To Sir Phillip, With Love (Bridgertons, #5)

by Julia Quinn

“I always think of food,” Colin replied, his eyes searching the table until he located the butter. “What else is there?” “Your wife,” Benedict drawled. “Ah, yes, my wife,” Colin said with a nod. He turned to Phillip, leveled a hard stare at him, and said, “Just so that you are aware, I would have rather spent the night with my wife.”

“Were you tempted?” “Of course not! Kate would slit my throat.” “I’m not talking about what Kate would do to you if you strayed, although I’m of the opinion that she would not start at your throat—” Anthony winced. He knew it was true.

“No!” she answered, loud enough so that Anthony actually turned around, forcing her to smile and wave at him, assuring him that all was well. “Just a bee,” she called out. Anthony’s eyes widened, and he started to stride in their direction. “It’s gone now!” Eloise called quickly, shooing him away. “Nothing about it!” She turned to Phillip and explained, “He’s rather morbidly afraid of bees.” She grimaced. “I forgot. I should have said it was a mouse.”