Page 7 of Wicked Is the Duke
Blackmont decided to take a shot and see if she would divulge anything else. "I imagine your brother was quite fascinated."
She shook her head. "Robert didn't accompany me. Lord Carlisle invited me to view it from the safety of his landau," she offered. She smiled shyly, watching him closely as though she were gauging his face and his response.
Ernest Preston, sixth Earl of Carlisle. Henry had met him a couple of times, mostly in Parliament. He was a good twenty years older than Anna. His wife had died in a mysterious accident two years prior, and it was a well-known fact the earl was in the market for a new wife. Someone who would bear him an heir, something his late countess had been unable to do. He knew the earl had two daughters, one of whom had been married off to some wealthy marquis in France. The other had fled her father's home, marrying a man beneath her station. He knew nothing of the details or who the young man was. All he'd heard was that she and her husband resided in Inverness, far from her father's grip.
"Carlisle. Yes, I've met the earl. Has he asked to court you?" The thought of Carlisle touching Anna, even if no more than handing her into a carriage made his skin crawl. Stories flew about that the earl was into some very odd practices when it came to satisfying his sexual needs. Bondage and control were some of what he’d heard. Until now, he’d dismissed them.
"No, he hasn't, though he indicated he would speak to Robert about his intentions."
Henry cocked a brow. "Is this what you want?"
She sat silently, her hands smoothing invisible wrinkles on her dress. "No. I tried to tell the earl I wasn't interested, but still he insists on speaking to Robert."
"Don't worry yourself about the earl. Knowing your brother and how protective he is of you I highly doubt he would agree to such a match."
"I hope you're right, Your Grace. I know Robert would like to see me married, but I'm afraid he grows weary of the process."
"I'll speak with him, if you like," he said suddenly. He took Anna's hands as she sat across from him. "I'd like to get your brother's permission and blessing to court you."
"I would like that very much, Your Grace."
At that precise moment, Robert Grover walked through the door. Quickly Anna removed her hands from his and rose to greet her brother. He eyed Henry closely.
"Blackmont," he said nodding in Henry's direction. "I apologize for not being here when you arrived. A business meeting I could not cancel."
"I understand," Henry replied. "If I could have a minute of your time, there is something I would like to speak to you about."
Robert sat down next to his sister. "You can speak with me here. Anna and I keep no secrets."
Henry nodded. "Very well. I should very much like to court your sister. With your permission, of course."
Robert draped his hand on the back of the sofa and smiled slightly. "I'm afraid the Earl of Carlisle has already asked."
Anna looked terrified, her gaze shifting from her brother to Blackmont. "When were you going to share this with me, and when did you meet with the earl?"
"I met the earl at White's. I intended to share the news with you today."
"I have no interest in seeing the earl," she replied stiffly.
"I think you need to rethink your decision," he said. "Though I suppose I could let the duke court you as well. If the duke's up to the competition."
"There is no competition, Robert! I have no interest in the earl.”
"Anna..."
Henry spoke up. "It's quite all right."
Suddenly, Anna stood. "I must apologize, Your Grace. The hour grows late, and I need to lie down before dressing for the Brighton's ball," she said. "I enjoyed our visit and thank you for the volume on Keats."
"Then I will see you tonight," he replied, smiling.
She rose to her feet, clutching the leather volume, nodded to her brother, and quit the room.
This wasn't how he expected their visit to end, but he had to admire the way she stood up to her brother. She was not a woman to be played with. She knew what she wanted and would not be forced into a relationship she didn't want.
"I must apologize for my sister," Robert murmured.
"No need, though I am surprised you would agree to the earl seeing her."
