brother Philip away with the army, I must make certain to secure the line."
"How is the young scamp?" Dev asked.
"Much as usual. He has discovered other officers of similar vein and they are bent on wreaking havoc on the female population of foreign lands. His letters mention little of battle but the home office has kept me apprised of his actions. Been mentioned in dispatches several times," Max said with pardonable pride.
"I hear the corps de ballet wore black armbands for a week when you bought him his colors."
"Shouldn't doubt it for a moment," Max said. He faced Devereaux, his face a picture of arrogant disdain. "Surely, Dev, we were not such ramshackle fellows."
When Max's face split into a wide grin and laughter filled the room, Dev was reminded of his friend in their more youthful days. Of late, Max had become more sarcastic and arrogant; there was little of the carefree boy he had originally known. And now this latest start.
"Do not keep me on the edge of my chair, old man. What is all this about a bride?"
Max executed a military turn on the carpet and stood still, facing his friend. His face was grave; his mouth pulled into sober lines. "I lead a very well ordered life, Dev. It is my heritage from a rather ragtag existence as a child. I have learned that logical planning is the key to success in any venture and I have applied it in every avenue of my life."
"Yes, I recall rejoicing in your methodical planning of our most devilish campaigns," Dev agreed.
Max ignored the interruption, so involved was he in his own thoughts. "Marriage is a business arrangement for the mutual benefit of both parties. The groom gains the possibility of an heir while the bride, in most cases, receives financial security. Therefore it is only a matter of keeping one’s wits about one in making a choice." Max began to pace again, turning to Dev to punctuate a point with a deliberate jerk of his head. "I have considered the qualities I require in a wife and all I need do is locate a young lady with the proper credentials and I will have discovered the perfect wife."
Dev shook his head in dismay. His friend seemed to think one should enter into marriage in a most logical method. Dev's marriage had been most illogical and he had never been happier. He too had been a cynic but he knew very well the joy to be had in being in love with the woman one married. Max was due for great disappointment if he planned to conduct a courtship with methodical precision.
"Then while you are shepherding your ward to the social functions of the season, you will be on the look out for a suitable wife?" Dev asked.
"Spot on," Max answered, grinning in the face of his friend's apparent skepticism. "Truly, Dev, finding a wife is no different than purchasing a horse. There are bloodlines to consider, spirit, manners and of course health. Of late I have given some thought to the sterling qualities of a young lady of my acquaintance. Although there is nothing settled as yet."
"Good Lord," Dev muttered. "And did you check her teeth?"
"I consider my responsibilities to the family line quite serious," Max said. "I do not choose to make the same mistake my father did."
"At the rate you're going, Max, you will make a far graver one," Dev snapped. "All right, I shall not twit you for such pomposity. Hopefully you will find happiness with this businesslike attitude. Who is this delightful paragon of virtue?"
"Honoria Waterston." Max rolled the name off his tongue as though testing the air with the sound. His eyes were distant as he tried to see into the future with the bride of his choice so he missed the start of dismay on his friend's face at the mention of the name. "I have found her to be a proficient hostess, a well mannered young lady and a quite attractive one to boot."
"I would have to agree," Dev said aloud, although there was little agreement in his mind. Several years ago it had been apparent to everyone in society that Honoria had set her cap for Max and had been waging