Appearing satisfied, Eva gave Gran a gentle smile and nodded before Lilli led them all from the parlor.
Annie considered the gentleman Gran had mentioned as they made their way to her bedchamber. She’d met a few of them previously and had shared a pleasant dance with Lord Greenford last season. He seemed to be a nice sort, though she had not spent enough time with him to truly know. Lord Killerford was altogether amusing when she’d met him. She would not be averse to bettering their acquaintance.
Perhaps her cousins were right. She should put some effort into her appearance for the house party. There very well could be a gentleman about—one who she could fall in love with that would love her back. She reached up and clasped the quartz, her fingers curling around the stone.
She had to trust the process. Surely the quartz would not lead her to misery, for what would be the magic in that?
Three
Eva held her fan up so that it covered half her face and slid her gaze toward Annie. “Grandmother has outdone herself.”
“Indeed,” Annie replied. It appeared that Gran’s house party was to be a smashing success. The gold parlor was fairly bursting with guests. There were no less than twelve eligible gentlemen and eight debutantes to balance the numbers, along with their parents crowding the space.
“Do you suppose there are more yet to arrive?” Lilli asked.
Henrietta pursed her lips and shook her head. “I daresay the house cannot accommodate any others.”
“Nonsense.” Lilli waved her fan. “There are two wings of guest chambers.”
Henrietta cocked one brow. “But not enough servants to tend them all,” she reminded.
“Oh look,” Lilli exclaimed, “Lady Charlotte is here. I must speak with her.”
“I will join you,” Henrietta said.
Eva moved closer to Annie as they watched their cousins move to join Lady Charlotte. “Do you think anyone would notice if I removed myself for a bi-bit?” Eva asked. “I f-fear I am a little overwhelmed.”
Annie gave her cousin a comforting smile. “Even if they did, Gran would not be cross with you.”
Eva sighed. “Do you think I will ever grow to be comfortable in a crush?”
“I think you should not fret over it, dear. You are perfect as you are.” Annie wrapped an arm around Eva and gave her a brief hug. “Make your escape. I will cover for you if anyone notices.”
“Thank you,” Eva said, then pulled away and strode for the door.
Annie backed toward the corner, hoping to blend into the room and escape notice herself. Not that she felt uncomfortable, but she wished to watch the guests and take their measure before diving in to the crush.
This party was for her. It was Gran’s grand design, perfectly crafted to find Annie her true love. And judging by the sheer volume of guests that included several gentlemen Annie had not yet met, she believed she just might find the one. However, she had no desire to make a cake of herself.
Once Annie determined which gentleman might suit her, she would make an effort to engage. Her gaze moved to the Duke of Rutland. He stood near the hearth with a tumbler in his hand, one black curl brushing his temple as he spoke with Lord Greenford. Were the gentlemen friends? Lord Greenford did not seem the type to keep company with an unrepentant rake.
The duke chuckled at something Lord Greenford said, and a pleasant sensation went through Annie at the deep timber of his laugh. As if she had no control over her body, her gaze moved to his, their eyes locking. She saw his full lips move a moment before he turned toward her, his blue eyes holding hers captive.
What on earth was wrong with her?
She swallowed hard, then ripped her attention from him and turned to gaze out the window. Her behavior was the height of rudeness, but she did not care. It would serve her best if the duke found fault with her and left her alone.
“Lady Ann,” his voice stroked through her, and her mouth went dry.
There was nothing for it. Annie pivoted to face him. She could scarcely ignore him in a room full of their peers. “Your Grace,” she greeted.
“It is rather stuffy in here, don’t you think?” The Duke asked.
“Indeed,” Annie answered, her tone lacking all enthusiasm.
He grinned and glanced out the window at the bright blue sky beyond. “Would you honor me with a stroll through the garden?”
Her eyes rounded. “Do you think me daft?”
