Chapter 17

“When…did you even speak to…”

“After you did, I think. He told me he couldn’t go through with it, and then ran away. I didn’t see him in the ballroom.”

“He…but I…” Anthony appeared to be floundering, for once. “I thought I told him…even though he asked me if I’d…but that can’t be why…”

“If you’d what?”

“Never mind.” Anthony snapped back into focus. Dark and critical and sharp. “You’re certain it’s off?”

“I think so?”

“Robert…”

“Yes! Er…fairly certain. I believe so, at least.”

Anthony ran a hand through his own hair. Robert saw his lips move.

“What’d you just say?”

“Nothing I’d care to repeat. Very well. Let me think. The news will be everywhere shortly, assuming what you believe is correct. Young Dalton will be seen as more sympathetic, and less to blame, than you.”