The brandy he was drinking simmered and burned in Robert’s stomach as he watched the happy couple standing at the head of the room and receiving the polite applause and congratulations of the guests. But their happiness was a misnomer, a lie, a sham put on for the investors. Anne was deliberately avoiding his gaze, the triumphant smile she wore faltering whenever she forgot to force it. If possible, Stratford looked even more trapped than Anne. When Robert went to shake his hand, his friend smelled of spirits and had a manic glint in his eye that had nothing to do with the success of winning his fair lady and embarking on a new life. Only Mr. and Mrs. Clairemont looked truly pleased. Robert excused himself as soon as he could and went to his room, doubting that anyone would miss him, one way or the other. After all they had done together in the last few days, Anne had made her choice. And Joseph was welcome to her. It was not a bad match, for all that. Stratford was rich, intelligent and an amiable companion, when he remembered to be.
