She looked to Lord Allendale, whose expression didn’t show injury rather masked annoyance.It seemed the two of them were ever at odds.
“Indeed.Present and accounted for,” Lord Allendale remarked, then stepped out of Lord Devon’s grip.“I’m a sight for sore eyes, I’m sure.Did you miss me so much, brother?”
Anna flicked her attention to Lord Devon, who worked his jaw, displaying the strong line of his chin.He was magnificent, and she appreciated the view.Distracted, she missed the low words exchanged between the brothers.
“I’ll take my leave, Lady Anna.I’ll see you for our dance.”Lord Allendale bowed, but as he retreated, he glanced back, meeting her gaze.
Her limbs tingled, as if he’d touched her with that look, impossible as it sounded.
“May I have the honor of a dance or two, Lady Anna?”Lord Devon’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Of course!”She offered her dance card, watching as his light brows furrowed when he made to write his name in the place already occupied by his brother.
He rather selected a Scottish reel and the only other waltz before handing back her card.
“Thank you, I hope you don’t mind that I spoke for two.”
Anna bit her lip and glanced down shyly.“I’m rather glad that you did, Lord Devon,” she confided, then glanced up through her lashes to him.
“This afternoon wasn’t nearly enough time with you,” he whispered, lifting her hand to his lips.“It merely made me anticipate tonight even more.”He kissed the air above her hand.
Goose bumps erupted along her arm.“I as well.”
Lord Devon offered his arm.“Care to take a turn around the room with me?”
“Yes, of course.”She took his arm and followed as he leisurely led them through the throng of people.
But it was like the parting of the Red Sea.As they took each step, people would step aside, and smile.Lord Devon would nod to the men, who in turn would bow or offer a greeting.And the ladies, if she wasn’t on his arm, she’d be green with envy as each unmarried, and some married, ladies offered shy smiles that pinked their cheeks.
“We’re quite the center of attention.Rather, you are,” Lord Devon murmured lowly.
“It appears so.”
“I’m the envy of every man here.”He gave a quick glance of approval, meeting her eyes before scanning the crowd, like a king enjoying those paying court.
“You flatter me,” Anna responded, the swell of pride at capturing this very desirable man’s attention soaring through her.
All the hoping, the dreaming, and now she was the one on his arm as he led her through their peers.She was the name that was whispered on the lips of everyone watching them.
“Yes, I flatter, but it’s also the truth.You’re lovely, exquisite.”He gave her a quick once-over.“Exquisite,” he repeated.
“You’re exceptionally dashing yourself, my lord.”
“I’m glad you approve.I nearly had to change my evening kit.”He gave a slow shake of his head, then shook it off, as if not willing to think on whatever memory had pinched his brow.
“Oh?”she asked.
He led them to a less populated corner and faced her.“Yes, it would seem my brother still has quite the temper.I shouldn’t have provoked him, but… old habits die hard, you know.”
Anna frowned slightly.“I’m not sure what you mean?”
“I shouldn’t have mentioned anything; you simply put me so much at ease.”His gaze took on a tender quality, as if he needed her assurances.
Anna patted his shoulder, unsure what else what would be proper.“I want you to trust me, and if there is something weighing on your mind, it would ease mine if you shared it.”
Lord Devon shrugged, then glanced to his hands, appearing unsure of himself.“I think my brother, no, I know my brother doesn’t approve of my interest in you, and when I defended my affect—” He stopped.“Defended myself, it nearly came to blows.It wouldn’t be the first time he’d taken a swing at me, or two.”He shrugged.“But we promised my mother we’d never engage in fisticuffs again, especially…” He lowered his voice.“With what happened last year.”
Anna nodded, then reached out and held his hand tenderly.“There’s no fault in defending yourself or your honor.You did the right thing.It sounds like his reaction is where the problem lies.You are responsible only for yourself, your own actions or reactions.You cannot take on those of others.You cannot control them,” she offered.
