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reasonable excuse to do so, he would leave.
    Of their own volition, his eyes strayed to his beautiful former correspondent. He could fool the others, but not himself. Having finally laid eyes on her, the idea of turning around and leaving was nearly inconceivable.
    Soon, he would be gone from their lives forever, but just not quite yet.
    * * *
    With the initial excitement of her brother’s arrival waning, Evie could not wait to get her brother alone and learn what had really brought them to the Hall. In answer to Papa’s inquiry, Richard had claimed they had grown bored of the city and wanted a change of scenery before the Season began in earnest.
    It had been all she could do not to snort. Richard grow tired of the city? Not a chance. As they climbed the shallow limestone steps to the house, she waited impatiently for the opportunity to question him alone. She stole a quick glance at their guest and bit her bottom lip against the fresh flutter of butterflies within her stomach. She couldn’t wait to hear more about who the devil this Mr. Benedict was and why she had never heard of him before.
    Honestly, it really wasn’t fair that such a man existed in England and she had not yet had the pleasure of laying eyes on him. She might not want to marry, but she certainly wasn’t dead.
    The heavy oak door swung open on well-oiled hinges, and Finnington appeared, dipping his head to Papa. “Lord Raleigh’s chamber and a guest suite are nearly prepared, my lord.”
    Evie offered the butler a discreet wink. One should never underestimate the efficiency of a well-trained staff. They had probably gone to work the moment the men reached the drive.
    Papa rubbed his hands together. “Excellent. I imagine you gentlemen will want a moment to collect yourselves. Why don’t we meet for some refreshments in a half hour or so?” He turned to Richard and clasped him on the shoulder. “You should go surprise your mother before you head up to your bedchamber. She’s probably still in the drawing room. Finnington can show Mr. Benedict to his room while I go freshen up.”
    Richard agreed, and Papa, Mr. Benedict, and Finnington headed up the curving staircase. Evie couldn’t have planned it better herself. As Richard turned toward the Rose Salon, Evie pounced, snagging him by the arm. She waited until the sound of the others’ footsteps receded before releasing him. “All right, out with it. What is going on?”
    “Whatever do you mean?” The very picture of nonchalance, he grabbed a handful of nuts from a crystal bowl on the ornately carved side table and tossed a few in his mouth. “Nothing is ‘going on.’”
    “Yes, and I’m the lead in the next production of Othello. ”
    “Really? Well, good for you, Bit. I always knew you had a flare for the dramatic.” He grinned cheekily, and she smiled despite herself.
    “Don’t be an ass. You wouldn’t leave London so close to the Season without a reason.”
    “As I told Father, I simply decided the country sounded like a bit of a reprieve from the city. It can get tiresome, you know.”
    “Yes, I know, but you know no such thing. My whole life you’ve done nothing but wax poetic about the offerings of the city.” A reprieve from the city, indeed. He must think she was born yesterday. “Let me see. . . .”
    She folded her arms and tilted her head to the side, narrowing her eyes. “Using the most scientific of approaches, I have derived that you are here”—she paused for dramatic effect—“because of a woman.”
    A sheepish grin lit her brother’s face. “Yes, of course. It was never going to be a great mystery. Though I do hate being so damned predictable.”
    “If there is trouble with you, there is sure to be a woman at the heart of the matter,” she said knowingly. Their close relationship meant that she knew far more about his vices than could be called proper.
    “Truer words have never been spoken, though I never thought you would admit it.”
    She scowled