“Breckinridge,” Daniel Fitzwilliam, Earl of Norwick, said as he held out his right hand. “To what do I owe the honor of your call this time of the evening?”
“I apologize for the hour, sir. You’re probably about to go into dinner,” Anthony said as he shook the earl’s hand. He found the man’s resemblance to the ghost of Dahlia’s father rather uncanny and then remembered the two had been twins.
“In a few minutes,” Daniel agreed. “Have a seat.”
“I wanted you to know that I have accepted Lady Dahlia’s proposal of marriage,” Anthony stated as he took the chair in front of the desk.
About to be seated at the mahogany desk that seemed to take up most of the space in the masculine study, Daniel paused and stared at the viscount. He held up a finger. “I think you might have mixed up what it was you meant to say,” he commented with a grin as he settled into his leather chair. “You’re no doubt nervous, but for no reason at all.”
Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, Anthony said, “I admit, I did propose to her ladyship again today—at the garden party—but I withdrew the offer when I sensed Lady Dahlia was not interested in pursuing a marriage with me.”
Daniel angled his head to one side, his gaze displaying his suspicion. “She has made comments that would suggest she wasn’t interested in marryinganyone,” he agreed. “So... what happened?”
About to mention the earl’s dead twin brother and his role in the matter, Anthony realized he couldn’t. Not without sounding like he was a candidate for Bedlam. “Uh...” He cleared his throat. “Um... second thoughts?” he offered lamely.
His brows furrowing, Daniel stood up and moved to the study door, about to call for Belvedere and ask that Dahlia be summoned. When he opened it, Dahlia nearly collided with him. She’d been leaning against the door, listening intently to their conversation.
“Uncle!” she said brightly. “I was just about to knock,” she claimed. Her gaze went to Anthony. “Lord Breckinridge,” she added with a curtsy.
Even as Anthony rose to his feet, Daniel was eyeing his niece with a good deal of suspicion. “Is it true you proposed marriage to Lord Breckinridge?” he asked, almost as if he intended to admonish her.
Dahlia swallowed. “I did,” she replied with a nod. “Please don’t hold it against him, Uncle,” she pleaded. “Father has been vexing us both all day—”
“David?” Daniel interrupted in alarm.
She bobbed her head and watched as her uncle turned his attention on Anthony. “Bothof you?” he asked in a quiet voice.
Anthony nodded. “I met him yesterday, sir. In the park. He told me what to do to gain Lady Dahlia’s hand, and when it didn’t work, I withdrew my proposal.”
Daniel’s gaze darted between his niece and her betrothed. “Does heknow?” he asked Dahlia in a whisper. He surreptitiously nodded in Anthony’s direction.
She sighed. “If you’re referring to the fact that my father is a ghost, then yes, he knows,” she replied. Her eyes widened. “He even planted a facer on him during the garden party,” she added proudly.
“Davy,” Anthony scolded in a hoarse whisper.
“Oh, if only I could have been there,” Daniel said wistfully. “I might have managed to get a shot in myself,” he added as he pantomimed a punch into the air.
“Actually, you were there, sir. But I believe your back was to the area in which it occurred at the garden party,” Anthony explained. “I tried to be sure no one paid witness.”
“I didn’t realize a ghost could be punched,” Daniel murmured, his attention on his mind’s eye.
“Neither did I, sir. But I was rather incensed at the time, and I didn’t take a moment to consider whether it would work or not.”
“Oh, no doubt. He’s an insufferable, narcissistic, stubborn,—”
“Pleasedon’t say anything else, Uncle,” Dahlia interrupted, “or you’ll have him making an appearance here,” she added in a hushed voice.
“Oh, quite right,” Daniel replied. He regarded Dahlia a moment and then straightened. “I have some details I need to discuss with Lord Breckinridge. I’ll see you at dinner—”
“Actually, sir. I was wondering if Lady Dahlia might be allowed to join me for dinner at Aimsely House this evening,” Anthony said. “I was hoping we could announce the news to my family.”
Daniel shrugged. “Fine with me,” he replied. He turned back to Dahlia. “Go on up and change clothes. Be quick about it. You don’t want to keep your future husband waiting,” he ordered.
Dahlia dipped a curtsy. “Yes, sir,” she replied with a grin. “Should I have my lady’s maid join us?”
Frowning, Daniel said, “I hardly think a chaperone is necessary. You’re betrothed now.”
“Yes, sir,” she said before she hurried off.
