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eyes briefly. He was sure Sophia was trying to get him in trouble with Rothwick for some reason. If only he could see where this interview was leading!
    The earl apparently took Richard’s expression for something else. “Yes, it is a painful situation. It is one, however, that must be resolved quickly.”
    “I assure you, my lord, you needn’t regard anything my sister says,” Richard said desperately. “She doesn’t always, ah, mean it.” She’s a damned liar! I swear I didn’t do whatever she said I did! cried Richard’s inner voice, but the rules of good ton stopped him. He ran a trembling finger under a neckcloth that was suddenly tight.
    Rothwick shook his head. “I will be blunt. It is not anything Sophia has said. My presence here is not totally innocent, but I am trying to remedy that. Your sister found me with an unescorted—though respectable—lady, and thus that lady’s reputation is now ruined. The lady’s reputation must be saved. And yet here I am, recently betrothed to Sophia.” Rothwick paused, and Richard thought he almost saw him wince. “You may not see it my way, and I will understand if you do not. I believe the least amount of damage would be done if we could hush up all of this. However, I am afraid our, ah, encounter was overheard and no doubt it will become well known. If Sophia could possibly find it within herself to break off our engagement, I would gladly take the blame. But I am not at all sure she will do it. And yet the lady who accompanied me to this inn is quite innocent and does not deserve a ruined reputation. You see my dilemma.”
    Richard’s world whirled. It was not he who was in trouble, after all! An immense relief descended upon him, and then it hit him: Sophia might not marry Lord Rothwick! There was the distinct possibility that she was not going to be a countess, nor become disgustingly rich. For the first time in a long while a flicker of joy dared creep into his heart. He had been positively sick of Sophia’s boasting that Rothwick had found her irresistible.
    “Thank God!” blurted Richard.
    Rothwick raised his eyebrows.
    “What I mean is, thank God you aren’t the sort of man who would abandon a lady after compromising her reputation,” said Richard, recovering himself hurriedly. “I would be saddened, indeed, to think our family is that mistaken in your character.”
    The earl’s eyebrows were still raised, but he gave an acknowledging bow. “I fear you flatter me,” he said. “It’s a damnable situation, and reflects badly on my judgment. I hope I can choose the course that will cause the least amount of scandal. There will be some gossip, but I will endeavor to see that your sister will not suffer any harm. You may be sure I will make it known the fault lies at my door, not hers.”
    Richard bowed in turn. “I have heard nothing that has not been honorable regarding you, sir. I am certain you will do all you can.” An embryo plan suddenly sprang to life in his mind. “But... I think I may be able to convince Sophia to break your engagement, my lord.”
    Rothwick looked at him keenly. “You seem to be taking this quite calmly, Amberley,” he commented.
    Richard had the grace to blush. “Yes, well—that is to say—” He stopped and looked Rothwick straight in the eye. “Frankly, sir, after my first, ah, misgivings, I’m not all that sure Sophie didn’t have it coming to her. She’s—she’s damnably difficult to live with sometimes.”
    The earl smiled disbelievingly. “Really? She seems charming enough to me.”
    “Of course,” Richard replied bitterly. “You’re not her brother. What’s more, you’re an earl. Easy enough to be charming to someone like you.” He paused and came to a decision. “I’ll tell you what, Rothwick: I think you are doing the right thing. I think Sophie is not really ready for marriage; but convincing her to end the engagement won’t be easy. Father’ll see your side of it; any sensible man