Page 9 of Vying for a Viscount
Hunter looked at him as if he had lost his mind.
Well, he just might have. Never in a million years had he imagined Hunter and Anastasia together. He shut his eyes and groaned. No. Not thinking about them that way.
At least when he watched Warren watch Aurora, he saw nothing but innocent smiles and looks. Which made him think, what the hell was wrong with Warren? Didn’t he want Aurora? He sighed and slouched in his chair. Hunter was right. He had lost his mind. If only his father weren’t so sick and his mother would leave his bedside, even though his nurse was there, to take over the chaperoning duties. A brother should not be chaperoning his beautiful sisters. But he’d promised his mother he would do it. She only trusted him with their safety and reputations. Greyson knew what men thought and wanted regarding a lady. Most of it revolved around getting them naked and in bed. Hell, being naked and using a bed wasn’t even necessary when it came to compromising a lady. If he wanted to keep his sisters’ reputations pristine, he’d better take his duties more seriously.
After forty-five minutes, Greyson cleared his throat and stood. “I believe, gentlemen, tea is over.”
After goodbyes were exchanged, Greyson stopped Hunter from leaving and said, “Can I have a word in private?”
Once again, Hunter looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Greyson made a promise to himself never to have daughters. The strain was giving him indigestion. How did mothers and fathers survive the Season until their daughters wed? He never wanted to find out.
He led Hunter to his father’s study, which he had taken over. Not only had he taken over the study, but he was also managing everything pertaining to the earldom and his parents’ personal matters. At least when he became the earl, he cringed at the thought because thatmeant his father would be dead, he would already know all there was to know, and the transition would be easy and fast.
“Sit,” he barked, turning to a table behind the desk and pouring brandy into two crystal glasses. He handed one to Hunter, sat in the chair beside him, turned it so he faced Hunter, and downed his drink in one swallow. “What the hell is going on between you and Anastasia?”
Hunter looked at him and smirked, then threw back his drink and set the empty glass on the desk. “I thought it was obvious when I sent her flowers and called on her today.”
Greyson glared at him, and he couldn’t help but chuckle as Hunter glared right back. “You are an arse. Why didn’t you ever tell me you were interested in Anastasia?”
He looked thoughtful. “Because I wasn’t really until recently. Not until we spent time together in Newmarket. I’ve tried to keep my distance for our friendship’s sake.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Except to stay away isn’t really fair to Anastasia or me if there are feelings there to explore.”
“What changed?”
Hunter exhaled and ran his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know. When we were in Newmarket, I really got to know her.” He exhaled. “I’ve known her since she was a little girl, but when I look at her now, I see the beautiful woman she has become.”
Greyson choked on nothing, and Hunter smacked him on the back. “Stop that,” Greyson croaked, shoving his arm away.
Hunter narrowed his eyes again. “I thought you were dying.”
“You would be happy if I died. Then you could do whatever you wanted with my sister.”
Hunter turned serious and looked offended. “You are out of your bloody mind. I would never want you dead. As for Lady Anastasia, you have my promise I will not compromise her.” He winked and grinned. “At least not completely until our wedding night.”
Greyson jumped up and dove for the brandy decanter, removed the top, and took a swig straight from it. “Christ, give a man a warning before you say something about marrying his sister.”
“Sorry.” Hunter picked up his empty glass and shook it. “I need more.”
“Ineed more if we’re going to discuss marriage.” Greyson splashed brandy into both their glasses.
Hunter gazed into the amber liquid. “I’m not ready to offer for her yet. Christ, I haven’t even kissed her yet.” He took a sip. “She’s a hard one to figure out.”
Greyson snorted. “Don’t I know it.”
“I can’t tell if she’s toying with me, flirting and enjoying my company until someone better comes along—someone with a title and more money than I.”
Greyson frowned at the insecurity he heard in his friend’s voice. It was something he’d never heard before. Hunter had always been confident around women. He’d never heard Hunter express insecurity about not having a title or enough money. As far as Greyson could tell, Hunter’s family was swimming in coin and had prosperous investments. What Hunter must not realize was that many members of the peerage had titles and numerous estates, yet had very little viable coin.
“Anastasia does love to flirt,” Greyson agreed with Hunter’s earlier statement. “She has an outgoing personality and enjoys being around people, both men and women. But I watched her carefully today, and when she thought you weren’t looking, her eyes drank you in. She is more than enamored with you, and I’ll eat my hat if I’m wrong.”
“Let me get this straight,” Hunter said with all seriousness, “not ten minutes ago, you were ready to go for my throat because I was interested in Anastasia. Now you’re essentially giving me your approval?”
Greyson crossed an ankle over his knee and chose his words carefully. “She likes you. You like her. The rest is up to you both. I will sayone thing. If you can’t keep your mouth and hands off her, be smart. I don’t want to read about my sister in the scandal sheets. And for the sake of our friendship, swear to me you won’t bed her unless you’re married.”
For the first time since they had entered his father’s study, Hunter visibly relaxed. “You have my word.”
“Good. I’m thinking of going to Club Knight tonight after the musicale. I just received my membership approval.”
“I can’t believe you actually went through with the application. Not that I know much about it, except what I heard whispered at Brooks’s. I never would’ve told you about Club Knight if I’d known you would apply to join such a secret club. One that costs a small fortune to join and is so selective, no less.” Hunter sat up straighter. “You must tell me everything.”
