for one night. “Strictly speaking, this is your house.”
“That is hardly the biggest concern in this scenario. What did she say?”
“She refused me.”
“Well, I’m glad to see that after acting as a maid and deceiving her brother, at least she has a brain in her head.”
“I won’t have you speaking of her in that manner.”
Father stood. “I will speak of the two of you however I want. I’m going to change. I suggest you do the same, or at least put on a blasted cravat. Have Mr. Gilbert ready more tea. It sounds as if we have much to talk about.”
Father opened the door, then paused and looked back at Anthony. “When you proposed to her, do you think she was tempted to say yes?”
“What?”
“Do you think she cares for you?”
Anthony swallowed and closed his eyes. He could still feel her hands shaking in his own. He had thought then that she had wanted to marry him. He had been almost certain of it. What they had was no one-sided infatuation. Together they became whole. It was the reason he couldn’t give up on her. He didn’t want to spend the rest of his life broken, and he didn’t want to see her married to a single one of the men on that list. None of them would see her for who she was, not like he did. “Yes, I’m quite certain she does.”
“Did you compromise her character in any way?”
How could his father think that of him? He would never . . . A blonde wig and a beauty spot came to mind. Why in heaven’s name had she agreed to his plan?
“Anthony, answer me this instant.”
“It is a hard question to answer.”
“Did you accost her in any way?”
“No, of course not.” She had accosted him once. But he added that to the list of things better left unsaid.
Father shook his head. “Well, it is a fine mess you’ve gotten yourself into. I’m not sure what our next step should be.” He marched out the door and closed it behind himself.
***
Anthony returned home from another unsuccessful ride in Hyde Park. He was worried his father might be growing weary of the drives, but if they were to happen upon the duke, he would need his father there to introduce them properly. And other than running into Harrington or his family on accident, he had no other way to contact them. He had asked Father multiple times if he would arrange an introduction with the duke, but he only ever answered, “Not yet.”
Anthony had attended more card parties, operas, and balls in the last two weeks than ever in his life. If he had worried about the difference in their social status before, it became even more apparent in the last few days that his circle and the duke’s circle were very different circles.
“I know what you are doing.” Father handed his hat and gloves to Mr. Gilbert. “And I’m not sure you are going about it in the best manner. Did you really think she would be gracing the drawing room of Mrs. Belfast?”
“I knew that was unlikely, but what was I to do? Sit at home?”
Father turned to Mr. Gilbert. “Has any mail come today?”
“Yes, sir.”
Mr. Gilbert went to the side table and handed Father a few envelopes. Without looking too carefully at most of them, Father handed Anthony a dark tan envelope. “Quit wasting your time on the Belfasts. I’m quite certain that lady will be at this gathering, as it is hosted by her brother.”
He snatched the invitation. The paper was fine, and the seal was one he would recognize anywhere. Not because he had actually received a correspondence from the Duke of Harrington, but because Anthony had made it a point to look it up.
“Thank you, Mr. Gilbert,” Father said.
Mr. Gilbert bowed and left them in the foyer.
Anthony quickly opened the envelope and pulled out the card. He scanned the contents of the invitation, ignoring the personal note that was folded and sealed—also with the Harrington seal—underneath it. Father was already walking away to his study.
“This says it is a ball in honor of General Woodsworth.”
Father didn’t turn around. He just waved his left hand behind him.
“How long have you known about this?”
He turned and spoke over his shoulder. “Long enough that if I had told you about it, we could have skipped our last two rides in Hyde Park, but I actually enjoy those. Even if you spend most of your time scanning the