Finding himself in a position with few options, he could do nothing less than agree. He gave her a single nod. “Mademoiselle, will you help?”
Lissa didn’t answer him, instead turning to the duchess. “Yes, I think we should aid him. After all, I believe his brother would expect no dissembling on our part as women.”
As if she’d opened a door, the duchess immediately took up the subject. “I agree wholeheartedly. Many a man since the dawn of time has underestimated women. Of course, in instances like this, it is to our advantage that their limited views…”
Even as the duchess continued to speak energetically on the topic, Anthony was well aware that Lissa had received exactly what she wanted in payment for his not telling her he was a peer. Since she had an aversion to peers, she wouldn’t attempt to seduce him at Leighhall’s as she had in the village, so all in all, his plan appeared on track.
Now all he needed was his brother’s help.
As the carriage pulled up to Hawthorne Park, the usual concern rode up his back. Though he’d written that he would be visiting with guests, he worried about his brother’s mood. His“black days,” as Darius called them, made him impossible to be around.
Stepping into the spacious entry of Hawthorne Park, he handed the butler his hat. “Is my brother available?”
The older man, who’d been with Darius since they were all young, knew exactly what he was asking. “He is, Lord Bellamore. He will entertain you all in the parlor. Tea will be served presently.”
Relieved that Darius would be amiable, Anthony followed the ladies into the pale-blue room. Stepping directly to the right of the doorway out of habit, he perused the space before continuing in.
“Oh, how lovely.” The duchess took a seat on a pale-blue settee, patting the space next to her for Lissa. “Your brother has excellent taste.”
Ballocks!He’d forgotten to tell them about Dinah. Quickly, he strode up to both ladies. “This was my brother’s late wife’s décor. I would suggest not mentioning it, as he only lost her last year.”
Lissa frowned, but kept her voice as low as his. “Is he not one of your brothers who has children?”
“Yes.” Not wishing to have Darius come upon them while discussing him, Anthony moved toward the chair nearby to sit upon its arm before catching himself. Instead, he walked behind it to stand, resting his hand on the back. He didn’t want Darius to have any issues with his manners, at least not today.
Within minutes, Darius entered the room. “Baron. It is a pleasant surprise to have you. When I received your letter, I quite rejoiced.”
Despite his words, he looked anything but happy. Then again, it was difficult to tell when Darius was happy. He did look well, except for wearing his black hair rather long, and his gray gaze was quite keen.
Anthony walked around the chair and held his hand out to the duchess. “Your Grace, may I present my brother, Lord Darius Taylour, Marquess of Ferncroft. Brother, may I present Her Grace, the Duchess of Northwick.”
His brother’s right eyebrow rose before he gave the duchess an impeccable bow. “Your Grace, it is a pleasure to have you at Hawthorne Park.”
Anthony quickly held his hand out to Lissa. “Lord Ferncroft, may I present to you Mademoiselle Lissette, a very good friend.”
“Mademoiselle, you truly make this whole room so much more beautiful.”
Lissa looked to Anthony. “My lord, you did not tell us what a charming brother you have.”
He gritted his teeth, wishing he could speak plainly about Darius, but that wouldn’t further his cause. Still, it irritated him that Darius chose to compliment Lissa. “I fear I have neglected to mention many aspects of my family.” He gave her a wicked grin. “But I promise to remedy that on the way back to Silver Meadows.”
Darius turned toward him. “I greatly doubt that the Taylours can be so interesting as that. I would hate for you to bore these fine ladies with our history.”
“I suppose you’re right. Then perhaps we could take a walk in your gardens, as I’m sure the ladies would enjoy the pleasant day among so many lovely patterns.” Anthony held up his hand to stave off his brother’s objection, as he needed to speak to him privately. “Yes, I know most of the plants are past their prime.”
Darius eyed him curiously. “They are, and hardly worth seeing.”
“Then perhaps, my lord, we could view your library?”
At the duchess’s request, they both turned.
“My library?”
At Darius’s question, Anthony quickly explained. “Yes. Her Grace has a particular love for libraries and books. As yours is rather large, I’m sure she’d enjoy seeing your collection of tomes.”
His brother’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he turned to the duchess. “I would be happy to escort you there. If you like, I can have tea served among the many books.”
Lady Northwick rose. “That would be lovely.”
