Lord Loxley's Lover (10 page)

“A forfeit,” Gilbert said. “Since we do not know each other well enough yet to know what we might and might not ask. The winner shall have a forfeit of his choosing from the loser.”

“Done,” Laurie said, entirely determined that he could and would prove the truth of love as a pure and lasting sentiment. “Who shall provide the first example?”

“By all means,” Gilbert said, gesturing generously to his new friend. “As love’s champion, you must make the first assay.”

“I will,” Laurie decided. “I shall send to you once I’ve decided on my first example. Where are your lodgings?”

“I’ve a house in Mayfair,” Gilbert said, providing an address which was quite a bit more impressive than Laurie’s lodgings for the season.

“I’m in Steven’s Hotel on Bond Street,” Laurie replied, taking down Gilbert’s address and agreeing to the terms that he would have no more than a week to provide his first exhibit.