To Wed A Viscount by Adrienne Basso Page A

chair. In an odd way he felt relief, for her explanation told him more of what had occurred for the past few years. It shed light on the reason behind Harriet’s strong dislike of Miss Linden and also assured Griffin that his original assessment of his sister was correct.
    She might be stubborn, forceful, and strong willed, but it was not in her nature to be so mean-spirited without justification. She was clearly convinced of the rightness of her position concerning Miss Linden. Griffin, however, was not as certain.
    Harriet cleared her throat. “You have not told me specifically what Miss Linden said to you this afternoon.”
    Griffin snorted. “Do I really need to say it?”
    â€œThat absurd will?”
    â€œI take it you have also heard about the will that Miss Linden’s father left?”
    Harriet visibly bristled. “Naturally. Half the town has heard of that ridiculous will.”
    â€œI hadn’t.” Griffin leaned back in his chair. “And since it concerns me directly, I find it rather curious that I was not informed of it by my dear, sweet, loving sister.”
    â€œElizabeth would not have known how to approach such a delicate subject with you,” Harriet countered, lifting her chin and looking him straight in the eye. “Besides, the matter concerned the former viscount. Miss Linden was engaged to Neville, not you. Perhaps he has ruined her, but he is certainly not here to be held accountable.
    â€œI know that men carry an inordinate amount of pride and arrogance and a vastly overinflated notion of honor. You might have succeeded the title from our eldest brother, but you are not responsible for his actions.”
    Neville ruined Faith? A vivid picture appeared in his mind, of Neville and Faith locked in a passionate embrace. It made the normally unprudish Griffin decidedly uncomfortable. “Why do you say that she is ruined?”
    Harriet gave him a look that said she thought him a dense child. “No one will have her for a wife now. And that ludicrous will her father left has sealed her fate. Without the financial riches of her estate, who would want her? She is neither young, nor pretty, nor biddable. Besides, Faith Linden will forever be known in this county as Neville’s unwanted fiancée. Most men are rather particular about taking the leavings of others, are they not?”
    That notion startled him. Neville’s leavings? Just how far had his brother gone with his fiancée? Or rather, if Harriet’s interpretation of Miss Linden’s shallow character was correct, how far had Faith gone in her attempt to secure her position as the future Viscountess Dewhurst? Had she foolishly allowed herself to be compromised before her wedding vows were spoken?
    Griffin slowly blew out his breath. If his sister meant to discourage his interest and concern for Miss Linden, she had severely misjudged him. Harriet’s words were having the opposite effect.
    She cast him a sidelong glance. “Perhaps I should have warned you of the will. I apologize for my oversight. I suspected Miss Linden would attempt to contact you in an effort to gain your sympathy, but even I underestimated her audacity. Hopefully we can now put this unpleasant business behind us.”
    Griffin gave his sister a noncommittal smile. This conversation had only served to reinforce the notion that he needed to speak to Faith directly and honestly about her relationship with his brother. But Griffin was certainly not foolish enough to let Harriet know of his intentions.
    He had learned much about his siblings since his return, especially Harriet. She was a complex woman, often too somber, too mired in duty and appearance, too involved with always doing and saying the proper thing. There were times when he honestly felt she was simply too exhausting to be around.
    Yet there was another side to the elder of his sisters. Harriet was also competent and caring and unfailingly devoted to