be served shortly,” Anne offered.
Teach’s jaw clenched as Anne hurried away, effectively leaving Teach alone with Patience. “You look well. Are you recovered?” he asked, hoping Patience wouldn’t question him further
about Anne.
“Yes, quite. It was nothing serious.”
“How is your mother?” Teach asked, hoping Patience
wouldn’t question him further about Anne.
“She had a friend visit unexpectedly and decided to stay
behind.” The relief in her voice was evident.
Teach knew Patience had a closer relationship with Lord
Hervey than with Lady Hervey. It was no doubt due to the
rivalry between the two women, as well as the fact that the
baron was willing to grant Patience her every desire.
“But my mother will arrive in time for our wedding
announcement this weekend,” Patience quickly amended.
“If there is to be an announcement,” Teach said, his voice low.
2 5 4
“Of course there will be,” Patience snapped. “That was why we returned. Our fathers will come to some sort of agreement.”
Not if Teach had anything to do with it.
Patience followed Margery up the stairs, while Teach sought
the seclusion of the library and dropped into an armchair before the fire.
Ignoring the book-lined walls, he closed his eyes, drawing
a deep breath. He was unprepared for the Herveys’ arrival and
had hoped to have more time alone with Anne.
If he couldn’t think of another way to get out of the marriage, he would tell Patience and her father about the piracy charges.
Surely that would be enough to get them to end the agreement. If not, Teach’s future stretched out bleakly before him.
His father and mother had not had an arranged match.
Their partnership had been based on friendship and an abid—
ing love, with mutual respect and admiration. Teach did not
understand why his father refused to afford him the same kind
of happiness.
Unable to remain seated, Teach paced the floor, pausing
every once in a while to stare out at the dreary sky, the gray
clouds oppressive.
One hour passed, but there was still no sign of Anne. Or
Patience.
When the door to the library eventually opened, Teach
turned, but it was only Margery coming to tell him that dinner
was ready.
2 5 5
He continued his pacing in the dining room, the maps on the walls almost mocking him.
Ten minutes later Miss Patience swept in, dressed in a low—
cut pink gown, a matching pink ribbon in her blond curls.
Teach held out her chair as she sat down.
“It appears we will be the only ones eating together,”
Patience said.
Teach paused as he pulled out his own chair. “Why is that?”
Patience cocked an eyebrow at Teach. “My father is resting
in his room and will have a tray sent up later.”
“And Anne?”
“I asked her if she would be joining us, but she didn’t answer.”
“Perhaps I should see if she needs anything,” he said, mov—
ing toward the door. He’d counted on Anne joining them.
“Edward, please. We both know she’s fine. It was ill-mannered
not to respond, but hardly surprising, considering . . .”
“Considering what?” Teach wished he’d thought of retiring
to his room.
Patience let out an exaggerated sigh. “Considering her
breeding.”
“Anne is not ill-mannered. Nor is she unkind. It’s very
possible she didn’t hear you,” he said tightly, doing his best to control his anger. One more word, and he would walk out of the room.
Patience clearly picked up on his ire. “I did not come here
to argue with you. There is something important we need to
2 5 6
discuss. We haven’t had any time together, and I . . .” Her voice trailed off. Teach couldn’t remember the last time Patience had looked so uncertain. “Please.”
With a heavy heart Teach returned to the table and sat
down, across from Patience. The clock on the mantel ticked
in time with his heartbeat. When the door to the dining room
opened and Margery brought in the first course, Teach barely
managed to hide his sigh of relief.
“Thank you, Margery,” Teach said with a slight smile.
“It’s good to see you smile,” Patience said. “You’re always so
severe these days.”
“No more severe than last year,” Teach said.
Patience winced as she picked up her spoon and began
eating. She waited until the Margery had left the room before
speaking again. “But you have changed, and no one can blame
you. I know your father is constantly harping on you about
one fault or another. I’m just saying that I recognize why you
seem more serious than usual.”
Teach gave a noncommittal shrug. The last person he
wanted to discuss with Patience was his father.
“Do you remember the first time we met? You and William
had just returned from school for the holidays. You teased me