“And I am off to White’s,” Anthony said. “But, Louisa, rest assured that I shall continue to do all in my power to find out anything I can about Lord Farleigh. Don’t worry”—he held up his hand in reassurance when Louisa tried to caution him—“I shall continue to be discreet. But you are running out of days to change your mind, so there is no time to be lost.”
“I too shall do my best to seek out information on him,” Alex said. “Granted, I doubt I’ll be able to ferret out anything much, considering the company. You had better make the rounds tonight, Tony, and not spend all your time at White’s.” He leaned across the pianoforte and kissed Louisa on the cheek. “Never fear, Weezy dear, you have two gallant heroes at your beck and call should anything be required of us. Now, I must bid you both adieu.”
“He’s right,” Anthony said. “We will not stand by and have you sacrifice yourself in marriage to someone who is unworthy of you.”
“Thank you, Anthony, and you too, Alex. I don’t know what I’d do without you both.”
“Never fear, Lady Cumulus. We are ever in your corner,” Alex said.
She watched her brothers leave the music room and then stared at the pianoforte, mindlessly poking at the keys and creating a sort of somber melody. Tomorrow, the second banns were to be read, and William said in his letter that he would keep his promise to her and be there. If he did not, she would end the betrothal, vowel or no vowel.
She wished she understood why it hurt her heart to reach that conclusion.