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“I never thought

this day would come,” the viscount said “We’ve had offers, of course, but none I illing to entertain, and none recently” He let out a long breath “I had begun to despair that anyone of merit would wish to marry her”

“You seeard,” Gareth said coolly

Anthony looked up and actually smiled Sort of “Not at all,” he said “But nor am I blind to her…ah…unique qualities” He stood, and Gareth realized instantly that Lord Bridgerton was using his height to intimidate He also realized that he should not misinterpret the viscount’s initial display of levity and relief This was a dangerous man, or at least he could be when he so chose, and Gareth would do well not to forget it

“My sister Hyacinth,” the viscount said sloalking toward the , “is a prize You should remember that, and if you value your skin, you will treat her as the treasure she is”

Gareth held his tongue It didn’t seem the correct time to chime in

“But while Hyacintharound with the slow, deliberate steps of a man who is well familiar with his power, “she isn’t easy I will be the first one to admit to this There aren’t many men who can e with soular personality, she will be miserable”

Still, Gareth did not speak But he did not remove his eyes from the viscount’s face

And Anthony returned the gesture “I will give you my per and hard before you ask her yourself”

“What are you saying?” Gareth asked suspiciously, rising to his feet

“I will not mention this interview to her It is up to you to decide if you wish to take the final step And if you do not…”The viscount shrugged, his shoulders rising and falling in an oddly Gallic gesture “In that case,” he said, sounding ally calm, “she will never know”

How many men had the viscount scared off in this one unrateful, since it had left her free to marry him, but still, did she realize her eldest brother was a madman?

“If you don’t erton continued, his eyes just intense enough to confirm Gareth’s suspicions about his sanity, “then you will not be happy I will see to it myself”

Gareth opened hisretort—to hell with treating hihtiness But then, just when he was about to insult his future brother-in-law, probably irreversibly, so else popped out of his mouth instead

“You love her, don’t you?”