Apparently, he had.
“Like your cock, I think I have my daughter thinking straight now,” the late earl claimed. “Quite an accomplishment, if you ask me.” He scoffed. “Always thought the Scots had the right idea, what with their hand-fasting custom and all. Would have saved many an English marriage from certain failure.”
“Sir?”
The ghost gave him a quelling glance. “Young ladies are proving far more vexing than they did back in my day,” the late earl stated, oblivious to Anthony’s look of astonishment. “Back then, they didn’t evenknowabout the marriage bed until the night of their betrothal. Or their wedding,” he quickly amended. “Which I suppose is how I’m going to have to explain your brother’s reason for bedding my youngest daughter on this day. When her mother finds out—”
“She’ll be thrilled,” Anthony said in a quiet voice, remembering how joyous the Countess of Norwick had appeared as she engaged in conversation with the other matrons of theton, when the topic of her daughters had been raised and she spoke of Danielle and Andrew.
How had the countess known Andrew was about to whisk her youngest off? Kidnap her, his only demand an agreement to wed him?
Had the ghost told the countess what was about to happen?
Or had Andrew told her?
He probably asked permission, Anthony thought in dismay.And she gladly gave it.
“Lady Norwickisthrilled,” Anthony said in a whisper, amending his original comment.
David gave a start as he considered the words. “I suppose you’re right.” His eyes rounded. “Which bodes well for me,” he added quickly. “I really hate leaving her angry with me.”
Furrowing his brows, Anthony asked, “Why would she be angry withyou?”
Inhaling as if to respond, David finally gave his head a shake and sighed. “Because I died too early. Left her. All alone and pregnant with twins girls.” He visibly shivered. “Iwould be angry with me.”
Anthony’s eyes darted sideways. He didn’t think the late earl had much of a say in the manner of his death. “If it’s any consolation, sir, I do believe your brother was good about stepping in on your behalf. At least, that’s my understanding.”
David held up a finger as he brightened. “That’s right. Now she’s angry because the girls announced they wanted to be spinsters.” His expression once again grew serious. “That’swhy I’m here. That’s whyyou’rehere,” he said as he pointed the finger at Anthony.
“Sir?”
“Dahlia’s on her way to the coach this very moment. I’ve given her the what-for and made it clear what she needs to do. Don’t bungle this again, Breckinridge.”
“Bungleit, sir?” Anthony repeated. He straightened on the bench, his brows raised in indignation. “Sir, might I say,Iam not the one who turned down a perfectly reasonable marriage proposal?”
“She said you withdrew your offer of marriage,” David accused.
Scoffing, Anthony stared at the earl in disbelief. “Wouldn’tyouhave?” he countered. “Sir, I may not have the means by which to continue life as a gentleman past this autumn. By then, Imustbe married,” he stated. “I cannot change the circumstances of how I came to be in this predicament, but I can ensure that I am not forced to endure it much longer,” he added on a huff, his gaze directed out of the coach window. “If your daughter doesn’t wish to marry me, then I shall find someone who does. Tuesday night at the Weatherstone’s ball, if need be.”
Rather proud of his speech—of his willingness to take on the ghost of an arrogant earl—Anthony inhaled as his attention went back to David Fitzwilliam.
Or rather an empty bench. For the ghost was no longer there.
“Damnation,” Anthony muttered, at the same moment the coach door opened and Lady Dahlia appeared.
