Ravaging The Duke

Genres: Historical Romance; Victorian Romance

Synopsis

Inheriting the title from his murdered father, Alec finds just how dire things really are. His father's gambling obsession left the family with nothing but the entailed properties. The ton views him as a disgraced duke.
Alec, now The Duke of Wexwood finds himself in need of a bride. One with a substantial dowry. It needn't be a love match as Alec doesn't believe love exists except in rare cases. He needs a woman who can help him rebuild the dukedom.

Margaret Douglas is an American recently arrived back in England. She has fulfilled her late father's wishes by returning with her mother. Now she needs to find a husband. One who won't squander her dowry, someone who'll see her as an equal. Introduced by her cousin, the Earl of Norwood, Margaret and Alec come to an agreement which quickly turns into a passionate romance. Lurking in the background are secrets—ones Margaret can't hide from the duke. Secrets she brought from America. What will happen when Alec finds out what she's hiding?

Release date: February 12, 2021

Publisher: Oliver Heber Books

Print pages: 250

Sample

Chapter One

 

The Duke of Blackmont wanted to be anywhere besides the Earl and Countess of Salisbury's ballroom. The ball was one of the most talked about of the season. He knew as an unmarried, titled man, mothers would be parading their daughters in front of him all evening. Which was precisely why he avoided the ton and polite society at all costs.

Tonight, however, was different. Miss Anna Grover, who'd caught his eye recently, would be in attendance with her brother, Robert. Having met her a few times, he was sure he'd found his wife. For now, they would play the game. He would ask her to dance this evening. Twice. Tomorrow, he would send her flowers and call on her at the appropriate time.

His choice would leave dozens of fair hearts broken, but Henry had made his choice. He needed a wife who knew the ways of the world, not some young debutant with doe eyes. Anna was such a woman. Having been raised on the continent, and having traveled extensively with her brother Robert, Henry knew she would make him a fine duchess.

"Trying to devise a battle plan?" Viscount Radstock said as he stood next to Henry. His friend was heir to one of the oldest fortunes in England. Though it may not be the largest, it was one of the oldest, having never seen scandal or been tarnished as some had.

"I already have one in my mind. I'm simply looking for the young woman," Henry drawled.

"You're seriously going to take a wife, Blackmont?"

"I need to. My siblings are settled, Jane is married, and the others are in school. It's time."

"What says your mistress? Does she know?"

"Lady Lavinia is no longer part of my life," Henry replied.

"Then you must join us for some fun afterwards." His friend grinned.

"What have you in mind?" Henry and his three old friends often shared a night of lust and sex together, either at private affairs, such as his notorious house parties, or at The Quiver. The Quiver, a private establishment, where many a member of the aristocracy went when needing something more daring than their wives could deliver.

"You know the place. We thought a good romp after this stifling affair to be what we all need."

Henry gazed across the room. There she stood with her brother, Robert. She looked like a Greek goddess dressed in gold, her dark hair swept up off her neck. A neck he'd love to get to know better. A ruby necklace graced that neck. He wondered if it was a family heirloom. "I'm afraid I can't," he said. "If you'll excuse me, I need to sign a dance card."

"Best make it more than one, or you'll have an angry mob of mothers at your heels," Radstock snorted.

"I'll be sure to do so. I'll meet up with you in the card room," Henry replied.

He never heard his friend's reply, if he made one at all. He strode across the ballroom to greet the Grovers. The earl and his wife had certainly invited most of London's elite. The room was already stifling from the heat generated by the number of bodies in such a tight space. Not that there was anything small about this ballroom. It was decorated in shades of gold. Overdone, in Henry's opinion.

Musicians were readying to start. He wanted to claim his dances with Anna. Perhaps a waltz or two. Yes, tongues would wag, but he was serious about making this woman his wife. Besides, he didn't care what any of the mothers might say. He'd ask one or two others to dance as well. That's all it would be, a simple dance.

He approached the pair, bowing to Anna. Her brother seemed pleased to see him. "Mr. Grover, Miss Grover. I'm happy to see you decided to attend. The earl and his wife are known for the two balls they host each season. I believe this is the larger of the two."

"Good to see you, Your Grace," Robert Grover replied. "I understand getting an invitation to either of their balls is indeed an honor."

"Yes, so I've been told," Blackmont drawled, his eyes searching Anna's. She was magnificent, reserved, but he felt that might have something to do with her brother being in such close proximity. "I would like to sign your dance card, Miss Grover. For two waltzes if you don't mind. I'm afraid I'm out of practice with some of the livelier ones."

She smiled and handed him the card with a pencil. He broke his gaze and peered down at the card. No one had signed it yet. He put his name in both the appropriate places and handed it back to her. "Thank you, Your Grace. I look forward to them."

They stood and exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes. Henry knew he was being watched by every mother and daughter in the ballroom. He needed to make his choices for two more. Perhaps three. That would be all. No one would be able to say that the Duke of Blackmont hadn't danced with at least some of the debutants.

He excused himself and turned to walk away. He needed a drink before the evening progressed any further. Especially before he had to face the mothers.

Henry found a footman and took a glass of champagne that was being offered. Not the whiskey he preferred, but this would do as he decided which young woman's dance card he would sign next.

As he was drinking his champagne off to one side of the room, he heard skirts near him. He politely turned to find Lady Caroline, his friend Percival Montgomery's sister, at his side. Percival was heir to the Duke of Marlborough, making his sister well sought after with young men. The problem was that Lady Caroline seemed to only have eyes for him.

"Good evening, Your Grace."

"Lady Caroline. You look lovely as always." He sipped his champagne and waited for what came next.

"Who was the woman you were speaking with?"

"Miss Anna Grover."

"She's not titled? Why would you give her the time of day?"

"Because it's the polite thing to do at a party such as this," he replied.

"You signed her dance card."

"And I'm sure I'll sign many more shortly."

She moved closer. "You know we're perfectly suited for each other. My father's a duke, and you're a duke. We're a perfect match."

"I'm not looking for a wife," he lied. He felt her hand on his back. He wanted to rid himself of her as quickly as possible.

"Sign my dance card, Blackmont? A waltz?"

He noticed the countess of Oldham beckoning him from across the room. He politely nodded and smiled at the older woman. She was the mother of another of his friends, James White. "I'm sorry, Lady Caroline, the countess of Oldham is wishing to speak with me. We'll continue our conversation at a later time." Never, if he had any say so. Even her brother, Percival, who was a dear friend, knew what game his sister was playing when it came to Henry. To her, it was all about landing the most titled man she could. Henry trusted Caroline as much as he trusted his enemies, if he had any.

Ignoring Lady Caroline, he walked through the crowds that now lined the ballroom and made his way to where the countess stood with two other women and their daughters. Obtaining further dances might not be as hard as he imagined. The countess had offered him a lifeline.

"Good evening, Countess. You look lovely as always," he said as he took her hand and kissed the back of her gloved hand.

"Thank you. I thought you looked in need of rescuing."

He smiled. "Indeed."

"May I present Lady Almhurst and her daughter, Lady Violet," she said, adding, "You remember my daughter, Lady Henrietta?"

"I do," he replied. He made all the right moves, said all the right things before the ladies. His friend James' sister was a plain thing. This was her first season if he remembered correctly, which was probably why she barely spoke.

He signed both dance cards, hoping he didn't make a fool of himself. He detested most dancing, and as he'd told Anna, he rarely danced anything but a waltz. Then he bowed to make his way to where two of his friends were standing at the edge of the room, watching him.

"I see you've pleased my mother," White said.

"She saved me from the grips of Lady Caroline," he replied.

"Ah, yes. Poor Montgomery saddled with her for a sister. You best keep away from her. She's got her sights set on you, Blackmont," Turner said.

"I try, but she always seems to seek me out."

"Well, we'll leave after your last dance, Blackmont."

"I'm afraid I won't be joining you this evening," Blackmont drawled.

The three laughed among themselves. Blackmont found he couldn't keep his eyes off Anna Grover. He couldn't wait to get her in his arms for their waltz. His cock twitched at the idea. He wondered how she would feel as he led her around the dance floor. How soft her skin would be, her breasts against his chest as they danced. How long would it take to kiss her, to show her his intentions were honorable? She would make his perfect duchess.

Blackmont realized it was time for his first waltz with Miss Grover. He left his friends talking among themselves and strode across the edge of the ballroom to where she was standing. He noticed the Countess of Oldham talking with Robert and wondered if the older woman had figured out what was going on. Robert was quite protective of his sister, rarely leaving her side at parties, thus leaving himself unable to converse with the men.

"Miss Grover, I believe the next dance is mine."

She shyly smiled at him. "It is, Your Grace."

He guided her to the center of the dance floor and gathered her in his arms. Not too close, but this was what he loved about a waltz. The intimate contact a man and woman had; it could be whatever they wanted the dance to be.

The music started into a Strauss waltz. He looked at Anna and caught her smiling as he began to lead her around the dance floor, past the other swirling couples.

"Do you like Strauss?" he inquired.

"Yes. I love the complexity of his music."

"I don't think I've ever thought about music like that," he replied.

Out of his eye, Blackmont caught a most unhappy Lady Caroline watching them. Unhappy wasn't the word he wanted; no, she looked furious. Montgomery was right; his sister had her sights set on him.

The scent of roses filled his senses. He inhaled the fragrance. No matter what happened, he would always associate roses with Anna. Just as he was right now in this crush of a ballroom.

"Is everything alright, Your Grace?"

He realized he'd been daydreaming. "Everything is perfect," he replied. And it was. He would ask Robert for permission to court her. Tomorrow he would call on her, take her flowers, roses, and a book perhaps. He remembered Keating was a favorite of hers. The author had come up in a conversation they'd had at another soiree.

The music came to an end. He hated the thought of her dancing with any other man. Perhaps he could delay things. "Would you care for some lemonade, Miss Grover?"

She nodded. "Yes, I'm parched. Between the dancing and the crush in here, I'm quite thirsty."

"Come, let us find some lemonade."

He guided her to the refreshment table and found two glasses of lemonade. He actually didn't mind the beverage if properly made. He handed a glass to her, and the pair walked to the side of the ballroom.

"Would you care to go out on the terrace?"

The glass French doors had been opened to allow guests to enjoy the fresh air. Blackmont noted the other couples standing outside talking. They wouldn't be alone so asking her shouldn't be a problem. She surprised him with her unexpected answer.

"Yes. The crush is the only thing I don't like about these affairs."

Without another word, he led her through the door frame and onto the terrace. There were other couples quietly talking or walking along the long terrace. Others still were making their way to the gardens below, which was lit with torches along the gravel pathways.

"This is nice," she said as he led her to the concrete banister. She gazed up at the night sky. "It's the only thing I don't like about being in town. No stars. Not really."

He peered up and nodded. "You're right. It's what I miss about Blackmont Crest. All the stars. I could watch them for hours. You can't do that in London."

 "No, you can't."

Remembering she and her brother, Robert, had traveled extensively on the continent, he continued their star struck conversation. "I imagine you've seen the stars from some amazing places. Tell me, do they look the same, say in Italy, as they do in England?"

She gathered her thoughts. "The one place that really had me in awe was Egypt. On the Nile. I don't think I've ever seen the heavens look so remarkable."

"Yes, I can only imagine."

She gazed up at him. "Have you traveled much, Your Grace?"

"I did my grand tour after university. Pretty much stayed on the continent. If I could have spent more time, Egypt was one of the places I wanted to go."

"You really need to go, Your Grace. It is amazing."

Blackmont smiled. Yes, Anna was truly amazing. She was well educated, well read, and well traveled. From what he knew of her, she wasn't like other women. She didn't engage in meaningless conversations most women seemed to enjoy. She was remarkable.

"Perhaps I will at some point. Right now, my time is filled with my estates and my siblings."

"I understand you come from a rather large family, don't you?"

He waggled his brows. "Yes, I'm the eldest. Then comes Jane, the twins, Albert and Alice, Edward, Daisy, and the second set of twins, Ben and Leo, who are identical. Fortunately, they're all at school."

"They aren't schooled at home?"

"The boys are at Eaton, and my sisters are at a girl's finishing school. I believe they need to be taught outside the confines of home in order to give them a rounded education."

"I agree. There is only so much a governess can teach, and there is the need for them to be among their peers."

"True, especially for my brothers."

She laughed lightly. "You forgot to mention your sisters, Your Grace. Do you not think women should be educated beyond running a household or doing needlework?"

Blackmont felt slightly uneasy but quickly shook it off. It was refreshing to be able to have such a conversation with a woman. Most would giggle and give shallow answers. It wasn't their fault, just a matter of how they'd been raised.

"I believe women should be allowed to pursue their education as far as they want. Unfortunately, most of society wouldn't agree with me."

"Something that is changing, Your Grace."

He arched a brow. "I have to agree; times are changing, and my sisters are changing with the times."

She sighed. Her gaze was across the room where her brother Robert stood watching. "As much as I hate to end our fascinating discussion, Your Grace, I must ask you to return me to my brother."

"He's overbearing?"

"I wouldn't call it that exactly. It's been the two of us for so long, Robert sometimes forgets I'm not a child."

"Then let's not give him cause to be upset as I would like to call on you."

She nodded with a smile, and taking Blackmont's arm, allowed him to lead her back to her brother.

 

 

Chapter Two

Henry groaned as his valet flung open the heavy, dark green draperies in his bedchamber. It mattered not that the sun wasn't shining. For that he was grateful. The bright light was more than his senses could handle. Too much drink always did that.

He sat up on the side of the massive four poster bed for a moment. He had several matters requiring his attention today. It never ended, part of his responsibility to his dukedom.

First, however, he would have a large bouquet of flowers sent to Miss Grover's home. He knew there would probably be a long line of suitors wanting to see her, so flowers would have to suffice in lieu of his presence.

He would speak with her brother Robert and let his intentions be known. That he wished to court his sister. He didn't want to appear too anxious as so many of the young bucks did, but he felt an urgency to see her.

"Your bath is ready, Your Grace," Smythe announced. The valet had been with him through thick and thin and knew what he wanted, sometimes before Henry himself actually knew.

Henry mumbled his thanks and padded across the room, naked, to his bathing chamber.  He climbed into the large porcelain tub and submerged himself to his neck in the steaming water. Picking up the bar of wintergreen scented soap and a cloth, he began to wash. His thoughts wandered to Anna. How magnificent she felt in his arms as he danced with her. She was not the usual young woman. She could think on her own, something her brother encouraged her to do. It was a refreshing change from the usual fare of debutants and young ladies, whose only stimulating conversation was about the weather or a book. If she actually read anything of substance.  Submerging his head beneath the water, he then washed his hair.

He entered the breakfast room a short time later, grateful no one else was in residence. His head couldn't tolerate conversation at the moment. He picked up one of the many newspapers that awaited him each morning, his eyes scanning the headlines as a footman brought him a plate of coddled eggs, sausage, fruit, cheese, and toast. Though the mere thought of food made his stomach lurch, he knew he needed it to be focused and ready for the day. A shot of whiskey might have helped, but only if he were staying home. He needed to stay sharp and focused today.

His first stop was his solicitor's office to sign papers for a property he recently purchased.  He gazed at the gold lettering on the door. Cooper and Watkins. The firm had long been employed by the Blackmont family. His father and grandfather had used the firm exclusively. They'd never steered them wrong.

He was led into Edward Cooper's office. Edward Cooper was the great-grandson of one of the founders of the firm and took great pride in his position. His father, long retired, made young Edward the senior staff member. Henry enjoyed doing business with him. His approach was refreshing. Though he still honored the ways of the past, he was forward thinking. Henry had never been led astray in any of his transactions. He and Edward would have lengthy discussions of the positive and negatives of any new property or business Henry might be eyeing.

"Good morning, Your Grace," Cooper said as he rose from his chair behind the huge mahogany desk.

"Good morning. I trust everything is in order and ready for my signature."

The man nodded. He was a few years older than Henry, which was why Henry felt comfortable around the man. He knew everything that was going on in London as far as business went. What properties were for sale, businesses that were available, making Henry grateful to have someone he trusted in his employ. "I have them right here, Your Grace."

Henry sat down in the chair in front of the desk. He picked up the stack of papers Cooper motioned toward. "Anything out of the ordinary I should know about before I sign?"

The man shook his head of dark brown hair, which was beginning to gray at the temples. "No, I believe you'll find everything in order. Nothing unusual about this one."

Though his head still pounded, Henry read through the document himself. He trusted the firm implicitly but still had the need to read exactly what he was signing. He had friends who'd failed to do so and had to deal with the consequences. All because someone got greedy.

He bent over the papers finally and signed his name to the documents. "Thank you for taking care of this as always."

"As always, it's my pleasure, Your Grace. Is there anything more I can do for you today?"

Henry sat back in the leather chair and pondered the man's words. He tried to have monthly or quarterly meetings with the man where everything was discussed. "I plan to take a wife this year. It's time I had an heir," he replied. "I'll keep you informed with the details once I know who she is."

"Excellent, Your Grace. I look forward to serving you through the details of the young lady's dowry, whomever she may be."

"I'm not sure the young lady I have in mind has much of a dowry. It matters not. I don't need the money."

It was true; he wasn't certain what sort of dowry Anna had, though he was fairly certain her brother would have the matter in hand. It probably wasn't huge, but then he scarcely needed the money. Perhaps he'd put whatever dowry she had for their daughters. If they had any. Having come from such a large family, Henry wasn't certain how many children he wanted. Not that it mattered. He would love each and every one of them.

He suddenly caught himself wondering what it would be like to bed Miss Grover. How would she respond to him? He would have to teach her what he hungered for. Hopefully, she would be a willing bed partner. Otherwise, he'd be forced into procuring a mistress.

He rose to take his leave. "Thank you as always. I look forward to our next meeting."

"Your Grace."

He climbed into his waiting carriage and directed the coachman to take him to the Grover's townhouse. If she had suitors calling, he wondered who they were and how many there were. She should have his flowers and card by now. He knew word was out he was searching for a wife.

This evening another soiree, and the anxious mothers would have their daughters lined up for him to choose from. Even Lady Caroline, who had several seasons behind her. She had turned down at least six prospective suitors, giving one reason or another for not accepting any of them. Henry knew why Lady Caroline refused all offers of marriage. She was determined she should be his duchess.

Henry shook his head at the thought as the carriage slowed as they approached the Grover's townhouse. There was a young man leaving and one going in. Smiling to himself, Henry leapt down from the carriage and headed towards the front door.

 

Chapter Three

 

Henry sat in the drawing room of Robert Grover's townhouse, waiting on Anna. A wrapped leather-bound copy of Keats sat in his lap. It was time to make his intentions known.

The door to the drawing room opened, and Anna glided across the carpet. The instant he saw her, he felt in awe. She was dressed in a lavender day dress, her dark hair swept up off her neck.

"Good afternoon, Your Grace. I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long," she said. She gifted him with a smile as she neared.

"Good afternoon, Miss Grover."

She gazed at him nervously. "I ordered tea. I hope that's all right, Your Grace."

"Yes. Tea would be nice."

He had been holding the book in his hand, waiting for the right moment. He waited until she sat on a burgundy brocade sofa across from him before presenting her with the gift. "This is for you, Miss Grover. I thought you might enjoy it."

She tore the paper and read the cover, her fingers delicately touching the leather. "Keats. He's one of my favorites. How did you know?" she asked, her face flushing.

"Lucky guess," he replied. "From our conversations, you struck me as a young woman who enjoyed good literature in whatever form the author writes."

"Thank you, Your Grace. It was very thoughtful of you. I shall treasure it."

At that precise moment, the butler entered. A footman pushed a tea cart into the room and stopped near Anna. "Shall I pour, Your Grace?"

"Please. Milk, two sugars."

She nodded and went about her task. A moment later, she handed him a cup. He accepted and sat back in his chair. He gazed at her over the rim of his teacup. Yes, she would make him an excellent duchess. She was graceful and poised and not intimidated by him. Anna was educated and could probably take him on in any sort of discussion they might have.

He looked about the room, noting there were only two other arrangements scattered about the room. Evidently, the potential suitors were waning. At least until the next ball or soiree she attended. He noted a large vase with pink roses placed by itself on a table in the center of the room. They were his; he'd made a point of sending pink roses. He smiled to himself. He knew at that moment he held a special spot in her heart.

"Are you in town for the remainder of the season?" she asked.

He shook his head. "I will be here as much as possible as I have several business interests which require my attention. Also, I enjoy time in the country. My family seat is in Kent."

She nodded. "That's not so far."

"No, it isn't. It's close enough that should I be there and needed here I can return to town quickly," he said. "Tell me, Miss Grover, do you prefer being in town or the country?"

"There is something to be said for both. While I do love London, I find I miss the country. I miss being able to see the sky at night. The stars in particular."

"I agree. You can't see them clearly in town. One of my favorite things to do is to sit out in the garden and look up at the sky," he said. Why he said it, he wasn't certain. This was a conversation they'd shared before.

He wasn't used to women like Anna Grover. She was nothing like Lady Caroline, who made her opinions very well known. Anna had been educated for the most part on the continent, and it showed. The few conversations he'd been able to have with her were far more than the usual ones he had with young women at social events. She could hold her own on a number of subjects.

"I apologize for my brother. He meant to be here when you came but was called away to an important matter. Business I'm sure," she said. She picked up her cup and took a sip, her eyes never leaving his.

"Perhaps he'll return soon."

Was she letting him know they were alone? Or was it no more than apologizing for her absent brother?

"Have you seen the hot air balloons in the park, Your Grace?"

"No, I'm afraid I haven't had the chance. I understand they're spectacular."

She nodded. "They are."

He arched a brow. "I take it you've seen them?"

"Yes, but I've also seen them in Paris," she replied.

"I imagine the park was quite packed with people wanting to see such an extraordinary sight." He was curious who she'd been with when she saw the balloons rise up into the London sky. Had it been her brother or one of her many suitors?

"It was. I don't think I've seen it so crowded."

Blackmont decided to take a shot and see if she would divulge anything else. "I imagine your brother was quite fascinated."

She shook her head. "Robert didn't accompany me. Lord Preston invited me to view it from the safety of his landau," she offered. She smiled shyly, watching him closely as though she were gauging his face and his response.

Ernest Preston, sixth earl of Carlisle. Henry had met him a couple of times, mostly in Parliament. He was a good twenty years older than Anna. His wife had died in a mysterious accident two years prior, and it was a well-known fact the earl was in the market for a new wife. Someone who would bear him an heir, something his late countess had been unable to do. He knew the earl had two daughters, one of which had been married off to some wealthy marquis in France. The other had fled her father's home, marrying a man beneath her station. He knew nothing of the details or who the young man was. All he'd heard was she and her husband resided in Inverness, far from her father's grip.

"Preston. Yes, I've met the earl. Has he asked to court you?" The thought of Preston touching Anna, even if no more than handing her into a carriage made his skin crawl. Stories flew about that the earl was into some very odd practices when it came to satisfying his sexual needs. Bondage and control were some of what he heard. Until now, he dismissed them.

"No, he hasn't, though he indicated he would speak to Robert about his intentions."

Henry cocked a brow. "Is this what you want?"

She sat silently, her hands smoothing invisible wrinkles on her dress. "No. I tried to tell the earl I wasn't interested, but still he insists on speaking to Robert."

"Don't worry yourself about the earl. Knowing your brother and how protective he is of you, I highly doubt he would agree to such a match."

"I hope you're right, Your Grace. I know Robert would like to see me married, but I'm afraid he grows weary of the process."

"I'll speak with him, if you like," he said suddenly. He took Anna's hands as she sat across from him. "I'd like to get your brother's permission and blessing to court you."

"I would like that very much, Your Grace."

At that precise moment, Robert Grover walked through the door. Quickly Anna removed her hands from his and rose to greet her brother. He eyed Henry closely.

"Blackmont," he said nodding in Henry's direction. "I apologize for not being here when you arrived. A business meeting I could not cancel."

"I understand," Henry replied. "If I could have a minute of your time, there is something I would like to speak to you about."

Robert sat down next to his sister. "You can speak with me here. Anna and I keep no secrets."

Henry nodded. "Very well. I should very much like to court your sister. With your permission, of course."

Robert draped his hand on the back of the sofa and smiled slightly. "I'm afraid the Earl of Carlisle has already asked."

Anna looked terrified, her gaze shifting from her brother to Blackmont. "When were you going to share this with me, and when did you meet with the earl?"

"I met the earl at White's. I intended to share the news with you today."

"I have no interest in seeing the earl," she replied stiffly.

"I think you need to rethink your decision," he said. "Though I suppose I could let the duke court you as well. If the duke's up to the competition."

"There is no competition, Robert! I have no interest in the earl. It is a well-known fact all he's after is a young wife who will give him an heir. I will not be that woman."

"Anna..."

Henry spoke up. "It's quite all right. I don't mind the competition, if that is what the earl is."

Suddenly, Anna stood. "I must apologize, Your Grace. The hour grows late, and I need to lie down before dressing for the Brighton's ball," she said. "I enjoyed our visit, and thank you for the volume on Keats."

"Then I will see you tonight," he replied, smiling.

She rose to her feet, clutching the leather volume, nodded to her brother, and quit the room.

This wasn't how he expected their visit to end, but he had to admire the way she stood up to her brother. She was not a woman to be played with. She knew what she wanted and would not be forced into a relationship she didn't want.

"I must apologize for my sister," Robert murmured.

"No need, though I am surprised you would agree to the earl seeing her."

Robert stood and walked to a sideboard. "Whiskey?"

Henry nodded. "Yes, thank you."

Robert continued. "I must be honest; the earl took me by surprise, and since Anna had refused every man who's called on her, I thought it wouldn't hurt if I allowed the earl to court her. Knowing Anna, she'll refuse him, and it'll be over as quick as it started."

Henry accepted the glass and took a swallow. "Unfortunately, from what I know of Preston, he won't take her rejection gracefully. He's used to having his own way. Beware of him."

"Thanks for the warning. I'll agree to your request. You may court my sister. I'll deal with the earl."

He finished the remainder of his whiskey. "I'm afraid I must be off. I have one more stop to make," he said. "I'd like to invite you and Anna to the theater night after next."

"We'd be happy to accept, Your Grace."

"Excellent. It promises to be a special night. Rather than a play, there will be an opera singer from Italy, though her name escapes me."

"Yes, I heard she was supposed to perform. I hadn't kept up with the details."

"I wouldn't have either if not for my sister, Jane."

"Will she and her husband be there as well?"

"Yes, I'm sure they will be. My sister loves the theater."

Robert smiled and lifted his glass in Blackmont's direction. "Here's to the theater."