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relating what the old man has said. Anyway, he believes that it is high time that you knuckled down and started doing something useful with your life. He said, and this is a direct quote, that you are “to stop your hedonistic and decadent ways and earn your place in the family” . He also commented that it was time for you to start thinking about marriage.’
    ‘Good God. I swear it is far too early to be discussing such a disagreeable subject.’
    ‘I believe he has drawn up a list of suitable brides. Apparently he is willing to give you the choice.’
    ‘How kind of him,’ Evander said through gritted teeth.
    ‘I thought you would think so.’
    ‘And he has used you as a messenger. I thought that he would at least come down and tell me himself.’
    ‘When does that ever happen? I received his decree yesterday morning.’
    ‘One day, Alistair, he will go too far. I do have my pride and my residence in Pimlico. Grandmother left me a small bequest. It is not a princely sum but I shan’t starve in a garret either.’
    ‘Never fear. I shan’t allow you to starve, in a garret or anywhere else for that matter.’
    Evander grinned at his brother. ‘Thank you. I know that I can always count on you. But tell me, was that what he did to you? I mean, is that how you chose Victoria as your fiancé?’
    ‘No, we had always known we had been destined for each other. No point fighting it. Both families are pleased with the match. Besides, we’ve known Victoria since we were children and she was always agreeable.’
    Evander nodded his head. ‘I have always been fond of her but then I’m not the one marrying her.’
    Alistair cleared his throat and looked a little uncomfortable. ‘Was your evening agreeable?’ he asked as he pointedly changed the subject.
    ‘Yes, it was. Anthony and I went to the ballet at The Imperial.’
    ‘Did you go carousing afterwards?’
    Evander picked up his cup and sipped the dark coffee. After a moment lost in savouring its flavour, he responded to his brother’s question. ‘No, I thought we were leaving early this morning.’
    Alistair sat back in his chair with a look of surprise on his face. ‘We are... I mean to say that’s excellent. We shall leave straight after breakfast.’
    ‘Good, for I have a longing to see Temperly once more.’
    ‘Temperly is all but a ruin. Surely you mean Gainswith Park?’
    ‘No, I mean Temperly. I have always held it in affection,’ he answered in a firm voice.
    ‘It’s barely fifty acres with a crumbling tower and a wild wood.’ Alistair said dismissively.
    ‘Perhaps, but brother, Temperly is the only thing that I have ever envied you for,’ Evander confessed.
    ‘Truly? You do not covet my position and what comes with it?’ Alistair’s stare held Evander’s eyes as if he was trying to tell if his younger brother spoke the truth.
    ‘No Alistair, I do not. For some odd reason I have always been fond of you. It is not your fault that you were born first and will inherit the lion’s share of our father’s estate,’ Evander said. The conversation had very quickly taken a serious turn, something that Evander was not comfortable with, especially this early in the morning. ‘As I said, I have coveted Temperly since I was a child.’
    ‘And nothing more?’
    ‘No... Well...perhaps Temperly and the little ballerina I met last night.’ Evander answered with a wolfish grin.
    Alistair threw back his head and laughed. ‘And here I was worried that my rogue of a brother had totally reformed. So do tell, what of this ballerina?’
    ‘There is nothing to tell. The chit shut me down and refused my “honourable” suggestion that I would accompany her home. She would have nothing to do with me.’
    ‘Clever girl!’ Alistair laughed. ‘I suppose she knew who you were?’
    ‘I introduced myself but it didn’t seem to matter a whit. Miss Lisette Devoré was far from impressed.’
    ‘And what will you do?’ Alistair grinned and waited