Alistair simply looked at Trixy with false admonishment, a slight smile betraying him. “Sadly not, darlin',” he said. “You'd have to house-train her – and could you imagine the sound of her voice echoing around the lounge? Like nails on a chalkboard.” He shuddered theatrically.

“As for my [i]brave defenders[/i], I am most impressed,” he continued. “We've proven ourselves to be the better men – and ladies – in the room. I'd rather the Kingstons left in shame rather than the justified outrage they would have if we attacked. Although...”

Finally, he turned over to the two songbirds and called out, “Maria! Tell your new beau that he's welcome to visit any day – I'm not so heartless I would kick him out or worse, [i]attack[/i] just because of the family he's from.” He was confident that Maria would never leave Clan Blackmoore, but knew her voice could tempt any man.