“After we met at Ivy Grove, we found we had much in common. He has called on me a few times,” she fibbed, “and we decided we suit. I expected you would be happy since you were so intent on reintroducing me to the Marriage Mart. Furthermore, I am actually marrying into your family. Isn’t it wonderful?”
He blinked several times. “Yes, of course. I’m just surprised. You didn’t mention he was courting you when you visited the other day.”
The skepticism in his tone was slightly annoying. “Things happened rather quickly. I really can’t tell if you’re pleased or not. Is this because you’re planning to contest Rafe’s claim to the title?”
“I still haven’t decided. But I must do so very soon because his claim was presented today. I expect you already know that.”
She didn’t, and that disappointed her. “I want you to know what a good person Rafe is. There is much you don’t know about him.”
“Then please inform me,” he said, settling back in the chair and trying to appear serene despite the tic in his jaw.
Hesitating, Anne glanced at her sister. Should she reveal what she knew of Rafe? The things he kept private and only very recently exposed to her? “He just is.”
“Unless you can point to something that proves what you say, I’m afraid I’ll need to reserve judgment.”
Frustrated by her godfather’s behavior and driven by the need to defend the man she loved, Anne turned her back on caution and hoped Rafe would understand. “He owns a bookshop on Paternoster Row and has for some time. He’s made wise investments and built a considerable fortune. He helps orphans find employment and provides them housing if they need it. He is liked and respected in Cheapside.” She recalled all the people who knew him from when they’d visited Paternoster Row and Cheapside during their stolen afternoons. Every one of them—and there were many—had greeted him warmly.
“So that’s where he lived before?” her godfather asked. “Cheapside?”
“Yes.” She thought of his house there and how his wife hadn’t lived at that residence. It bothered her that she didn’t know where he’d lived before then, but she was still learning all there was to know about him, just as he was about her.
Her godfather tipped his head to the side. “Will he continue in trade, I wonder?”
“Does it matter?” Jane asked, saying what Anne was thinking.
“I suppose not.” He pursed his lips and stared at Anne a moment. “I care so very deeply for you, my dear. Are you certain you wish to wed yourself to this unknown man? There will be some who will never accept him, even if he is declared the earl.”
“Then those people will be the lesser for it,” she said coolly, irritated that this man who’d been a second father to her wasn’t being more supportive.
“I beg your pardon, my lord,” the butler interrupted from the doorway. “Lady Burnhope is here.”
Deborah swept into the drawing room, the hem of her gown brushing the butler’s legs as she moved by him. She blinked in surprise at Anne and Jane. “You’re Papa’s guests?”
“Yes, dear,” the earl answered. “But I am just leaving. I must be off to Westminster.” He rose.
Deborah clucked her tongue. “Because of this business with Bowles.”
“His name is Mallory, and you know it.” Anne exchanged a look with Jane. “We know you’re behind the newspaper article about Rafe’s identity.”
Eyes rounding, Deborah lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know how you can claim that. I certainly didn’t inform the newspaper.”
“Not directly.” Anne glowered at her. Harry had learned that someone from Deborah’s household had supplied the rumor. “Can’t you just mind your own business?”
Deborah blinked in affront. “This is my business. My father’s business anyway, and that makes it mine. My goodness, we don’t know a thing about Bowles. Should he even be the earl?”
Anne began to see how her godfather might have been encouraged in his doubts about Rafe. Had Deborah urged him to contest the claim?
“I just learned he is from Cheapside,” the earl put in.
Deborah’s fair brows arched as she glanced toward her father. “How mundane.”
Anne rose, her legs quivering with anger, and Jane stood beside her. “You should know that I became betrothed to him yesterday.”
“Did you?” Deborah sniffed. “Well, he is incredibly attractive, so I’ll congratulate you for that.” She looked to her father. “Meeting in the Lords?”
“Your cousin has submitted his claim for the title to the Prince Regent.”
Deborah’s brow puckered. “When will the committee meet to decide?”
“Not until the attorney general refers the matter. That could happen quickly. Or not. It depends on Prinny.” He brushed his hands over his front. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must be on my way.” He went to Anne and took her hand, giving her a half smile. “I just want you to be happy and secure, my dear. I feel it is my duty, especially in your father’s absence, to ensure your well-being. Please pardon me if I’m being overbearing or dubious. You are very dear to me, and while your betrothed is my blood, I feel as though I have a primary commitment to you given our shared past.” He squeezed her hand before nodding at Jane and leaving.
Anne didn’t doubt his sincerity or his concern for her. Still, she wished he could get past his own feelings of loss and disappointment with regard to the earldom. Or at least try to understand how this was for Rafe.
“This is very hard for him,” Deborah said softly, surprising Anne with the caring tenor of her voice.
Jane rounded her eyes briefly at Anne while Deborah stared after her father. “I imagine it is,” Jane said a bit sourly. “Anne was merely hoping he might be a bit more enthused about her happy news.”
Deborah turned her attention back to them, her blue
