Page 177 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

James, indeed, was looking between them with barely concealed alarm.

"This is normal," Cordelia assured him. "They're best friends."

"We are not!" Lucien and Julian said in unison, then glared at each other for agreeing.

"See?" Cordelia said. "Best friends."

"I preferred when he was a beast," Julian muttered.

"I preferred when you lived elsewhere," Lucien countered.

"You invited me to stay!"

"That was temporary!"

"That was a year ago!"

"Still temporary!"

"Face it, you'd miss me."

"That's honest."

"Gentlemen," Arabella said firmly. "Matilda is trying to sleep."

They both looked at the baby, who was indeed dozed off despite their arguing, still clutching her father's cravat.

"She sleeps through chaos," Lucien said proudly.

"Essential skill in this house," James observed.

"You're learning," Arabella said approvingly.

"I'm adapting."

"You'll fit right in," Julian declared. "Welcome to chaos."

"I haven't proposed yet!"

"You haven't?" Cordelia asked, disappointed.

"I need Lord Blackthorn's permission first."

"No," Lucien said automatically.

"Lucien!" Arabella and Cordelia protested together.

"What? He hasn't even proven himself yet."

"How should I prove myself?" James asked earnestly.

"Train Thistle."

"To do what?"

"To stop stealing."

"Impossible."