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“They’ve already hired someone,” William said. “They are well versed in what to say or, in this case, not say.”

“No surname,” Alexander said. “Should I assume it’s the same as mine?”

“I would not,” William replied.

Chapter 1

London, England - December 1817

“Happy Christmas!” The Humphries family gathered at the doorway of their London home to welcome the visitors.

Giddy with excitement, Vivian Humphries could barely stand still. It was to be a wonderful holiday because her sister Clara was in London spending Christmas day with the family.

Standing in the doorway beside Clara was her husband, the dashing Viscount William Torrington, along with his parents, Duke and Duchess Torrington.

Welcomes and kisses on the cheeks were exchanged as the group entered and were greeted by Vivian, her parents, and her sister Penelope. All together it was a mad jumble, and she loved every second of it.

Just behind the group, the most maddening man stood and was obviously there to visit as well.

Like a brother to William, Mr. Alexander Yarnsby was included in everything. Of course, it shouldn’t have surprised Vivian he was there. She took a deep breath, deciding not to allow his appearance to dampen her good spirits.

Forcing her smile to remain, Vivian slid a look to Penelope, her youngest sister. As expected, Penelope had no qualms whatsoever at showing her displeasure at Alexander Yarnsby’s appearance, glaring at the man.

“We are pleased that you are joining us today,” her mother, ever gracious, told Yarnsby as he bent over her hand, kissing the back of it.

Just as his green eyes met hers, Vivian took a step back. “I do believe Cook calls.” She began to turn, but Penelope took advantage of the announcement.

“I will go and see what she needs.” Her sister dashed away, taking with her an opportunity for Vivian to ignore the ever-overwhelming Mr. Yarnsby.

“Miss Humphries. It is a pleasure, as always.” His deep voice was like a smooth velvet. At least to Vivian it was. He didn’t seem to have the same effect on anyone else in her family.

Since her mother looked on, she held up her hand, and he took it. “Mr. Yarnsby.”

“Isn’t it wonderful we have a houseful at Christmas?” her mother exclaimed to someone. Vivian wasn’t sure who, as her attention was riveted to where Mr. Yarnsby’s lips lingered on her hand.

“Vivian?” Her mother studied her. “Why don’t you and your sisters slip into the parlor?”

Apparently, she’d forgotten to breathe because she gulped in air, alarmed to have lost herself for a moment. Thankfully, Yarnsby was already walking away with the other men to her father’s study.

How long had she been standing there like a statue with her hand in the air? It was most mortifying and the reason she disliked being anywhere near the annoying Mr. Yarnsby.

There was a knowing smile playing on the edges of her mother’s lips when she looked at her.

“Would you like to see the preparations in the dining room?” her mother asked Duchess Torrington, and they left. Her mother wanted time alone with Her Grace as they’d become fast friends and liked to coordinate the social events they’d attend.

“I would think Mr. Yarnsby would be spending the holiday with his own family,” Vivian announced as soon as she entered the sitting room. “I find the man most distracting. He does everything in his power to annoy me.”

Clara’s expression became pensive. “I do believe that he and William have spent the holidays together since they were very young.” There was more to the story, but it was not something Vivian truly cared to speak about. He’d already distracted her enough for the day.

“I truly hope Tommy comes tonight. I wish to discuss becoming engaged.” Penelope sighed dramatically. She was enamored with the idea of marrying her childhood friend Thomas Rutherford, who presently worked as an understudy at Parliament.

Clara’s eyes widened. “You must not do such a thing,” Clara chided. “It is most inappropriate to bring up the subject of marriage with someone who has not declared himself.”

“I agree,” Vivian added. “A lady should not have to ask a man to declare himself.”

“Very well. I am sure he will make his intentions clear soon. It is just that he is very busy.” Penelope looked out to the garden and once again sighed.

Vivian took her young sister’s hand. “It is not that we do not wish you to be happy. However, we do not wish you ruined by your own actions.”