Chapter Seven #2
Then she turned toward Evangeline. "Congratulations, sister."
She looked toward Anthony, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I think I like him."
Rosalind looked scandalised. "You cannot possibly know that."
"I know he possesses humour."
Anthony suspected Sebastian would find this entire situation intolerably amusing.
Across the room Evangeline looked toward him, and their eyes met briefly. No words passed between them. But they were both aware that the arrangement had begun.
***
By afternoon, London had apparently decided his engagement constituted a matter of national significance.
Anthony discovered this while stepping from his carriage near St. James's Street on his way toward White's.
The day had turned warm, sunlight falling over crowded pavements and rows of elegant shops while carriages rolled steadily through the streets.
Gentlemen moved in and out of clubs, newspapers tucked beneath their arms, while ladies accompanied by maids or footmen paused before milliners and booksellers.
London continued exactly as it always did.
Except today, it seemed intent upon discussing him.
"Latest society reports!" a young voice shouted somewhere ahead.
Anthony scarcely paid attention at first.
"Beast of Blackwood to wed!"
He stopped to see a thin boy of perhaps twelve darting between pedestrians carrying a stack of newspapers beneath one arm.
"Latest society reports! Duke of Blackwood engaged to Lady Evangeline Everly!"
Anthony stared as the boy continued shouting enthusiastically.
"London shocked by surprise engagement!"
Good God.
Anthony watched him disappear around a corner. Behind him, two ladies passing beneath bright parasols had very obviously heard and were staring at him, whispering to one another.
Anthony continued walking. By the time he reached White's, he had heard his own engagement discussed no fewer than four times.
Apparently society considered several details worthy of particular fascination: that the Duke of Blackwood had appeared at a ball and secured a bride in one evening.
And, most surprisingly of all, that a woman had apparently agreed to marry him.
The familiar rooms of White's provided at least some relief.
Dark wood panelling lined the walls while newspapers and gentlemen occupied nearly every available chair. Tobacco smoke drifted through the air, mingled with the scent of coffee and brandy, while conversation rose and fell in comfortable murmurs.
Anthony had barely entered before Sebastian looked up from a leather chair near the windows.
Sebastian rose. "My congratulations."
A servant appeared, and Anthony ordered whiskey.
Sebastian leaned back in his chair looking insufferably pleased. "Half of London is discussing your engagement."
Anthony accepted his drink. "London should occupy itself elsewhere."
Sebastian grinned. "I confess I admire your efficiency."
Anthony looked at him over the rim of his glass as Sebastian nodded solemnly.
"A perfectly practical arrangement."
Anthony narrowed his eyes, but then, before either of them could continue, another voice interrupted.
"Anthony."
Anthony looked up to find Nathaniel Hawthorne standing several feet away, smiling pleasantly.
His cousin looked exactly as Anthony remembered him, well-dressed, polished, and irritatingly handsome. Dark blond hair had been arranged with careful precision, and his expression possessed the easy charm that made strangers trust him far too quickly.
Nathaniel always smiled.
Anthony had long ago learned to distrust men who smiled so often.
"Nathaniel."
His cousin approached leisurely. "I heard the news and thought I must offer congratulations."
Anthony said nothing as Nathaniel sat, uninvited.
"I confess," Nathaniel continued smoothly, "I was surprised."
Anthony lifted one brow. "Indeed?"
Nathaniel smiled. "You moved with remarkable speed." A beat passed. "Though I suppose one cannot afford hesitation in certain circumstances."
Anthony watched him as Nathaniel smiled wider.
"You do understand my meaning, of course."
Anthony understood perfectly.
Nathaniel folded his hands. "Society seems positively astonished by your sudden union." His smile became almost thoughtful. "Though perhaps that is unfair."
Anthony said nothing as Nathaniel tilted his head.
"I merely mean that few expected..." He paused delicately. "...such success.
There it was.
"I imagine your disappointment must be considerable," Anthony said.
His cousin's smile faltered, and Anthony saw irritation flash beneath smooth composure. But he recovered quickly.
"I have no idea what you mean."
"No?"
Anthony held his gaze as silence stretched.
After a moment, Nathaniel rose. "Well," he said, adjusting his waistcoat. "Again, my congratulations."
Anthony inclined his head, and Nathaniel smiled once more before he walked away. A strained silence followed his departure.
Sebastian looked after him. "I dislike your cousin."
Anthony took a slow sip of whiskey. "Yes."
Outside the club windows, London moved on beneath warm afternoon sunlight.
Carriages rolled past and gentlemen crossed the street. Life continued as it always had.
Anthony stared down into his glass.
Seeing his cousin's face just now, seeing frustration beneath that practised smile, Anthony felt certain that he had acted just in time.
Now the only things that mattered were his marriage, their heir, and Blackwood's future.
And Anthony intended to secure all three.