Graham glanced down at his hands. The hands that had recently pinned Amelia’s to the wall. He was a dishonorable rake—and right under Alston’s nose. If his friend knew what he’d done—what they’d done—he’d never forgive Graham. Alston would want to force them to wed on principle, and their friendship would be blemished forever. And Amelia would hate them both for trying to force the issue. It would splinter them apart. Graham didn’t want that.
“Do you want to marry?” Graham asked quietly.
Alston twisted his mouth in thought. “Eventually, but not now. You? You’re getting on in years. I dare say it is time for you.” Alston narrowed his eyes at him again. “Is that what you’re afraid of? If word gets around that you’ve been here all along, it threatens your chances at a respectable match. Is there someone in particular you like?”
Amelia came to mind, and Graham pushed the thought away. “No.”
“But are you ready?”
Graham’s heart thumped painfully. He rubbed at his chest. “I think I am.”
Alston whistled. “Well, don’t bring me down with you.”
Graham half-smiled. “You’re in no shape to please a woman.”
Alston grinned. “My hands and tongue are enough.”
“For what?” Amelia entered carrying a tray of tea and cake.
Petrov jumped to his feet and took it from her. Graham stood reflexively and rubbed the back of his neck. He could see she’d been crying, her nose red and her lashes sticking together. The sight pierced his heart. The blood drained from his heart, and his hands turned cold. Would her effect on him ever lessen? Or was he doomed to live his life half living, half dead?
“Take my chair, my lady,” Petrov said. As Petrov set up the tea and cake, Alston smiled at his sister.
“Now, what were you saying about your hands and tongue? Are they numb? Should I call Dr. Bradley?”
Alston groaned while Graham chuckled uncomfortably.
“No, I was referring to food.”
Amelia looked between them, her gaze lingering on Graham as Petrov handed her a teacup. “Very well. I’ve got your favorite cake, lemon and poppy seed.”
“Fantastic. And I’m pleased you’re both here. Now we can have one more evening together before Graham leaves in the morning.”
“You told him?” she asked Graham without looking at him and took a sip of her tea.
“He wants to marry,” Alston said.
Amelia spit her tea back into her cup. “What?”
“Amelia, what a mess you are.” Alston tossed her his handkerchief from his lap, and Petrov brought a towel.
“Sorry, I—what do you mean?” She looked between the two of them.
Graham’s face flushed with heat. “He means nothing.”
“I think he wants to quit the house to maintain his respectability so he can begin searching for a wife.” Alston continued to slaughter Graham’s pride.
She set her cup and saucer down. “Oh.”
“I said no such thing,” Graham said.
“It’s not my business who you marry,” she said.
“But it is,” Alston argued.
She blinked. “It is?”
“We’ll have to spend some time with her. She can’t be someone who is insufferable. I will have to interview these potential brides.”
