“Your sister may be pretty and well-mannered, but she will not secure a match this season without a dowry. But,” he raised a hand as she opened her mouth to no doubt fire a volley of insults his way, “if you are betrothed to me it will be believed that a dowry will come with her, and that I will be paying it.”
“But that will be a falsehood.”
“Do you not have family who can help provide one?”
She shook her head. “My grandparents were not happy that my father married my mother, who,” she gave him a pointed look, “brought no money to the marriage, or came from a family with a higher ranking than theirs.”
“I see.”
“But they loved each other,” Evangeline continued. “They were happy together.”
“With no money,” Anthony added.
“We were happy, and my mother was excellent with money. We did not realize our father’s ineptitude until it was too late. I’m not sure why I am telling you this,” she added quickly.
“There is no point hiding things now, Miss Spencer. The gloves are off.”
“But I am the only one baring my secrets, my lord.”
My secrets are far too dark for a sweet woman like you.
“So do we have a deal?” Anthony watched her closely for any sign of what she was thinking. It was long moments later, after a bite of the superb fruit bun, swallowed down with tea, that she spoke.
“We both speak plainly and can readdress this at any time?” she asked.
He nodded.
“I can’t believe I’m considering this.”
“Think about Cavendish,” Anthony said, and saw her shudder. “Plus, I will help you find a suitor for your sister.”
“On that note, my lord. May I ask you about men who approach my sister? My father…” She looked down at her teacup, thinking about what to say next.
Anthony thought a few society members could learn a thing or two about thinking before speaking from this woman.
“Is not a reliable source, and I fear although a man may look suitable, he will not be.”
That she would trust his word on the men who would court her sister made him feel odd. Few people would come to him with something like this.
“You may ask me, and I will give you my honest opinion,” he said.
She stared at him again, like she could read his mind, which Anthony knew was foolish, but he felt exposed.
“Very well. I agree.”
He nodded.
“We will be seen together often. Driving in the park and at the theatre,” he added.
“Yes, and my sister will have to be with me.”
“Not all the time, Evangeline.”
“Very well, not all the time.”
“You have a maid?”
She nodded. “She is not there always, but I will ensure she is when we go driving. Do you really believe we can convince your aunts, and society?”
