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“The American delegates for the Anglo-American Convention to determine the Canadian border have confirmed their attendance. They should arrive sometime in October.”

“Who are they? Do we like them?” The Prince Regent eyed him up and down as if he assumed the royal we did not, indeed, like them.

“They are Albert Gallatin, the US Ambassador to France, and Richard Rush, the US Minister to the United Kingdom. They will be meeting with Robinson and Goulburn.”

The prince nodded. “Do you think they will compromise on Oregon?”

“I could not say. I am not familiar with the particulars. What I can say is that so far there is no significant scandal attached to either of the Americans. We have had them thoroughly checked.”

“Thank you, Warrington. I am not naïve enough to think there will not be those on both sides that will not want this negotiation to go ahead.”

“We will keep our ears out for any whispers, I assure you.”

The prince rose awkwardly and walked over to his mirror, where his valet was waiting with his coat. “Good man.”

“If that is all, Your Majesty?”

The prince did not even look his way but said, “Yes, yes. You may go.”

Warrington bowed and backed out of the room, although why he bothered was beyond him when he knew the prince would not have noticed if he had done a jig in the doorway. He gained his carriage in record time, eager to get home and rest a while, maybe even sleep. Lord knows he got little this morning.

The picture of Rose Montgomery dressed in her bedclothes, standing in front of his study door, filled his head. He had cut short their conversation because he had the overwhelming need to kiss her, and that was not a good idea. Her eyes had held such…guilty shock when he had opened the door. He had been shocked as well, although he wondered when she would return the book. He should have known she would take him literally when he said she should not borrow books from men like him.

When he arrived home, it was to find that Anthony was there. Edward heard laughter from the hallway. When he opened the door, it was to find everyone in attendance. Even his sister’s dog, Sasha, who jumped up at him as soon as he entered the room. He scooped the dog up and tucked it under his arm.

“Well. Isn’t this a merry group.” He looked over at Lucinda. “You are still pregnant, I see.”

“Yes, it seems your niece or nephew is refusing to do as it is told.”

“There is no doubt it is Tony’s child then,” he said as he ruffled the dog’s fur before putting the dog down and taking a seat and a cup of tea from his mother.

“Mother,” Tony said, ignoring his brother. “Who was the most disobedient child?”

“Do not bring me into this,” she said with a laugh. “But it was Charles. His nanny was always complaining about him. One time, his nanny came in to find him with only one leg in his pants while he leaned over the bed reading a book. Goodness, she was always scolding him for getting distracted by the oddest things. One time he swore he could see a rainbow trapped in the glass of the nursery.”

Everyone laughed.

Marianne chimed in. “One time he fell off Ceasar because he had been distracted by a nearby owl and had not seen the branch in front of him. He broke his arm and had to have it in a splint for months.”

“Mother wanted to ban him from ever riding again,” Tony said. “How did he take the news that you were passing on some of your estate work to him?”

Edward shook his head. “Not well. Sweated like a pig about to be slaughtered. Once he starts, I am sure he will be fine. He worries too much about what might happen.”

“I did not know you were going to get him to help you,” the dowager said. “You actually took my advice. I think I might just swoon.”

“Steady on, Mother. You wanted me to get a secretary. Tony did too. Charles is more than capable. Besides, I do not want others outside the family to know our business.”

“I think it is a splendid idea. The fact that you got him to actually agree to it is a marvel unto itself,” his mother said.

“He thought I was dying,” Edward said, and he looked around to see all their stunned faces. “Do not worry. I assured him I was not.”

The dowager recovered first, patting his leg. “Well, I am glad some of your burden has been taken away. Perhaps now you will have time to sleep and eat.”

“Perhaps, Mother, perhaps. Excuse us, ladies. I need to have a word with Tony.”

Once in his study, he poured his brother a drink and handed it to him. “You got my note?”

“Yes, Brookhaven has been threatening Rose,” he said as he took a seat in the chair opposite Edward’s desk. “My man went and found out that Brookhaven has changed his solicitors to Finch and Barrett. They are young and eager to build up their clientele. They could be encouraged to do underhanded things in order to keep the earl on their books.”