“—are engaged to be married.” This time it was the earl’s turn to interrupt.
She could imagine their shocked expressions. Blythe’s gasp was piercing in the sudden silence. Audrey would have revealed their news another way, explained they’d come to an understanding … oh, what would have been the point?
But it bothered her that she’d told Lord Knightsbridge she wanted to handle the announcement, and he’d either forgotten—or ignored her.
“I—I—” Blythe stuttered.
Audrey could hear the shrillness in her tone, knew she was so angry as to be near tears. Blythe would think that once again, blind Audrey had captured a husband—her second—and Blythe had none.
“Sit down before you fall over, Blythe,” their father said with exasperation.
“C-congratulations, my lord,” Blythe stuttered.
“Thank you, Miss Collins.”
“No congratulations are necessary,” Lord Collins said. “I don’t approve of this engagement.”
“Audrey is an adult, Father,” Edwin said impassively. “She doesn’t need your permission.”
Audrey’s mouth almost dropped open. Was her brother actually on her side? Did he at last understand she’d been trapped like a wounded bird all these years—or did he just want to be rid of the embarrassment of her?
“But … you barely know each other,” Blythe said in a soft voice.
Audrey was impressed by how hard her sister was working to control herself. She truly hadn’t wanted Blythe to be hurt.
“It feels as if we’ve known each other much longer,” Lord Knightsbridge said.
He took her hand, and she had to struggle not to show her surprise. She hadn’t realized he’d come close, so lost in her thoughts she wasn’t listening well.
And his hand was bare, and so was hers, his skin warm, callused across the palm. It felt so different from her own, so … male. She was putting herself in those hands, trusting them. And Blythe was right—she barely knew Lord Knightsbridge.
“I have never conversed so easily with a woman,” the earl continued.
His voice was low and smooth as a caress. Audrey could only imagine how it would feel if he were really using the power of that voice to woo her.
“I felt Mrs. Blake understood me, and I understood her. I don’t see her blindness, I see everything she’s accomplished.”
Lord Collins snorted. “I’ve told him she has no dowry but that little house, and he doesn’t care. That seems suspicious to me.”
“How much more money does a person need?” Lord Knightsbridge asked.
“Audrey, how do you feel about this?” Edwin said. “You’ve only known him two days.” He hesitated. “And as for your first marriage?—”
“Do you not think I’ve learned from that?” Audrey asked. “I know this is quick, but I’ve never felt this way before. And we will not rush the marriage. We will take our time, living in our own households.”
“Oh, I had not realized,” Edwin said, sounding relieved. “Then you can change your mind.”
“Of course I can,” Audrey said firmly. “I have learned hard lessons, dear brother. I won’t forget them. I’ll be sure, this time.”
He was obviously trying to sound more lighthearted as he said, “Of course, he is a war hero. That must count for something.”
“I am no hero,” Lord Knightsbridge said.
Audrey was surprised at the cool tones of his voice, and it made her curious about this new “fiancé” of hers. No one spoke for a moment.
“I—I have to pack for London,” Blythe suddenly blurted out.
Her trip had been long planned, and Audrey had totally forgotten. She heard the hurrying tap of her slippers leave the room.
