Francesca, meanwhile, appeared entirely delighted. "You must tell me when we are to go," she said, turning back to Anthony. "I should like to know how much time I have to prepare."
"Prepare?" Anthony repeated, amusement entering his voice. "Miss Anderson, I assure you, the stag will not be expecting you to arrive with a strategy."
"Perhaps it ought to."
A laugh escaped one of the ladies standing beside them.
Anthony inclined his head, regarding Francesca with renewed interest. "Then I shall have to warn the poor creature."
"You may do so if you wish," Francesca replied sweetly. "But I should hate for you to frighten it away before I have had the opportunity to prove myself."
"I would never deprive you of such an opportunity."
"How considerate of you, my lord."
"Always."
