“Thank you, sir. I shall keep your offer in mind. His lordship is in the library. Shall I announce you?”

“Lud, no. I’ll announce myself.” Devon walked toward a wide door at the end of the hall, then stopped, staring up at a huge tapestry that now adorned the wall over the impressive curving stairs. The thing depicted a battle of some sort, with warriors in strange garb swinging huge swords. Here and there were slain enemies, their heads chopped off and lying in pools of blood. “Where in bloody hell did my brother find that?”

Jeffries paused, a faint shimmer of disapproval on his face. “I believe it just arrived from India, sir. The workers took almost three entire days to hang it to his lordship’s satisfaction.”

“They should take it back. I’ve never seen anything so hideous in my life.”

“Lord Greyley had the same reaction, not ten minutes ago.”

Devon turned to look at the butler. “My half brother is here as well?”

“Yes, sir. And the countess, with one of their children. I believe they came to town to consult a physician, or so I heard the countess say.”

“I hope nothing is amiss. Thank you, Jeffries.” Devon made his way to the library, his heels ringing on the cold marble floor. It was a good thing Anthony was here. He had a calm, logical way about him that might be of assistance.

With a light knock on the library door, Devon let himself into the room. Anthony leaned against the mantel, his huge frame dwarfing even that monstrous affair. His hair, unlike his half siblings’, was a golden brown. He always reminded Devon of a bear—large and growling.

But there was no harm to Anthony. His worst fault was an overly sincere desire always to be right. Though he hadn’t been born a St. John, it was the one characteristic that bound him the most closely to his brothers and sister.

His wife, Anna, was seated on a nearby chair, her reddish hair warm in the morning sun. One of their many children sat beside her, fiddling with the tassels on a pillow.

Less than a year ago, Anthony had inherited five children, and Anna had come to the house as governess. But the sparks that had existed between the two had been undeniable and within a remarkably short time, they had fallen deeply in love. Devon tried not to remember that Anthony had had that blasted talisman ring in his possession at the time.

“Devon!” Anthony said. “What brings you here? Not out of funds, are you?”

“Me? I’m never out of funds,” Devon said, walking forward to greet his half brother. “I’m the lucky one, remember?”

“Ah, yes. The one who never loses. How could I have forgotten?”

“I have no idea, for I’ve reminded you oft enough. What brings you to London?”

“My son, Richard,” Anthony said, nodding toward the boy who sat beside Anna. “Anna believes he cannot hear well, which is why he does not speak as he should.”