Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)(71)

“We did arrive a day early. I’ll go and rest for a bit, if you don’t mind.”

“And I’ll go and see about the afternoon meal. Dinner will

be served shortly,” Anne offered.

Teach’s jaw clenched as Anne hurried away, effectively leaving Teach alone with Patience. “You look well. Are you recovered?” he asked, hoping Patience wouldn’t question him further

about Anne.

“Yes, quite. It was nothing serious.”

“How is your mother?” Teach asked, hoping Patience

wouldn’t question him further about Anne.

“She had a friend visit unexpectedly and decided to stay

behind.” The relief in her voice was evident.

Teach knew Patience had a closer relationship with Lord

Hervey than with Lady Hervey. It was no doubt due to the

rivalry between the two women, as well as the fact that the

baron was willing to grant Patience her every desire.

“But my mother will arrive in time for our wedding

announcement this weekend,” Patience quickly amended.

“If there is to be an announcement,” Teach said, his voice low.





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“Of course there will be,” Patience snapped. “That was why we returned. Our fathers will come to some sort of agreement.”

Not if Teach had anything to do with it.

Patience followed Margery up the stairs, while Teach sought

the seclusion of the library and dropped into an armchair before the fire.

Ignoring the book-lined walls, he closed his eyes, drawing

a deep breath. He was unprepared for the Herveys’ arrival and

had hoped to have more time alone with Anne.

If he couldn’t think of another way to get out of the marriage, he would tell Patience and her father about the piracy charges.

Surely that would be enough to get them to end the agreement. If not, Teach’s future stretched out bleakly before him.

His father and mother had not had an arranged match.

Their partnership had been based on friendship and an abid—

ing love, with mutual respect and admiration. Teach did not

understand why his father refused to afford him the same kind

of happiness.

Unable to remain seated, Teach paced the floor, pausing

every once in a while to stare out at the dreary sky, the gray

clouds oppressive.

One hour passed, but there was still no sign of Anne. Or

Patience.

When the door to the library eventually opened, Teach

turned, but it was only Margery coming to tell him that dinner

was ready.





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He continued his pacing in the dining room, the maps on the walls almost mocking him.

Ten minutes later Miss Patience swept in, dressed in a low—

cut pink gown, a matching pink ribbon in her blond curls.

Teach held out her chair as she sat down.

“It appears we will be the only ones eating together,”

Patience said.

Teach paused as he pulled out his own chair. “Why is that?”

Patience cocked an eyebrow at Teach. “My father is resting

in his room and will have a tray sent up later.”

“And Anne?”

“I asked her if she would be joining us, but she didn’t answer.”

“Perhaps I should see if she needs anything,” he said, mov—

ing toward the door. He’d counted on Anne joining them.

“Edward, please. We both know she’s fine. It was ill-mannered

not to respond, but hardly surprising, considering . . .”

“Considering what?” Teach wished he’d thought of retiring

to his room.

Patience let out an exaggerated sigh. “Considering her

breeding.”

“Anne is not ill-mannered. Nor is she unkind. It’s very

possible she didn’t hear you,” he said tightly, doing his best to control his anger. One more word, and he would walk out of the room.

Patience clearly picked up on his ire. “I did not come here

to argue with you. There is something important we need to





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discuss. We haven’t had any time together, and I . . .” Her voice trailed off. Teach couldn’t remember the last time Patience had looked so uncertain. “Please.”

With a heavy heart Teach returned to the table and sat

down, across from Patience. The clock on the mantel ticked

in time with his heartbeat. When the door to the dining room

opened and Margery brought in the first course, Teach barely

managed to hide his sigh of relief.

“Thank you, Margery,” Teach said with a slight smile.

“It’s good to see you smile,” Patience said. “You’re always so

severe these days.”

“No more severe than last year,” Teach said.

Patience winced as she picked up her spoon and began

eating. She waited until the Margery had left the room before

speaking again. “But you have changed, and no one can blame

you. I know your father is constantly harping on you about