family needs when we’ve been so careful not to draw attention to ourselves and your father’s condition.”
A knot formed in the pit of Annabelle’s stomach that made it difficult to think, but she couldn’t accept defeat. Nothing had happened and it was ridiculous that Thomas would be forced to propose based on a few minutes alone. “I don’t think we need to worry over such a small misstep. I had spoken with Sir Alexander a few minutes before, so he knows I wasn’t in the library long. And only Sir Alexander, his wife, Lord Thornton, and Lady Deptford witnessed me in the library with Mr. Raybourne.”
“Only? Only?” The increasingly high pitch of her mother’s voice caused Annabelle to wince. “Lady Deptford might be a friend, but you know how she relishes in spreading the latest gossip. Never for a moment did I expect you to be the topic.” Her mother pressed a hand to her forehead as if her head ached. “Plus, I’m certain Sir Alexander and his wife don’t wish to have it known that a young lady was ruined the night of their ball.”
“I didn’t even touch Mr. Raybourne—”
“He is a well-known rogue, Annabelle. You were alone with him.” The tears shining in her mother’s eyes had Annabelle swallowing hard. A terrible ache filled her chest as she realized how much she’d hurt her mother.
“Mother, I’m sorry. Truly. I only meant to have a brief word with Mr. Raybourne.” A glance at Caroline suggested no aid would come from that quarter.
The entire situation was beyond frustrating. She and Thomas hadn’t even kissed—at least, not that time. She didn’t try to explain that they’d been looking for a link to the murder. Nor could either of them admit to searching Sir Alexander’s desk, but—
Her eyes closed briefly in despair as the truth settled on her shoulders, making it difficult to catch her breath. Exploring her attraction to Thomas might have crossed her mind, but she hadn’t expected a more permanent relationship with him.
“Alone with a rogue in a darkened room.” Her mother covered her face with both hands. “I’m quite at a loss.”
Emotion welled inside Annabelle at the sight of her mother so upset and knowing she was the cause. She rose and touched her mother’s hands until she lowered them. “I’m so very sorry. I never meant for anything like this to happen.”
What more could she possibly say?
What was Thomas thinking at this moment? She wasn’t certain she wanted to know.
“This isn’t what I wanted for you.” Her mother met her gaze then gently wiped a tear from Annabelle’s cheek. “Retire to your bedchamber. We will see what the morning brings.”
Annabelle couldn’t allow herself to think about it. She only nodded and made her way to her chamber, her thoughts in turmoil. She feared no matter how much she wished otherwise, the coming hours would herald the end of her dream of having the independence and freedom to spend her life as she wanted, preferably writing books.
~*~
Thomas looked up from his breakfast the following morning to find his valet in the doorway.
“The Earls of Carlington and Aberland to see you, sir.”
Thomas held back a groan as he nodded. “Please show them in.”
He rose from the table and tossed his napkin next to his half-eaten plate of coddled eggs, sausage, and toast, well aware he wouldn’t be finishing it after this meeting.
After a deep breath to hold back a wave of anger, he faced the two men entering his dining room and bowed. “How gracious of you both to call upon me this fine morning.” He didn’t bother to keep the sarcasm from his tone.
Graham glared at him, looking every inch an earl with buff-colored breeches, a grey tailcoat, and his light-colored hair brushed carefully in place. “Have you lost your mind? What were you thinking?”
Aberland’s silence as he watched Thomas was far more effective, but Thomas decided against telling his brother that. With dark hair combed to one side, he was slightly taller than Graham and dressed in a similar fashion though his cravat was tied in a simpler knot.
“Good morning to you as well.” Thomas held up his hand as Graham opened his mouth once more. “Allow me to put both your minds at ease and assure you that I intend to call upon Miss Gold and her father this morning and ask for her hand in marriage.”
Graham promptly closed his mouth though his eyes widened in surprise. “It is?”
“Of course. I’m not such an oaf that