Free Invitation to Ruin by Bronwen Evans Page B

“Don’t you start. You’re as bad as Richard.” Taking the whiskey decanter with him, Anthony sat behind his desk. “My so-called brother, a brother I have now disowned, has achieved that which no woman ever has. He’s managed to get me leg shackled.”
    Rufus threw back his head and roared with laughter.
    “It’s not funny,” Anthony snapped.
    “Not to you,” Rufus said, sobering. “I shall have to find Richard and congratulate him. How on earth did he manage that mammoth task?”
    With more than a little embarrassment, he told his sorry tale and ended it with: “The moral of the story is, do not go without bedding a wench for more than three months. It addles the brain and makes you susceptible to all manner of treachery. “
    Rufus stuck out his glass for a refill. “I know you too well, friend. You do not seem as miffed as you make out. If she looks like Lady Sudbury, she must be a rare beauty. So, are you pleased or disappointed in your betrothal?”
    Anthony put down his drink. A flitter of nervousness somersaulted in his stomach remembering Melissa’s horror at the knowledge she would have to wed him. He could not for the life of him work out why. She wasn’t afraid of him. Her calm refusal was not made in fear. He’d almost lost his nerve to carry out his plan when he gazed upon her serene features. She was so composed.
    He’d been lost in the ethereal beauty of her, her narrow nose, the dark sweep of her raven brows, and the lush curve of her rose-kissed lips. She was a most lovely creature, and the urge to crush her in his arms had stolen over him so suddenly, he’d almost made love to her again before remembering his plan.
    A wry smile twisted his lips. “She is very pleasing to the eye.”
    “Ah …” Rufus leaned back in his chair and shook his head. “Desire is a good way to begin a marriage. I still cannot believe Lord Wickham has accepted being hog-tied into matrimony so easily. Hell, if I’d known you’d have crumpled so effortlessly, I would have tried to compromise you a long time ago.” He raised his glass. “Here’s to Richard.”
    Anthony checked the alignment of his cravat with his fingers. “I have my reasons for wanting this marriage. If you are so enamored of the state of matrimony, why are you not wife hunting?”
    Rufus stilled. “You know why. Once I have uncovered the truth about my father and restored my family’s honor, I shall marry. Not before then.”
    They exchanged knowing looks. That’s why they were friends. Rufus’s father was reputed to be as despicable as his own. A traitor who’d sold secrets to the French. The only difference was Rufus thought his father was innocent. Anthony knew his father wasn’t.
    Rufus’s eyes narrowed. “You mentioned you have a reason to marry. What reason would this be? I thought Richard was supposed to provide the Wickham heir?” Rufus’s smile faded. “I doubt it could be love. You haven’t been pursuing any woman except Cassandra as far as I am aware.”
    “Don’t you have something of more importance to discuss with me?” Anthony desperately wanted to change the subject. “Or are my impending nuptials of more interest?”
    His expression bland, Rufus slid a cool, unaffected gaze at him. “I do have more pressing business, but I shan’t forget tofurther this conversation at a later time. I’m looking forward to meeting Miss Goodly.” Rufus stood and moved to the window, his shoulders immediately tensed. “It’s about the Royal Navy slave blockade.”
    Anthony stiffened. “You know my ships are available to help if needed.”
    Rufus swung around to face him. “It also involves your old friend, Baron Rothsay.”
    A cold chill shot down Anthony’s back, and he pushed up out of his chair. “Let me guess, Rothsay is still carrying human cargo.”
    “Nothing that we can prove—yet. That is why I’d be interested to hear what Captain Hawker thinks on his return. I have some information I would like him to