Penelope shrugged and said, “Do you see what I mean?”

Blake came back into the drawing room and sat down, saying, “Don't let my appearance put a halt to your conversation.”

“Nonsense,” Penelope said, “it's only that…hmmm.”

“Why don't I like the sound of this?” Blake muttered.

Penelope jumped to her feet. “I have something I simply must show to Caroline. Blake, will you keep her company while I fetch it from my room?”

In a flash, she was gone, and Blake asked, “What was that about?”

“I'm afraid your sister might have taken it into her head to play matchmaker.”

“With you?”

“I'm not that bad,” she snapped. “Some might even consider me a matrimonial prize.”

“I beg your pardon,” he said quickly. “I didn't mean to offend. It's just that this must mean she's getting quite desperate.”

She gaped at him. “Could you possibly be unaware of how rude that sounded?”

He had the grace to color slightly. “Once again, I must apologize. It is only that Penelope has been trying to find me a wife for years, but she usually limits her search to ladies whose families she can trace back to the Norman invasion. Not,” he said hastily, “that there is anything wrong with your family. Just that Penelope cannot know your background.”

“I'm sure if she did, she would find it unsuitable,” Caroline said peevishly. “I may be an heiress, but my father was in trade.”

“Yes, so you keep saying. None of this should have ever come to pass if Prewitt hadn't so determined to catch an heiress for his son.”

“I don't think I enjoy the comparison to a fish.”

Blake looked at her sympathetically. “You must know that that is how people view heiresses—as prey to be caught.” When she didn't reply, he added, “It really doesn't signify, however. I will never marry.”

“I know.”

“Still, you should feel flattered. It means Penny must like you very much.”

Caroline just gave him a stony stare. “Blake,” she finally said, “I believe you are choking on your foot.”

There was an awkward silence, and then Blake attempted to patch things up by saying, “Mrs. Mickle refused to prepare any food unless she knew you were here.”

“Yes, I surmised as much. She's very sweet.”

“That is not quite the adjective I would use to describe her, but I can see where you might think so.”

There was yet another uncomfortable silence, and this time Caroline broke it. “I understand your brother had a daughter recently.”

“Yes, his fourth.”

“You must be delighted.”

He looked at her sharply. “Why would you say that?”

“I should think it would be lovely to have a niece. Of course, as an only child I shall never be an aunt.” Her gaze grew wistful. “I adore little babies.”

“Perhaps you will have one of your own.”

“I doubt it.” Caroline had always hoped to marry for love, but since the man she loved intended to go to the grave a bachelor, it seemed she would remain unwed as well.