London, Julia - The Perfect Stranger

by Radha

  No one spoke for a long moment. Adrian at last turned and looked at Julian and Arthur; they were standing like two old Rogues, Julians arm propped on Arthurs shoulder; Arthurs arms folded across his chest, a quiet smile on his face.

  Arthur chuckled, shook his head.

  What, more gushing sentiment? Julian quipped, nudging him playfully as he stepped away.

  Actually, I was just wondering

  Yes? Adrian prompted.

  What in heavens name is Julian trying to do to us? Four girls? Honestly, Kettering, did you not learn lifes little lesson the first time around? Could you not have spaced them a bit apart, perhaps? At least Adrian had the decency to keep his children home until they were old enough to call. Last month, when you sent those four to Glenbaden, I was quite convinced you had done it just to torture me

  Me? What of you? Julian cried indignantly as he turned and strolled farther afield. Those little demons you call sons are enough to make a man want to flee for the Continent. What, are you beginning your own little Scots army, then? For Gods sake man, the war is over

  Adrian laughed, and smiling, glanced once more at their beautiful, perfect families before turning and following his old friendsstill arguing, naturallydeeper into the field, to the spot where Julian was convinced Adrian had once left a perfectly good walking stick so that he might fill both hands with a young tavern wench.

  About the Author

  Julia London was raised on a ranch in West Texas, where she spent her formative years in the middle of vast wheat fields driving a tractor at the reckless speed of 5 mph. Scared to death she might actually have to plow for more than one summer, she studied hard and eventually got herself a real job. She now daydreams in Austin, Texas, where she lives with two enormous Labrador retrievers. You can write to Julia at P.O. Box 49315, Austin, Texas 78765, or visit her website at http://www.julialondon.com.