“But of course you will. Both Gran and I are well acquainted with the duke. We will ensure…”
Annie ignored Lilli and huffed in the most unladylike way as she slumped back against the padded carriage seat and closed her eyes. There would be no stopping Lilli now. She would most certainly tell Gran and they would conspire to put Annie and the duke together. But they could do nothing to force the suite. Nor would they.
Annie would simply allow the quartz to do its magic and if the duke came round, she would do her best to ignore him. She opened her eyes and forced a small smile. “Let us speak of something else.”
“Of course.” Eva reached out and patted her hand in understanding.
Two
Evan Colborne, fifth Duke of Rutland, turned the invitation over in his hand. The Dowager Countess of Birchwood was hosting a house party. How fortuitous as he’d been hoping to encounter the lovely Lady Ann again.
He could not deny his curiosity where she was concerned. Three days had passed since his encounter with her at the jeweler’s and still he thought about her. Worse, she had invaded his dreams. Despite the lady’s behavior toward him at the jewelers, there had been an undeniable spark between them.
This was quite possibly his only opportunity to further their acquaintance. Evan looked up and held the invitation out toward a nearby footman. “Send my acceptance and notify my driver. We will depart at one of the clock tomorrow.”
“Right away, Your Grace.” The footman took the invitation, then bowed before backing from the room.
The Dowager Countess of Birchwood’s estate was a mere forty minutes from his own. It would make for a quick trip. Evan’s only regret was that he could not arrive today. Or rather, he should not arrive today. Of course, Lady Birchwood would welcome him whenever he graced her doorstep. Not only was he a duke, but they were also well acquainted.
Still, her invitation read tomorrow, and he had no wish to disrupt her plans. Nor would he want to appear too eager or presumptuous. One more day of memories, followed by another night of dreams, would scarcely harm him.
Evan rose, then strode from his office. Mother would likely be having tea in the blue salon. He meant to join her and appraise her of their travel plans. With a decided spring in his step, he made his way through the house to the blue salon. His hessian clad feet came to a halt when he reached the door.
Mother was not alone. Worse, he heard Lady Montgomerys voice. He had no wish to entertain a room full of women, Lady Montgomery in particular, so he turned away, hoping he’d not been seen.
“Your Grace, do join us,” Mother called out, her tone more of a command than anything else.
How the devil had she known it was him? Her back was to the door. All the same, Evan forced a smile and strode into the room. “I did not wish to interrupt.”
“Nonsense.” Mother waved her hand. “Lady Charlotte and Lady Montgomery are here. I know I speak for us collectively when I say your presence is most welcome.”
“Indeed.” His sister patted the cushion next to her. “Join us.”
Evan nodded his assent. He could never deny Elizabeth anything. He turned to the Countess Montgomery and her daughter, then gave a bow. “Good afternoon, ladies.”
“Your Grace,” they greeted, their voices dripping with honey. Lady Montgomery gave a cunning smile as Lady Charlotte averted her gaze.
Mother pointed her fan toward the brocade covered chair across from Lady Charlotte. “Sit and Lady Charlotte will prepare your tea.” She turned her gaze to Lady Charlotte. “She is an accomplished hostess.”
Lady Charlotte gave a slight smile as she stood, then moved to the tea tray.
Ignoring Mother’s wishes, he took the seat next to Elizabeth, but gave a friendly nod toward Lady Charlotte. “Of that I have no doubt.” Evan said, his tone dry. Mother had been pushing him to marry for several years, but had grown more insistent of late. It had not taken long for Evan to determine Mother’s chosen bride for him was Lady Charlotte.
Unfortunately for Mother, he had no interest in taking Lady Charlotte to wife. He did not find her lacking in grace or beauty. Lady Charlotte was a pleasant woman with impeccable manners and golden curls, but no spark existed between them.
He wanted his wife to be intelligent and share some of his interests. He wanted a passionate woman in and out of the bedchamber. Lady Charlotte was like a well-trained monkey without a thought of her own.
When Evan married, it would be to a passionate woman. One who lit his blood on fire and ignited his emotions and challenged his thoughts on every level. His future wife would be his counterbalance. A woman who he could not live without. He wanted a partner, a friend, and a lover. He desired a woman who would challenge him.
Evan wanted to find his soul mate.
A woman like Ann.
Where the devil had that thought come from?
Evan cleared his throat and accepted the teacup Lady Charlotte offered before turning back to Mother. “Lady Birchwood is to host a house party.”
“Lady Montgomery and I were just discussing it. I take it our invitation has arrived?” She lifted her teacup and took a delicate sip.
