The Irresistible Earl. Regina Scott

will no doubt be delighted to hear it.”

      “But you should not. It seems he blames you for his troubles, or so he confided over too much wine. He claims Phoebe loves him, and you forced them apart.”

      Chase felt his mouth tighten. “He has no right to speak of Phoebe, not after trying to force her into marriage.”

      “Agreed. I only tell you to warn you.”

      Chase nodded. “And I appreciate that. I promise you, I won’t allow the man to hurt my sister.”

      But Phoebe would not make his job any easier, Chase thought as he and Trevor went to join the ladies in the withdrawing room. His sister seemed stuck in perpetual girlhood, always focused on her own needs. He’d never told her about Victor Delacorte’s plan to abduct her and force her to marry him. Chase and Trev had stopped him before he could carry through with his plans, and Chase had decided not to explain it all to Phoebe, concerned he might frighten her into a shell. But would she act any more sensibly if Delacorte showed his face again?