She gaped at him.
“The bastard is attempting to blackmail me with the threat of revealing his daughter’s presence here that precipitated our marriage if I do not see that he receives an offer.”
“Are you going to help him?”
“No.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Poor Annabelle. Imagine growing up in such a household. She’s nothing but a commodity to them.”
“Yes, well, as I said, I shall deal with her father in good time.”
She searched his face. “I think you should at least tell her you’ve heard from him.”
He sent her a bland smile and straightened from the desk. “I appreciate your advice. I shall bear it in mind.”
“In other words, you’ve already made up your mind against doing so. Sterling, she’s fragile in some ways, I’ll grant you that. But she’s also smart and capable.”
“I’m aware.”
“I think she can handle the truth.” She bit her lower lip, then sent him a beseeching look. “About many things.”
His feigned smile vanished. “Stop right there. Madam, whatever you’re contemplating, forget it. Annabelle is my wife and I will handle her as I see fit.”
Regarding him balefully, she chewed her inner lip.
He might as well throw more fuel on the fire. “Meanwhile, I’ve decided to adjust our travel itinerary.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve received word from my steward that he’ll be further delayed. I will await him on my own and send you and Annabelle ahead. Chip will escort you. You’ll stop in Harrogate, I think.” He considered, briefly. “Yes, Harrogate. I hear the waters are considered very healthful and that the city’s a favorite among the upper class.”
“What? What on earth…? Have you informed Annabelle of this?”
“No. I shall do so presently so she can commence packing as you’ll leave on the ‘morrow—and then I must briefly go off island.”
Caroline huffed in exasperation. “Sterling, this is completely unnecessary. Not to mention I do not think your bride will be at all pleased to be forcibly separated from you.”
Despite his determination to see his plan to fruition, his sister’s words brought a flush of pleasure. It was all he could do to staunch the threatening grin. “You think not?”
“She’s in love with you. Surely you recognize the signs?”
The urge to grin vanished as gooseflesh sprouted over his limbs and a fierce sense of—he didn’t want to call itlonging,but it was damned close—filled him at the notion.DidAnnabelle love him? She had given him her body with unabashed abandon, but she’d never so much as hinted at harboring tender feelings for him.
He clamped down hard on the mental cogitation. He did not have the luxury of meditating on such non-essential matters. Still, he heard himself ask, “Did she say so?”
She gave a soft chuckle that made him regret his query. “She did not need to. Idohave eyes.”
The silly grin threatened once more. He cleared his throat. “Be that as it may. There are things that require my complete attention. It would be best for Annabelle—and you, my dear sister—if you are away from the island. My decision is final.”
Her mouth firmed, then her eyes narrowed on him in speculation. “There’s something else, isn’t there? Something you aren’t telling me.”
“There are many things I do not tell you, Caroline, because you do not need to know everything I know.”
Her indignation was instant. “Of all the bloody, arrogant—”
“You’ll have to excuse me,” he said, already striding for the door. “I must speak with Annabelle before I head out.”
***
