The next thirty minutes passed in pure torture as Annie waited for Evan to reenter the room. She danced and chatted with their guests, but all the while she searched for him, longed for him.
When he reappeared at last, her pulse sped and stomach fluttered. She wondered if it would always be this way as she started moving toward him. Annie kept her gaze on him as she wound her way through the crush of lords and ladies, and around potted ferns and footman caring trays of champagne.
Then she stopped, her heart sinking. His mother, The Dowager Duchess, intercepted him. Lady Montgomery and Lady Charlotte flanked her left side. Annie could not very well intrude. Not before everyone knew of their engagement.
So she watched. Annie watched as Evan bowed and kissed the ladies’ knuckles. She watched as he nodded his assent and proffered his arm. She watched as he led Lady Charlotte onto the polished dance floor and twirled her in the light of a thousand candles.
She watched, jealousy burning through her until at last he returned Lady Charlotte to her mother. Annie breathed a sigh of relief when Evan’s gaze met hers. She would have to learn to control her jealousy. She knew there was no reason for it. Evan loved her. He was to marry her. Even now, he was striding toward her.
Annie gave him a welcoming smile. “I missed you, Your Grace.”
“I missed you more.” He swept her onto the dance floor as the quartet started a waltz.
Evan held her scandalously close, his hand far too low on her back for propriety. She reveled in the closeness. The feel of her body pressed to his. His hand holding hers. Heat radiated between them as they twirled and dipped through the steps of the waltz, and everyone else seemed to fade away.
“You do not know how badly I want to kiss you right now.” He whispered in her ear.
“Do it.” Her cheeks blazed. “I want you to kiss me. I want the world to see our love.”
“Minx,” he said, his voice low and teasing. “When you are my duchess, I will kiss every inch of you. I’ll not leave a single part of you wanting.”
Her body burned with need as heat pooled between her thighs.
“I will worship you every day for the rest of our lives.” He stared into her eyes. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she said.
The music stopped, and he led her from the dance floor. “Are you ready?”
Ann nodded, then her steps faltered, her attention moving to the front of the ballroom.
“Excuse me. Excuse me everyone,” Lord Montgomerys voice boomed across the room. “We have an announcement to make.” He waved his hand. “Come up here Charlotte.”
Annie tipped her head to look at Evan. “It seems we are not to be the only ones sharing joyous news this evening.”
Evan gave a forced smile, trepidation clear in his gaze.
Everyone went silent and turned to face Lord and Lady Montgomery.
Evan clutched Annie’s hand, and she looked at him, confusion sweeping through her. His mother, the Dowager Duchess of Rutland, joined the Montgomerys a glass of champagne in her hand.
“What is happening?” She asked Evan.
“I do not know.” He shook his head. “But I will stop it.” He dropped her hand and started toward the group.
Annie stared after him, trying to make sense of what was unfolding. Why would the dowager join Lady Charlotte and her parents? What could they possibly have to announce together? And why would Evan interfere?
Then the blood drained from her face as Lord Montgomery spoke.
“We are pleased to announce the betrothal of our beautiful daughter, Lady Charlotte, to the Duke of Rutland. Please join us in a toast.”
The dowager duchess raised her champagne flute. “To the future happiness of our children and the joining of two great families,” she called out.
Annie fought the urge to swoon. Her head spun. How could this be? She was about to marry Evan. His ring was on her finger. She cast her gaze about the room full of cheering house guests. People were calling out their congratulations and well wishes. Lord and Lady Montgomery were beaming, and the dowager was hugging Lady Charlotte.
Good God. Annie’s stomach churned.
She gathered her skirts and fled the ballroom.
