“Why is that?”
Charles picked up his glass and brought it to his lips. “Lady Persephone is a haughty young woman who is only interested in gossip.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“That is because she has her claws in you,” Charles said knowingly.
“That is not true.”
Charles walked over to the settee and sat down. “Lady Persephone cast a spell over you, and you are either too blind or stupid to see it.”
“That is rather blunt, brother.”
“It is also rather honest.”
“I will not have you making disparaging comments about Lady Persephone. She could very well become my wife one day.”
Charles took a sip of his drink, then said, “You would be a fool if you tied yourself to her.”
“It would be better than remaining in the marriage mart.”
“Do you intend to marry this Season?”
Roswell shrugged one shoulder. “Perhaps,” he replied. “I need an heir, and Lady Persephone would be a suitable match for me.”
“A suitable match?” Charles repeated. “Is that what you desire?”
“What is wrong with ‘suitable’?”
Leaning forward, Charles placed his nearly empty glass on the table in front of him. “I don’t think I would want to live out the remainder of my days with someone who is merely ‘suitable’.”
“Suitable is—”
Charles spoke over him. “Safe.”
“Precisely,” he replied. “I am not going in with blinders on. I know what Lady Persephone is like, and I recognize that she has some flaws.”
Charles chuckled. “And the Americans are a reasonable lot.”
Ignoring his brother’s attempt at humor, Roswell asked, “What of you? Where is your wife?”
“I am in no rush for the parson’s mousetrap.”
“Then you have no right to judge me.”
“I am not judging you,” Charles replied, growing serious. “I am worried about you. Frankly, we all are.”
“I did not ask for, and do not need, your concern,” Roswell responded dryly.
“Family supports one another,” Charles pressed.
Rising, Roswell walked over to the drink cart and poured himself a drink. “Leave it be,” he said curtly.
Charles gave him a frustrated look. “Have you even talked to anyone about that night?”
He stiffened. “No,” he replied. “There is no need.”
“I just think—” Charles started.
