Sir Phineas waved a blue-veined hand in the air. “I’ve found a better answer to societal woes.”

“Oh?”

The old man flashed a mischievous grin, opened a box on a side table, and withdrew a small, slender yellow bag tied on one end with a pink ribbon. “Here is the answer to every problem the earth faces—famine, disease, pestilence, and sloth.”

Anthony looked at the bag. After a moment, he muttered, “Good God.”

“Do you know what it is?”

“A French sheath, used to prevent pregnancy.”

“I have almost two hundred,” Sir Phineas said proudly.

“How…delightful. I hope you don’t mind, but just, ah, what do you propose to do with them?”

“Convince the crown to distribute them freely to the population. I delivered one to the Prince Regent myself. Seeing as he’s fathered an unusual number of brats off that married woman, Mrs. Fitzgerald, I thought perhaps he didn’t know what one was.”

“I’m sure Prinny was impressed with your thoughtfulness.”

Sir Phineas made a sound of disgust as he replaced the French sheath in the drawer. “Prinny’s a fool. The old king, now there was a man. He would have taken action. Pity he’s gone mad.”

“Indeed,” Anthony said politely, wondering if Anna was ever going to arrive. His irritation was increasing by the moment.

Sir Phineas leaned forward, his gaze bright. “What I really need is someone to back my plan. Someone who could invest a certain sum in providing more French sheaths for the population.”

Bloody hell, the man could not be serious.

Sir Phineas nodded sagely. “I can see you’re struck by the thought of being able to do so much good. It’s a heady responsibility, but I think you’re up to it.”

“I’m afraid you misunderstand—”

“Want to know what benefits you’ll get? Fame, my dear sir. Fame and the satisfying knowledge that you have altered the course of history.”

“How generous of you to offer such an opportunity,” Anthony said dryly.

“Oh, don’t thank me! I’m perfectly comfortable to stand in the background and let you take all the credit. I’ve no wish to be a hero.”

Anthony was trying to think of an acceptable answer when the door opened and Miss Thraxton entered. Dressed in a pale blue morning dress edged with pink rosettes, her hair artfully curled on top of her head, her white skin gleaming delicately, she looked like no governess Anthony had ever seen. She was the epitome of fashion, an undoubted lady of quality, the warm smile on her lips brightening the entire room. Had it not been for her remarkable nose, she would have been astonishingly beautiful.

She stopped when she saw him, her smile dying an immediate death. “Greyley. When did you arrive?”

“Just now.” He stood. “I have been having the most delightful conversation with your grandfather.”

Her gaze flickered to Sir Phineas, and Anthony thought he detected a hint of irritation in her gray eyes. “Grandpapa, why didn’t you send for me when Lord Greyley arrived?”