She stooped to retrieve the bread, broke it into smaller pieces, and tossed them into the water.The ducks swam eagerly to gobble them up.
She felt it before she saw it—someone’s eyes on her.
When she turned, she found Lord Allendale’s gaze.
He gave her the smallest nod, as though approving her decision.That he couldseeher so clearly was unsettling—and thrilling.
Her cheeks warmed.She turned back toward Lord Devon, accepting his arm again.But as they walked, she looked back.
Lord Allendale hadn’t taken his eyes off her.
Without thinking, she mouthed,Thank you.
His answering grin was almost shy.Boyish.
Her heart fluttered.
Then she turned back to Lord Devon, who walked beside her with practiced charm.Behind them, her mother followed a few steps behind.
This was the man she’d set her hopes on.The man she’d dreamt of marrying since she was young.
This was what she wanted.
Wasn’t it?
Chapter Ten
That evening, asHenley waited in the vacant parlor for the rest of his family to ready themselves for the rout at the Earl of Waverly’s residence, he considered the events of that afternoon.
His brother had been furious when Lady Anna had paused from his lead and picked up the small portion of bread.Henley wasn’t sure she’d even notice, but if she wasn’t going to fight for what she wanted, then he’d help her.It was clear she was just as fascinated by the ducks as his sister was, but Edwin wasn’t one to notice anything outside of his own desires.So, Henley had selected a rather large piece and tossed it at Lady Anna.
Pere’s expression was one of acute disbelief, then amusement.She knew Lady Anna wanted to feed the ducks too, and she also likely knew how much it would piss off Edwin to have his plans thwarted, even if only for a few moments.
His heart nearly stuttered to a stop when she paused and glanced down at the projectile.It was either a stroke of genius on his part or his death knell in vying for her heart; her reaction would be the judge of it all.
And when she glanced from Pere to him, he couldn’t help but look away, knowing it was a guilty reaction—but he wanted her to know it was him.For better or worse, he wanted her to know he saw her reaction, read it, and gave her an opportunity.
Wasn’t that what this was all about anyway?Giving himself, giving her, the opportunity.
It was almost impossible to resist looking back at her when the intensity of her gaze was so heavy on him, and he caved when he saw her reach down to grab the crumb.A small smile on her face was all the answer he needed, but while she tossed the crumb into the water, Edwin’s shrewd gaze darted between Pere and himself, as if discerning who was the culprit who had undermined him.
Pere was watching Lady Anna, so Henley met his brother’s gaze boldly and raised a daring eyebrow.Edwin’s answering glare was enough to communicate that there would be retribution at some point.
But it was worth it, Henley decided—especially when she glanced back to say thank you.
Worth it indeed.
“You are a sorry pain in my ass.”
“Speak of the devil,” Henley greeted his elder brother.
“How immature, to throw something at a girl you find pretty.I thought more of you.”
“But did you, really?”Henley stood from his seat on the couch and gave his brother a disbelieving grin.“I find that hard to believe.”
Edwin walked to the sideboard and poured himself a finger or two of scotch.“Leave her alone.”
“No.”Henley dusted off a speck of fuzz from his black coat.
