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to rant and rave and throw things. He had taken on the responsibility of her most precious possession, and he had not upheld that responsibility. He didn’t like the feeling one bit, and he fretted at his helplessness. “I fully intend to find it, or pay you whatever Christie’s considers the actual value. I am the one who persuaded you to place it on public display. I will take full blame for the results. In the meantime, I think I shall find Sir Thomas and see if he can remember the origins of that piece of work. I dislike being taken advantage of.”
    Arianne turned to him with alarm. “You are not serious? I cannot blame you for what has happened. You asked my permission, and I agreed. That is the risk one takes in life. I could not possibly accept your money. But I will admit to curiosity. If you are to see Sir Thomas, is there some chance that I might accompany you?”
    Galen tilted his head as he considered the matter. Since Davie was running full tilt in their direction, it was obvious that their discussion was nearing its end. Reluctantly he nodded. “I will let you know when I gain an appointment. But do not argue with me on the subject of reimbursement. The cost is little to me and much to you. Perhaps Sir Thomas can give us an honest estimate while we are there.”
    Before Arianne could reply, he stood and captured the nine-year-old before he could propel himself into the bench headfirst. Davie screamed with glee at being put within grasping distance of a sturdy branch overhead, and scrambled up faster than his brothers could run to join him. Arianne watched with equal parts awe and dismay as Galen casually flung both youngsters to his shoulders and bounced them to less dangerous perches. Never in her life had she imagined the fashionable gentleman lowering himself to the rowdy activities of three little boys. Their scrambles succeeded in divesting his cravat of what remained of its elegance and left long streaks of dirt against the blue broadcloth of his coat, but he seemed quite pleased with himself as the boys crowed their delight.
    “Devilish little imps, ain’t they? Should we leave them there?” Galen inquired imperturbably as he sauntered back toward the bench. The shrieks of protest and laughter behind him rose a degree at his words.
    With satisfaction Galen noted the beginnings of a winsome smile upon shy lips as Arianne glanced from him to the boys in the tree. She shook her head in discouragement. “You are quite as hopeless as they, I fear, my lord. You enjoyed that. I hope you are prepared for the result when they are loosed from those branches.”
    “Ummm, yes, there is that.” He gazed solemnly back to the shaking leaves as the boys attempted to find their own way out. “But it would be ungentlemanly to leave you to their rescue, so I shall have to take my punishment like a man.”
    Arianne nearly laughed out loud at his satisfaction. He really was enjoying himself! All men were children at heart, she decided, and stilled her giggles as Lucinda and Melanie ran up to join them.
    Arianne sobered when Locke gave his rumpled attire a sorrowful look upon Melanie’s scolding, but that was none of her concern. Holding her arms up, she rescued the youngest cherub from the lowest branch and tried not to think of what might have happened had the painting been sold for an enormous sum. The boys would be fine just as they were.
    * * * *
    “Do not let his hauteur disturb you. He is an artist, and they always have eccentricities we must endure if we are to enjoy their genius.” Galen handed Arianne out of his carriage before the impressive limestone facade of a London town house.
    Straightening the plain rose muslin that matched her hat, Arianne tried to appear unconcerned. They had heard nothing from Rhys these last few days, and no clues had come to light about the disappearance of the painting. Lord Locke had assured her that he had put the word about in all the places he knew to look out for the