But instead, she said, “Tell me about yourself, Lord Devon.I know you through your sister, but what don’t I know?”
“A great deal, I can assure you.”His smile came, but something tightened in his expression.Odd—but it vanished before she could place it.
“Then we’ve much to discuss.An endless topic.”She tilted her head.“It’s the least you can do after ignoring me all afternoon.”
He placed a hand to his chest, feigning injury.“A cruel blow, Lady Anna.I admitted my wicked plans, didn’t I?”
He leaned forward, voice low.“Wicked.”
Goose bumps broke over her arms.
“Chilly?”he asked, eyeing her arms—and smiling like he already knew the answer.
“No.”She refused to be outmaneuvered.“Just waiting.”
“I see.Well, I do love a long ride.”He looked down with a self-satisfied grin.“My horses are fast.And I’ve done some sailing—exquisite on a good day.But my favorite thing is…” He paused.“You.”
Her blush flared hot and fast.“Is that so?”
“I do love pink,” he added, glancing again at her dress, then grinning.
“Then you’re in the right place.After all, this is my house.My calling hours.”
He looked around, then grinned.“How about that—you’re right.”
“I often am.”
“And humble too.”
“Remarkably.”
“So am I, you know.People are always saying so.”
“Not your sister.”
He gave a mock glare.“You cannot believe everything she tells you.While you may be known for your grace and beauty, my sister is known for… embellishing.”
Anna’s eyes sparkled.“So, the frog on her pillow never happened?”
“I laidflowerson her pillow.”
“And the garden snake in her shoe?”
“Coincidence.”
“The ink in the bathwater?The salt in the sugar bowl?”
“Stop!”He laughed.“Clearly, you must stop speaking with my sister.”
“Because she exaggerates?”
“Because she talks too much.”
Anna giggled.
“And if you must know, the salt-in-tea incident wasHenley’sidea.”
Her smile faltered.
