Everything would be fine, he told himself, staring out the window. The situation would soon be resolved. Ada might be upset, but she was a reasonable woman. She would at the very least hear him out. And once she did, she’d know that the only woman he’d ever consider taking to wife was her.
Perhaps he’d propose this very afternoon – forget Gunther’s, Vauxhall, and boat rides in Hyde Park. They could do that later. Right now, the only thing that mattered was making sure she knew he hadn’t abandoned her.
Satisfied with this rational plan, he relaxed a bit more. Athena had made an honest error in judgment, but she was only sixteen and still had a great deal to learn. From her point of view, Miss Starling was likely the essence of what a young lady should strive for. Unfortunately, Athena did not know what Miss Starling could truly be like.
Neither had he, until recently. He’d not taken her for the vindictive type until she’d made that comment about the marriage contract in the park.
He hissed in frustration and wished he’d had the sense to put her in her place sooner. But he’d been polite, had chosen to keep from causing offense. Well, lesson learned. Some people clearly deserved to be offended.
The carriage turned and arrived at the bookshop soon after. Anthony’s footman helped him alight, then handed him his cane.
“Thank you.”
He hobbled toward the door and pulled it open. The bell chimed, just as it had when he’d come here for the first time a few weeks ago. Spotting Mr. Quinn at the counter, he cut a path directly toward him.
The older man’s eyes widened. “I didn’t expect to see you again anytime soon.”
Not exactly the warm greeting Anthony might have hoped for, but at least the man was speaking to him. It could have been worse after what had transpired.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call on you and your niece yesterday. The carriage step broke when I got home from the Axelby ball. As a result, I sprained my ankle and have been unable to walk.” He managed to reach the counter and leaned his good side against it so he could take some weight off his foot. “I did ask one of my sisters to deliver a message, but I fear it never arrived.”
Mr. Quinn held Anthony’s gaze for a long and strenuous moment. “Indeed it did not. My niece learned of your misfortune when she stopped by your home several hours ago.”
“Yes. I’m sorry she had to find out that way.” He paused, hoping Mr. Quinn would tell him he’d fetch Ada right away so they could speak with each other. When he didn’t, Anthony felt compelled to say, “I also fear she may have been misinformed regarding my marital prospects. I’d very much like to discuss that with her. Do you think she’s able to spare a moment in order to hear me out?”
Mr. Quinn flattened his mouth, affording the otherwise jovial man with an uncharacteristic look of displeasure. “I don’t know what happened between the two of you at the ball the other evening, but I will say this – she went from being more cheerful than I’ve ever seen her, to looking as though she were off to the gallows. Her heart has been crushed, Your Grace.”
“Which is why I must speak with her so I can make this right.” He took a deep breath when Mr. Quinn merely crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “I love her, you see, and I want her to be my wife.”
Mr. Quinn’s mouth fell open. “Then why in blazes did that other woman tell Ada that she was to be your duchess?”
Because she’s a vindictive shrew?
“I fear she’s decided on something I haven’t agreed to,” Anthony said, as diplomatically as he possibly could.
“But when Ada went to your home, your intentions were confirmed by your sister.”
“My intentions to marry her, not Miss Starling.”
“Ah.” Mr. Quinn scratched the back of his head. “I’m beginning to see the problem. This Miss Starling person should be ashamed of herself.”
“Believe me, I feel the same way.” Anthony gave Mr. Quinn the most imploring look he could muster. “Given what I’ve just told you, will you please tell Ada I’m here to see her?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
“But I just told you—”
“She’s left Town, Your Grace.”
Anthony froze. “What?”
“She was angry and hurt by what she discovered.”
“But what she discovered wasn’t true.”
“Perhaps not, but she doesn’t know that.” Mr. Quinn’s shoulders drooped. “She needed to get away for a while, catch her breath and let her heart mend, without the risk of you suddenly stopping by. I’m sorry.”
Not as sorry as Anthony. “Do you know where she’s headed?”
