“We have had only a handful of conversations, and suddenly, because he has decided I would be a suitable wife and mother to his children, he is angry I did not fall in with his wishes. Beastly man.”
“Extremely.” The thought of Cavendish in a bed with Evangeline made his stomach curdle. “It seems our engagement has been expedited, however.”
She stopped, turning to face him. “I’m so sorry. That just came out of my mouth before I could stop it.”
He wasn’t sure what it was about this woman that he liked, but her forthright nature was definitely part of it.
“We had already decided we would become betrothed, Evangeline, but I think we should return shortly and tell your family, and then I must inform my aunts.”
“Oh dear, yes they should have known first.”
He let his eyes run down her neck to the soft swell of her breasts above the bodice, and felt his body respond to that…her. Her lovely eyes were filled with worry, and she trapped her full, curved lower lip between her teeth. He wanted to lean in and pull it free with his.
His mistress supplied his needs, and he’d never experienced the want to have more with another woman. Anthony had always believed that was because he couldn’t. That something had died inside him at Blackwood Hall. But right then, he wanted this woman, and that would never do.
“We shall walk for a while longer,” Anthony rasped before clearing his throat. “Then return to your family to tell them our news.”
He could not get out of it now, so he would see it through. But Anthony was a master at keeping himself distant from people. Evangeline would be no different.
“They will be shocked,” she said, once again taking his arm. “As will yours.”
“But mine will be ecstatic also, as they will no longer need to compile lists.”
“Lists?”
“Of suitable women for me to court.”
“No!” She gasped. “Really?”
“Really.”
“Who is on the list?”
“You were.”
“Me? That does surprise me, as I have little to offer. I’m too old, poor, and speak my mind.”
“You are,” he said, which had her shoulders stiffening. “In my defense I was agreeing with you.”
She harrumphed.
Looking around them, he saw they were receiving plenty of glances, and no doubt some had overheard the altercation with Cavendish and his slimy friend. They would be gossip fodder for days.
He would have to watch his old enemy closely. Anthony had a feeling this was not over with yet. The man had a mean, vengeful streak. He knew this firsthand. He would not have that turned on the woman at his side.
“Lord Hamilton.” Lord Medway approached with his wife.
“Miss Spencer,” Lady Medway said. “It is a lovely day for a walk.” The look in their eyes told Anthony they wanted the details of what had just happened with Cavendish. Normally, these two would never approach him, but clearly their thirst for gossip overrode their fear of him.
“It is lovely,” Evangeline said.
“We just saw Lord Cavendish, and he did not appear happy. Do you perchance know why, Miss Spencer?” Lady Medway asked, shooting Anthony a nervous look.
“We don’t know,” he said in a hard voice, which had them bobbing their heads and scurrying away.
“Was that necessary?” Evangeline said.
“I loathe gossip, and the only reason those two approached was for that. They usually avoid me, and I prefer it that way,” Anthony said.
