Rupert nodded tiredly. “I’ll do this one thing, but that’s all. Once the mine is yours, you must promise to reestablish my allowance and never again interfere in my life.”

She looked at him, amusement darkening her blue eyes until they were the same color as his. “Rupert, my dear, sweet boy, never fear. Once I have that mine in my name, why would I bother with you?”

“And Mr. Mills?”

“I will leave him alone, too.” She made a face through the green cream. “And gladly, for he sweats like a pig.”

Rupert gave her a derisive smile. “You have always been a woman of great discrimination, Mother. I will leave you to your fond thoughts.” With a mocking bow, he left, his head aching fiercely, a sick weight in his stomach. Once he reached his own room, he immediately crossed to the window and threw it open. He leaned out and took deep, gulping breaths of fresh air, trying to calm the need to retch.

He looked down at the window ledge where his hand rested, a heavy gold ring on one finger. He’d never had to fend for himself and he wasn’t quite sure how to do such a thing. Without his quarterly funds, he was nothing.

As distasteful as it was, he had no choice. Beginning tomorrow, he would begin his seduction of Anna Thraxton. He only hoped Anthony’s affections were not strongly engaged. Rupert closed the window and went to drink himself to sleep.

Chapter 21

Women prefer to draw blood using words. It can cause just as much havoc, but it doesn’t stain the carpet.

Viscount Hunterston to Lord Burton, while waiting on their wives outside a meeting of the Society for Wayward Women

Sir Phineas found Anna in the courtyard early the next morning. “Where are you off to?”

She barely spared him a glance as she allowed the groom to assist her onto her horse. “For a nice, quiet ride.”

“You just returned from a ride not an hour ago.”

“That was with the children. It was hardly quiet.”

Sir Phineas leaned on his cane. She was up to something, he could tell from the gleam in her eyes. “When will you be returning?”

“By noon. Maybe sooner.”

He didn’t at all care for the way her hands clenched about the reins. The horse must not have liked it either, for it snorted uneasily. “What about your charges?”

“They are practicing their play this morning. Lily has them well in hand.”

Sir Phineas reached up and placed his hand on her knee. “Anna, is all well?”

“Of course,” she said lightly, though her cheeks pinkened. “I’ve just not been sleeping well, that’s all.”

Hm. This was getting more and more interesting. Sir Phineas made it a habit to wander down to the library late at night. He liked being up and about when no one else was, though for the past two days, his solitary sojourns had been interrupted by Greyley. Apparently the earl was having a difficult time sleeping as well.