“The Serpentine should be lovely this time of year, with all the ducklings,” her mother added, reminding Anna of her presence.
“Oh, I love the ducklings!”Pere broke away from Henley and grabbed Anna’s arm.“My brother moves too slowly.Let’s go ahead.”
Anna released Lord Devon’s arm and followed her friend.
“I don’t know what that was about, but Henley looked like he was ready to start fighting again,” Pere murmured.“I’ll ask later and let you know.”
“I was wondering,” Anna replied.“I hate how we’re kept in the dark.There was definitely something going on between them.”
“There was—and I blame Edwin.Not that it reflects poorly on his character,” she added quickly.“He just talks in riddles.Henley’s far more frank.”
Anna nearly groaned.She knew all too well how frank Lord Allendale could be.
“I thought I’d steal you away before it escalated.”
“I’m glad you did,” Anna said, pausing as a mother duck swam into view, a dozen ducklings trailing behind her.
“I love it,” Anna breathed.
“The most adorable thing in all of London,” Pere agreed—then jumped when Henley appeared beside her.
“Why, you gave me a fright!”She jabbed an elbow toward him, but he stepped away with practiced ease.
“Then I suppose I shouldn’t share what’s in my handkerchief,” he teased, revealing a cloth-wrapped bit of breadcrumbs.
“You know, youaremy favorite brother.”
“For now.”
“Still.Shouldn’t you be thankful for the moment—even if it’s fleeting?”
“Indeed.How magnanimous of you.”
Pere rolled her eyes but broke off a piece of bread.Henley grinned at her, and Anna quickly looked away, not wanting to be drawn in by that smile.Her heart was set on the elder brother.She had to stay focused.
“Look at them swim!”Pere clapped.
Anna watched the ducklings race toward the crumbs, the mother quacking as if asking for more.
“Won’t you continue on with me, Lady Anna?”Lord Devon appeared at her side, offering his arm again.
Anna hesitated, glancing at Pere, then at the bread in Henley’s hand.She wanted to feed the ducks too—but this was more important.
Wasn’t it?
She looked up and met Lord Allendale’s gaze.With a flash of understanding, he extended the handkerchief toward her.
“Come,” Lord Devon urged, beginning to lead her away.
Even as she followed, her hand stretched behind her—reaching for the crumbs.
She shouldn’t care.Sheshouldn’t.
Just then, something bumped her shoulder.She turned and saw a large hunk of bread at her feet.
Looking up, she met Pere’s wide-eyed, giggling expression and Lord Allendale’s overly innocent face, fixed firmly away from her.
“One moment,” she said, withdrawing from Lord Devon’s arm.A flicker of irritation crossed his features.
