Robert Thorne would prefer not to get married. He enjoys his life: a viscount's younger brother, a lighthearted rake, fond of men and women and sensational novels. Unfortunately, tonight's ball is intended to celebrate his engagement. And his intended husband comes with a fortune, enough to repair the Thorne family's failing finances and secure their future. But they've barely spoken two words to each other, and the young man's very shy and very innocent -- someone Robert's brother's chosen for him, not the person Robert wants. But the person Robert wants is exactly the person he shouldn't: Anthony, his secretary. Anthony's the best and most organized part of Robert's life -- and off-limits, because Anthony's employed by the family to keep an eye on him ... Anthony Price has two secrets. Everyone knows that his family used to be wealthy, and that Anthony's needed to find employment to support himself and his mother and sister. But no one knows that he has another life -- and growing success as an author of lurid novels, written under a pen name. And no one knows that he's hopelessly in love with Robert Thorne, who is engaged to another man. Anthony will do anything to ensure Robert's happiness -- but when the engagement ball ends in disaster, secrets are revealed, hearts are exposed, and everything can change ... on one night in London.

One Night in London: Robert and Anthony

They entered the ballroom. Light blazed up, triumphant and dazzling; crystal glittered and whirled. Gowns and waistcoats, muslin and lace, taffeta and silk, jewels and pins, caught and flung back fragments of the world; musicians played a vigorous Scotch reel, and scones and chocolate éclairs and lemon tarts regarded their lateness with indulgence from the refreshment table. Robert resisted the impulse to turn and run. So many eyes. Such expectance.


Anthony unobtrusively set a hand at the small of his back. A touch. A reminder. Robert leaned on the touch as much as he dared, even after it went away, and put on his best charming smile.


He bowed over hands. He smiled at young ladies and pale hopeful young men and beribboned dowagers. James had invited anyone who was anyone; the heart of London would witness the Honorable Mr. Robert Thorne’s public acknowledgement of betrothal to Mr. Dalton Irving tonight.


Chapter 4