Page 14 of Wicked Is the Duke
"It is. I thought it would be a good way for Anna and me to get to know each other better without being under the probing eyes of the ton. My sister and her husband plan to host a ball this summer. By the time that comes around, I hope to have asked for your sister. Perhaps even have married, though I'm unsure what sort of wedding Anna would want."
"I have no objections to any of it. It will allow me to take care of some business on the continent without having to uproot Anna again."
"How long do you plan to be gone?"
"A month at the most. I know she'll be in good hands with your sister, and I'm quite certain you'll look after her as well."
Henry nodded and smiled. He offered Grover another whiskey. "Would you care to join me for luncheon at White's?"
"I'd like that. I have nothing planned for the afternoon."
***
Anna watched her brotherdescend from his carriage from her bedroom. She was anxious to know whether Henry and Robert had met this day. Anna couldn't tell from this distance what had transpired. Robert's face was unreadable as always.
Not wanting to seem too anxious, she waited at the top of the stairs, her back against the wall so as not to be seen. Hearing the click of the door to his study, she rushed down the stairs.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door. Hearing her brother's voice, she opened the door and entered.
"Anna, good afternoon," he said, looking up from a pile of papers. "Is there something I might help you with?" A smile formed on his lips.
"I was wondering if Blackmont had been in touch with you."
He indicated for her to sit. She took her place in one of the two chairs in front of the massive oak desk. "Yes, I had lunch with him, and after we went to Tattersall's," he replied, not looking up from his papers. "And yes, he asked if I would agree to you visiting his sister, in case you're wondering. Again."
He dangled the words in front of her, waiting for her to beg for every scrap of information. "And? Did you give him your approval and blessing?"
"I did."
A hand flew up to her face in disbelief. "Thank you, Robert. Thank you."
"Don't thank me too fast. I told Blackmont I didn't want this to drag on into a long courtship. I wish to see you wed, and soon."
"What was his response?"
"He agreed. We'll meet soon to discuss the matter in more detail."
"Very well. I'm glad you approve of him."
"He's a good man, and I think he'll make you a fine husband," he replied. A broad smile crossed his face. "I'm happy as long as you're happy, Anna. You know that your happiness is all I've ever wanted."
"I do, and I believe Blackmont will make me very happy."
"Good, then the matter's settled. Blackmont will be joining us for supper this evening."
She rose from the brown leather chair. "This evening? I must have my dress readied."
"Of course. His sister, Jane, will be writing to you shortly to invite you to her country estate. I believe you've been before. It'll give you and Blackmont some time to get to know one another better."
"So Blackmont will be there as well?"
"His estate runs alongside Norwood's."
"That's right, I'd forgotten."
"Go, I've got work to finish before it's time to dress. I'll see you then."
Anna quit the room, her slippers barely touching the floor.
