“I’m happy,” he protested, uncomfortable that she knew this about him.
“No, you are not. No one lives the life you do, pursuing the things you have, and is happy, Anthony,” Aunt Aggie said. “But I have hopes that Miss Spencer can change that for you.”
He shouldn’t have done it. His engagement to Evangeline had stirred up so much emotion, and when it was over, his aunts would be heartbroken. But it would be for the best.
Anthony was not a man someone like Evangeline Spencer should be married to. His demons would destroy her.
They drove through London with his aunts waving at and greeting anyone they came across.
He had spent many hours both night and day wandering these streets. It was as familiar to him as his estates, and likely more so. Sampson’s Confectioners caught his eye.
“Stop if you please, Huntley,” he said to his aunts’ driver.
“What’s wrong?” Aunt Aggie looked around her.
“Nothing. I want to purchase some sweets. I will return shortly.”
“I tell you that boy has changed since he’s become engaged,” he heard Aunt Lavinia say as he walked to the shop. Rolling his eyes, he then purchased what he needed and returned minutes later with two bags. One he handed to his aunts, the other he kept in his pocket, after popping one sweet into his mouth.
“Do you know I don’t believe I’ve had a lemon drop for years,” Aunt Aggie said. She then sucked loudly. “Delicious.”
While they discussed the need to eat more lemon drops, he thought about his next move with Evie. He needed to ensure Cavendish and his lot were no threat to her. But how?
Entering the park, he enjoyed the cool, crisp breeze on his face. People knew he was related to these three, but he rarely spent time with them in public, so those they passed weresurprised to see him rolling around the park in an open-topped carriage.
Anthony had many responsibilities, and now it seemed he had more. The Spencers. They had no money, which he needed to address. He’d said he’d help Evie with investments, but their immediate need was more pressing. Prudence Spencer needed to wed and wed well.
The carriage stopped as the art exhibition appeared. He saw plenty of easels, some set up with completed artwork, others with artists painting. Studying the scene while his aunts chatted with Ladies Barber and Harper, whose carriage had pulled up alongside, his eyes landed on the back of a woman who was walking behind a couple.Evie.She stopped to study a painting. Standing slightly to the right while her sister and Landon strolled on. To her left was another group, and Miss Beasley was among them.
“Excuse me,” he said to his aunts. “I see someone I wish to speak with. I shall return shortly.”
They waved him away, and he climbed from the carriage, making for Evie. She was moving again. Head down, shoulders hunched and to him, she looked dejected. Had something else happened? He increased his pace but was too late to intercept her before the other women.
“Well, if it isn’t Miss Spencer. I wonder you dare to show your face after last night,” Miss Beasley said loudly, unaware that he was behind her.
Evie turned and saw him, her eyes widening.
“I know what you did with Lord Cavendish,” Miss Beasley hissed. “We all do.”
“Oh? And how is it you know that, if it was not you and your mother who lured me outside on the pretext of helping someone?” Evangeline said.
“Hello, my sweet.” Anthony moved to her side. He then placed a hand on her back. “How are you today?”
“Lord Hamilton!” Miss Beasley looked shocked. Her friends, however, were shooting her questioning glances.
He bowed to the women, still smiling, which he was sure did not reach his eyes. This woman and her mother had lured Evie into Cavendish’s clutches. The outcome could have been a great deal worse had he not found her.
“What were you discussing when I arrived?” Anthony asked feigning ignorance.
“I-ah, was just discussing a rumor I overheard,” Miss Beasley said quickly.
“Rumor?” Evie said, her tone ice cold.
Looking down at her, Anthony noted she was pale and had smudges beneath her eyes. Clearly, she hadn’t slept well.
“You lured me to Lord Cavendish, Miss Beasley—”
“I cannot believe you would speak such slanderous lies to me!” She clutched her chest.
