Page 36 of The Earl and the Incomparable

“We’re not discussing her future,” Tillie replied petulantly. “We only wish to get an accurate accounting of the past. And honestly, like me, I think Millie needs some time to decide what it is she wants out of life. She’s got more than enough of other people’s opinions.”

Parker saw Lord Farthington’s wince and he knew that Tillie’s remark had hit the necessary cord. But what did the man think of Parker? “Forgive me, Lord Farthington. I did not mean to develop feelings for Millie. I—”

“You and I will discuss that privately,” Lord Farthington answered. “Go, Tillie.”

“Yes, my lord,” she said, her tone dripping with irritation, but she did as her brother commanded, leaving Parker with Lord Farthington. A man he liked and respected.

And who would likely hate him after this conversation, just as Millie did.

“Explain yourself,” the man said, crossing his arms.

Parker sighed. Perhaps hate wasn’t a strong enough word. “I had no intention of courting Millie without your permission.”

“Really? That’s why you’re alone with my other sister? You’re not attempting to trap one or the other into marriage?”

He winced. That hurt. “What have I done to give you such a low opinion of me?” But he already knew that his past reputation had reared its ugly head again.

“Nothing. I liked you right up until two minutes ago.”

Parker closed his eyes, every time he attempted to resolve this situation, it only seemed to get worse.

“My lord, allow me the opportunity to explain everything. Perhaps I can set your mind at ease.”

“Follow me to my office. You’ve got five minutes.”

Five minutes to save his future? No pressure, there.

* * *

Millie finally pushedthe clucking maids from her room, breathing a sigh of relief as she leaned against the door and surveyed her empty room.

She’d heard the pebbles and she knew that Tillie wished to see her.

She only needed to give the maids a few minutes to disperse and then—

A knock sounded right next to her head. She jumped away from the door, spinning. “Tillie. Is that you?”

“Yes. Come quickly. Ben has caught wind of everything and I don’t think it’s good.”

“Caught wind of what?” She yanked open her door, staring at her sister.

“That I’m not getting married. That you and Rangeley have developed some sort of connection.”

“You’re not?”

Tillie wrinkled her nose. “No. I told you that already.”

“Yes, but…” What she and her mother witnessed really had looked like a proposal. “When the two of you were standing by the carriage…”

Tillie’s hands came to her hips. “Mother has ruined your mind. He was begging me to help him with you.”

Something strangely warm and tingly slid through her. He wasn’t going to marry Tillie. He still wanted her. “Really?”

“Now come on. Mother I can dismiss, but Ben…” Tillie frantically waved her forward.

Millie gasped in a breath before both she and Tillie began racing toward her brother’s study.

By the time they arrived, they were both out of breath, Millie’s fear growing more palpable with each step. Ben was fair and honest, but not a man to be reckoned with; and the situation was so complicated she expected to hear the shouting from all the way down the hall. But as they made their way to the open door, the silence was near deafening.

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