“A year or two older-eighteen and seventeen. Everyone thought Melissa and Katherine would be presented this past Season, and with Robert marrying…well, we all imagined that the new Lady Hardesty-a young widow said to have been a London beauty-would, naturally, take the girls under her wing.”

From Sybil’s tone it was clear the generally held expectations hadn’t been met. “What happened?”

“Robert brought his lady home just before Christmas.” Sybil’s rosebud lips tightened into an expression of severe disapprobation. “In January, with the snows still blocking the roads, Robert dispatched Melissa and Katherine to visit their aunt in York. It seemed his new wife wanted time to settle into her new life without the distraction of having to deal with the girls. However, it’s now July and the girls are still in York. Meanwhile, Lady Hardesty spent the Season in London, then returned to the Grange a week ago with a bevy of London friends in tow. I understand she’s told Robert that it would not be wise to have the girls return home while they have so many London gentlemen under their roof.”

Gervase stood before the fireplace staring at Sybil while he grappled with the implied connection. Then he blinked. “Am I to understand…” Lifting his head, he looked past Sybil, trying to see the Hardesty story from his sisters’ perspective. “They can’t possibly be equating me with Robert Hardesty.”

His tone made it clear he found the notion inconceivable. He refocused on Sybil’s face in time to meet her widening eyes.

“Well, of course they are, dear. The parallels are rather obvious.”

He felt his face harden. “No. They’re not.” He paused, then growled, “Good God! They can’t seriously imagine-”