Chapter 7

Anthony’s gaze, resting on Robert, held disappointment, hot and dark and as expected; but some other emotion lay in all that deep shadowy velvet too, something more akin to sympathy than Robert might’ve guessed. And it was Anthony who said quietly, “I think we’ll retire from the ball for the moment, James.”

His brother blew out a short sharp breath, but nodded. Robert couldn’t process that either. Since when were his secretary and his brother on a first-name basis?

Anthony said, “You’ll be able to salvage this if you’re careful. Everyone knows they don’t know each other well, and misunderstandings happen, and perhaps some time to court, to get to know each other, would be in order before the wedding…” His voice was soothing, precise, finding solutions.

“Yes,” James said. “Yes. Get him—” This came with a head-jerk at Robert. “—out of here.”