The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1)(38)

mention it

"Nothing," he finally said, raising a hand in a don't-mind-me motion. "It doesn't signify."

Daphne looked at him for a few moments, as if waiting for him to change his mind, and then turned back to her brother. "Do you admit the wisdom of our plan, then?"

"'Wisdom' might be a bit of a stretch, but"—Anthony looked pained to say it—"I can see where you might think it might benefit you."

"Anthony, I have to find a husband. Besides the fact that Mother is pestering me to death, I want a husband. I want to marry and have a family of my own. I want it more than you could ever know. And thus far, no one acceptable has asked."

Simon had no idea how Anthony could possibly hold out against the warm pleading in her dark eyes. And sure enough, Anthony sagged against the desk and let out a weary groan. "Very well,"

he said, closing his eyes as if he couldn't believe what he was saying, "I shall agree to this if I must."

Daphne jumped up and threw her arms around him.

"Oh, Anthony, I knew you were the very best of brothers." She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"You're just occasionally misguided."

Anthony's eyes floated heavenward before focusing on Simon. "Do you see what I have to put up with?" he asked with shake of his head. His tone was that particular timbre used only from one beleaguered male to another.

Simon chuckled to himself as he wondered when he'd turned from evil seducer back into good friend.

"But," Anthony said loudly, causing Daphne to back up, "I am placing some conditions on this."

Daphne didn't say anything, just blinked as she waited for her brother to continue.

"First of all, this goes no further than this room."

"Agreed," she said quickly.

Anthony looked pointedly at Simon.

"Of course," he replied.

"Mother would be devastated if she learned the truth."

"Actually," Simon murmured, "I rather think your mother would applaud our ingenuity, but



since you have quite obviously known her longer, I bow to your discretion."

Anthony shot him a frosty look. "Second, under no circumstances are the two of you to be alone together. Ever."

"Well, that should be easy," Daphne said, "as we wouldn't be allowed to be alone if we were courting in truth, anyway."

Simon recalled their brief interlude in the hall at Lady Danbury's house, and found it a pity that he wasn't to be allowed any more private time with Daphne, but he recognized a brick wall when he saw one, especially when said wall happened to be named Anthony Bridgerton. So he just nodded and murmured his assent.

"Third—"

"There is a third?" Daphne asked.

"There would be thirty if I could think of them," Anthony growled.

"Very well," she acceded, looking most aggrieved. "If you must."

For a split second Simon thought Anthony might strangle her.

"What are you laughing about?" Anthony demanded.

It was only then that Simon realized that he had snorted a laugh. "Nothing," he said quickly.

"Good," Anthony grunted, "because the third condition is this: If I ever, even once, catch you in any behavior that compromises her... If I ever even catch you kissing her bloody hand without a chaperone, I shall tear your head off."

Daphne blinked. "Don't you think that's a bit excessive?"

Anthony leveled a hard stare in her direction. "No."

"Oh."

"Hastings?"

Simon had no choice but to nod.

"Good," Anthony replied gruffly. "And now that we're done with that, you"—he cocked his head rather abruptly toward Simon—"can leave."

"Anthony!" Daphne exclaimed.





"I assume this means I am disinvited for supper this evening?" Simon asked.

"Yes."

"No!" Daphne jabbed her brother in the arm. "Is Hastings invited for supper? Why did you not say something?"

"It was days ago," Anthony grumbled. "Years."

"It was Monday," Simon said.

"Well, then you must join us," Daphne said firmly.

"Mother will be so delighted. And you"—she poked her brother in the arm—"stop thinking about how you may poison him."

Before Anthony could reply, Simon waved off her words with a chuckle. "Do not worry on my behalf, Daphne. You forget that I attended school with him for nearly a decade. He never did understand the principles of chemistry."

"I shall kill him," Anthony said to himself. "Before the week is out, I shall kill him."

"No you won't," Daphne said blithely. "By tomorrow you will have forgotten all of this and will be smoking cheroots at White's."

"I don't think so," Anthony said ominously.

"Of course you will. Don't you agree, Simon?"

Simon studied his best friend's face and realized he was seeing something new. Something in his eyes. Something serious.

Six years ago, when Simon had left England, he and Anthony had been boys. Oh, they'd thought they were men. They'd gambled and whored and strutted about society, consumed with their own importance, but now they were different.