I am doing this for your own good.” Roland’s slightly plump cheeks quivered with annoyance. He was unused to rebellion, especially when his authority as head of the family was enhanced by the solemn dignity of his seat behind the desk in his library. “A green girl cannot possibly be expected to know what will be best for her.” “But he frightens me.” Emily’s soft brown eyes filled with tears. She blinked them back. Weeping always irritated her brother. “You scarcely know the man. You cannot judge his character after standing up with him a couple of times at balls. You are excessively fortunate to have caught the earl’s eye.” “I do not feel in the least fortunate. He has a horridly cutting tongue.” Having suffered himself, Roland looked a little conscious. “Naturally he will curb his sarcasm when you are betrothed.” “And when we are married?” Unable to answer, he resorted to bluster. “Pray don’t be pert, Emily. It is a splendid match. I leave in the morning to arrange the settlements and I shall bring him home with me the next day.
