Page 53 of The Viscount's Code
Anthony rubbed his chin, as he wasn’t entirely certain himself. There was what heshoulddo – and then what he wanted to do. “I suppose I will return home,” he said slowly. “I have been remiss from my duties.”
“Your mother is welcome to stay on here at Newfield when you return,” the earl said. “She has certainly kept my wife occupied, for which I am grateful.”
“There is something else,” Anthony found himself saying, surprising even himself. It shouldn’t have anything to do with the earl, and yet he knew, deep down, why he cared what the man thought – because his approval could make a great difference in a potential future with Hope. One that he didn’t allow in the foreground of his mind, for it seemed almost too good to be true.
“Yes?”
“When I was visiting with Reeves, we were discussing how to prove my father’s innocence. We have some ideas, and I hope to show beyond any doubt that he was set up to make it look as though he was the one who was the traitor. I am beginning to believe that the man in question was, in actuality, providing him the codes.”
“I see,” the earl said, before pausing for a moment and then narrowing his eyes at him. “Which of my daughters are you after?”
“Pardon me?” Anthony said, sitting back in surprise.
“Just why are you trying to prove yourself to me?”
“I am trying to prove thetruth– to everyone who knew my father,” Anthony said, focusing on keeping his tone even as the earl’s words rankled him.
“I have plans for both of my daughters,” Lord Embury said, fixing him with a hard stare. “Plans that do not include you. Now, despite my better judgement, I have welcomed you into my home and allowed you access to one of my most prized possessions. To allow you to stay any longer, however, would have people talking. Do you understand?”
“I do,” Anthony said coldly as he stood, hating himself and his lack of restraint. He had heard enough. Embury’s feelings toward him reiterated everything he had told himself, including all of the reasons he should not have allowed things to go as far as they did with Hope.
He’d have to continue reminding himself that their coming together had been nothing more than a moment in time.
A moment that he would remember for the rest of his life.
CHAPTER21
“Cassandra, this is beautiful!”
Hope reached over and placed her hand on her friend’s arm. They had just arrived at Castleton, Cassandra’s home – at least for now. After the wedding, which was to take place in Castleton’s chapel, Cassandra would leave for her new husband’s estate.
Castleton’s ballroom was covered in floral arrangements and draperies. Hope knew that Cassandra’s family had fallen upon hard times since her father had become ill, afflicted with a disease of the mind, but her family had done all they could to make Castleton look its best for the wedding this week.
As it was, only their closest friends and family were in attendance, which Cassandra told Hope was what she had wanted, anyway.
Faith had not yet joined them downstairs, and they were still waiting on the remainder of the guests to arrive. Hope was pleased they had been one of the first, for it meant she had some time with Cassandra. Anthony had, of course, joined Cassandra’s brother, Gideon, and her fiancé, Devon. Even as she reminded herself that he had no reason to share his whereabouts with her, she couldn’t help but wonder what he was doing right now.
“Hope, I must thank you,” Cassandra said now, stopping in the entrance of the ballroom, turning to place both of her hands on Hope’s arms.
“Whatever for?” Hope asked, perplexed.
“If you had not spoken to Devon when he was upset with me and told him the truth of my affections, then we would not be where we currently are today. I would not finally be marrying the man I was meant to be with. Thank you so much.”
“Of course, although I’m sure you’d have figured it out eventually,” Hope said, remembering the day she had sought out the man her friend had loved for years to try to help him to understand that Cassandra wanted nothing but his love. It had taken some courage, but she had known that she would never forgive herself if she didn’t do what she could to help the two of them.
“Now, tell me about Lord Whitehall’s presence in your home.”
“He accompanied his mother on her visit,” Hope said quickly, glancing around to ensure they were not overheard, although she didn’t miss Cassandra’s pointed look. “And, of course, he was there to study the books. We do have some exciting news, but we should wait until we are all together to discuss it.”
“Oh, Hope, do not make me wait like that,” Cassandra said, squeezing her arm in glee.
Hope smiled impishly, part of her simply glad that Cassandra didn’t ask further questions about Anthony. “It will be worth it,” she said. “I promise you that.”
* * *
Anthony did not enjoy beingthe center of attention.
But that was exactly what he was as all eyes in the drawing room were currently firmly fixed upon him.
