“It is perfect, Mr. Farthington.” Annie accepted the necklace, wrapping her fingers around the quartz. “Please put it on my father’s account.”
Mr. Farthington nodded. “As you wish, my lady.”
Annie smiled at the jeweler, then strode from the shop, but not before glancing at the duke one last time. She’d swear lightning flashed between them when his eyes met hers.
What utter nonsense.
Henrietta and Eva peppered Lilli with questions about the duke as they entered the carriage.
“How do you know the duke?” Henrietta asked.
Lilli smiled. “His father and mine attended Eton together and continued a friendship thereafter.”
“D-does he have siblings?” Eva asked.
“A sister. She is younger, but I believe she will make her come out next season. She could have launched this season but decided not to.”
“Why ever would she choose not to?” Henrietta asked, her gaze narrowed.
“If the gossip is true, she wishes for her brother to marry first. The lady fears his reputation will hinder her prospects.”
Annie could not help but listen to what Lilli had to say, and the last bit came as no surprise. The duke was a known rogue, a perpetual flirt, and too handsome by far.
“His estate m-must be nearby.” Eva commented.
“Indeed, he has a castle about forty minutes away by carriage. I imagine he makes the ride to town in under thirty by horse.”
Henrietta slid her gaze to Annie and asked, “Does he intend to marry this year?”
Lilli waved her hand. “I could not say. Though I hope for his sister’s sake that he does.” She turned her mischievous grin on Annie.
Annie was not surprised that he had yet to give any indication of seeking a bride, and imagined most all the ladies who knew him were eagerly awaiting the day. The thought caused an unwelcome prick of jealousy to well within her.
This was ridiculous. She sighed as she settled into the carriage. This sudden interest of hers could not lead anywhere. The duke was not for her, regardless of how he made her feel. She would do well to forget about him.
“He’s the one,” Lilli announced.
Annie gave Lilli a cautious gaze, one brow arched in question. “The one?” She asked.
Lilli bounced in her seat. “The Duke of Rutland.” She beamed at Annie. “You will be a duchess!”
“Nonsense,” Annie snapped, then cringed at her fierce reaction.
“I believe the lady protests over much,” Henrietta said, tapping her finger to her cheek. Her gaze narrowed on Annie. “You like him.”
Annie shook her head, but knew the denial would be fruitless. Abandoning the effort, she fastened the rose quartz around her neck and smiled. “Only a fool would deny how attractive His Grace is, but he is not for me. The quartz will lead me to my true love and I promise you, whoever the gentleman is, he won’t be a rogue.”
Annie knew the difference between being attracted to a gentleman and liking a gentleman. She could scarcely deny her attraction, but she most definitely did not like the duke.
“Perhaps…” Henrietta said, her voice trailing off.
“Or perhaps you are destined to be the Duchess of Rutland.” Lilli smirked. “One never does know.”
“I…” Annie shook her head. There was no use arguing with Lilli. She was ever the romantic optimist and once she had something in mind, no one could sway her.
“Gran will delight in this news,” Lilli said, clapping her hands together.
“Rubbish.” Annie said as she sat forward, her expression serious. “There is no news. What’s more, I will probably never see him again.”
