It angered him she had no friends because she was a far more interesting woman than most in society.
“What are you and your sister arguing over?” he asked.
“I refuse to tell you that, as it will simply give you more ammunition to fire at me.” Her words did not have their usual strength behind them, which told Anthony the argument had upset her.
“Let me guess,” he said. “You have been telling her what to do, and she doesn’t want you to treat her like a child anymore? Or you don’t like Landon, and have exceedingly high standards for Prudence’s future husband, and let her know that?”
He was merely guessing, but Anthony had a sister, and she loathed him attempting to control her.
“You cannot know that.” She shot him a look and their eyes met. It was Evie who pulled away first.
“I’m astute. Ask anyone.”
“Oh, please, everyone thinks you a rogue with no conscience or scruples,” she scoffed.
“But not you?” He wasn’t sure why he’d asked that question, but right then he needed to know the answer.
“I think a man who loves his aunts and did what he did for me last night, and has the respect of his two friends, is not a bad one. But I believe you have no wish for anyone to know that about you.”
“My reputation is justified, Evangeline,” Anthony got out around the lump in his throat.She had seen what others hadn’t.
“I know you want people to believe that, Lord Hamilton.”
His chest felt warm again, as if the cold inside him was thawing.
“There you are!”
Grateful for the distraction, Anthony watched his aunts hurrying toward them while he reminded himself that this was temporary. Evangeline would never be his wife.
“Oh, now look at you both. What a picture you make!” Aunt Petunia said taking Evie’s hands.
“Good day to you, Lord Hamilton.”
“And you, Prudence,” he said to her sister when she arrived with Landon. “A lovely day for a walk.”
Her face looked like Evie’s, sad and worried.
“Some of this artwork is quite stunning,” Landon said.
He was a good man. Fair and had money. But of course, there was the matter of no dowry that he possibly did not know about.
“All is well, my lord?” Prudence asked, as Landon moved on to inspect the paintings again. “Regarding the business with Miss Beasley, I mean?”
“All is well.”
Her eyes went to her sister, who was chatting with his aunts, but she did not speak again, just went to greet his relatives.
“We could not be happier,” Aunt Petunia said, her eyes teary, which made Anthony’s guilt climb. Calling off the engagement would devastate his aunts.
“You must take Evangeline to meet Harriet at once, Anthony,” Aunt Lavinia said suddenly. “It is only right you do so.”
“She lives four hours from London, Aunt. Perhaps another time?” Anthony said.
“The Hampton house party!” Aunt Aggie said suddenly. “Harriet lives nearby. You could introduce your fiancée to her then. It is only a few weeks away, from memory.”
“Oh, we are not attending,” Evie said quickly.
“Of course you are, and we shall see to it,” Aunt Petunia said. “You leave that to us. We will stay with Harriet, but of course will visit you there.”
