Page 33 of Wicked Is the Duke
Blackmont shook his head. "If one of them is ill, a physician hasn't been called."
"Whatever they're up to they won't succeed," Robert replied. "I have half a mind to go into town and confront them both."
"Call their bluff," Norwood said.
Robert nodded while keeping his eyes on his sister. "Yes, and perhaps if Carlisle saw me, he might reconsider whatever he's planning."
"I doubt it," Blackmont drawled. "All we can do now is keep a vigil and be on the lookout."
"Do you think he could have men who are acting on his behalf?" Jane inquired.
"It's possible, but I highly doubt it," her husband replied.
Anna turned to her brother. "Do you know how long you will be on the continent?"
"A couple of months. I'll write you with details as to where I'll be staying," he replied. "I want you to forget about me and enjoy this wonderful change your life is about to take."
"Yes, and when you return, we shall begin to look for a wife for you." She smiled at him, then at Blackmont. "It's past time, Robert."
"I'll remember that," he replied, his eyes sparkling with mirth.
"Robert? Are you woolgathering again?" Anna asked. She smiled and watched him in interest.
"Sorry. Yes, I'm afraid I was."
"Don't tell me, you already have a young lady in mind?"
"No, no, of course not, though there are a couple who might be worth pursuing," he replied, hoping to bring her curiosity to an end.
The butler arrived at precisely the right time. Dinner was served, and hopefully all conversation about Carlisle and Lady Caroline would cease. Still, Anna found herself quite curious as to who her brother had his eye on.
It was highly unlikely a match would be made easily for her brother. They were part of the aristocracy growing up, but in London with the snooty women of theton, a match between Robert and a lady from a titled family might prove difficult.
She smiled and placed her hand on Blackmont's arm. He guided her out of the room behind Norwood and his sister.
"What are you thinking?" he whispered. "You're already trying to make a match for your brother. I can see it in your eyes."
"That may be, Your Grace however, I have more important matters on my mind this evening."
"I imagine you do." He smiled and led her into the dining room.
Dinner consisted of asparagus soup, fish with cream sauce, and roasted quail with vegetables and potatoes. By the time they got to dessert, Anna was sure she wouldn't be able to eat another bite. Fruits and cheese ended the meal.
Leaving the men in the dining room to partake of their cigars and port, Anna followed Jane back to the drawing room where chocolates and tea awaited them.
"Are you getting nervous?" Jane asked as she offered Anna the plate of chocolates.
Anna nodded. "Yes, I must confess I'm more nervous than I thought I would be."
"My brother is nervous, though he would never admit it."
"How can you tell?"
Jane smiled and chose a chocolate. She put it on the small plate in front of her. "He becomes quieter. When he does this, you'll know he's nervous about something, or something is on his mind," she replied. "Though now that I think about it, there is more than one thing to make him nervous."
"This business with Lady Caroline and Carlisle..."
"Yes, and I imagine the whole getting married thing has him nervous. He's taken his time in choosing his duchess."
