“It is not real,” Anthony said again.
“So you’ve said,” Toby added. “She’d be good for you, though. Miss Spencer would not let you continue on with your licentious ways.”
“No, please, tell me exactly what you think of me,” Anthony drawled.
“She’s intelligent enough to keep you on your toes, too,” Toby said.
“I think she could outwit him in all honesty,” Jamie said.
“If you are both quite finished,” Anthony snapped.
“For the first time in a long while I find I am excited,” Toby said.
“As you can imagine, I am happy to have given you a reason.”
“I can’t believe she dressed as a man to gamble,” Jamie said.
“She was quite good at it too,” Anthony had to concede.
The carriage slowed then, and minutes later drew to a halt. All conversation ceased and soon they had joined the other guests lined up to enter.
“I believe congratulations are in order, Hamilton?” These words came from Mr. Reginald, who stood with his wife and two daughters in front of them.
“Thank you,” Anthony said.
“Prepare yourself, my friend. Those that have always been terrified of you will now see you as someone they can talk to,” Toby said.
“Why?”
“Because they will want an invitation to the wedding of the year,” Jamie whispered, laughter in his voice.
“Miss Spencer though?” Mrs. Reginald added. “Imagine our surprise.” Mrs. Reginald’s pursed lips and narrowed eyes told Anthony she was not happy about his choice of future wife.
“I am a very happy man,” Anthony said forcing his mouth into a smile.
“And so it begins,” Jamie said grinning.
“For the entertainment value alone, I thank you,” Toby said.
“Earl, allow me to congratulate you.”
And so, it went. Every person in the waiting line seemed to want to speak to Anthony.
“Surely not all these people want to come to the wedding, if there were to be one?” Anthony said. “I’m the man no one speaks to for fear I will debauch their daughters.” He felt extremely uncomfortable with this sudden popularity.
“It will stop soon. You’re just not used to people actually wanting to speak to you,” Jamie said.
“We will, of course, tell everyone how happy we are about your engagement to Miss Spencer,” Toby said as they reached the ballroom. “And we are never far away, should all this sudden popularity overcome you.”
“Dance with both Spencer sisters,” Anthony snapped. “Also, watch Cavendish. If he approaches them, I want to know.”
“Consider it done,” Jamie said.
They were announced as they entered the ballroom, and suddenly all eyes were on him. Anthony kept his face expressionless. He cared little what anyone thought of him.
“Right, three o’clock.” Toby said when they moved into the crowds.
Anthony looked to his right and found her. People surrounded Evangeline. Her sister was also there, but notHeathcliff Spencer. Evangeline’s expression was polite, lips curved in a small smile.
