Lord Devon searched her eyes.“As wise as she is beautiful.How did I gain such favor?”He gave his head a self-depreciating shake.“I’m thankful regardless.And I apologize for weighing you with my burden, however I do feel better after sharing it.”
“Burdens are meant to be shared.”
“Apparently so, if it’s with the right person,” he responded, then rubbed her gloved fingers with his hand.
“Thank you for trusting me,” she answered, watching his fingers draw lazy circles on her glove, the sensation sending her wits to evaporating.
“I’ll take you back to your parents now.I’ve lingered too long and lowered too many defenses.However, I’ll return soon for our Scottish reel.”
“I look forward to it with great anticipation,” Anna replied as he led them the short distance to her mother’s side.
After he bowed to her mother, he left.Anna watched as he was immediately drawn into several conversations, everyone wanting a moment of his attention.He was charming, that was for certain, but it was more.There was a deep well of charisma and spark that attracted others like a moth to the flame.It was captivating.
Feeling that odd sensation of someone watching her, she scanned the crowd till she met the gaze of Lord Allendale.
Frowning, she resisted the urge to narrow her eyes at him and glare.Didn’t he know better?She hadn’t expected his actions toward his brother, but did one ever really know what happened behind closed doors?Her judgment of his character was flawed, that was certain.
But no more.She knew the truth now, and that would put a final end to the odd plucking of her heartstrings that his presence had on her.
Lifting her chin, she glanced away and ignored his attention.
She didn’t have to talk to him yet.
But the waltz was coming.
Chapter Twelve
He was certainof two things.One, that his brother had spun some sort of wild twisting of the truth and fed it to Lady Anna.And two, that Henley was the villain in the story.If her expression and the near derision in her eyes were any indicator, a difficult conversation loomed during the waltz.
Not the best time for it.
But he wasn’t about to let his brother tell lies unchecked.No, he’d made the choice to fight, to stand up—and apparently, it started with the waltz.Delightful.It wasn’t exactly how he’d hoped the evening would unfold, but he fought the battles he was given.
Before long, the first strains of the supper waltz began to float through the air, and Henley started toward Lady Anna.When she noticed his approach, her eyes flashed with a keen fire that ignited something deep within him—it was like flint striking steel.
“Lady Anna, it would be my honor.”He bowed and offered his hand.
Her cobalt eyes studied him, as if taking his measure, then she—blessedly—accepted.Though her actions spoke of acceptance, her expression warned that a storm was brewing.
As he led them into the swirling dancers, he grasped her waist and pulled her in slightly closer than necessary, grinning unrepentantly when she narrowed her eyes and resisted.He immediately gave her space, allowing her to dictate their proximity.
He might lead the waltz, but she decided how it would play out.
“Out with it.You’re spoiling for a fight, and I have no problem being your sparring partner.I welcome it,” he said as they began dancing.
“I’m the one spoiling for a fight?That’s not the story I heard,” she replied through clenched teeth, then, for show, gave a broad smile to a passing couple.
“It might not be the story you heard, but how often do the stories people tell convey the truth?Hmm?I mean, look at this room—how much of the talk here is fact versus fiction?”he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Her blue eyes seared through him.Then she glanced away.If this were poker, he’d question her hand.
“I—Well, if that isn’t the story, then what is?I’m fair.I like to hear both sides before offering judgment.”She gave a defiant tip of her chin.
“Ah, but there you have me, since I’m not sure what story you’re referring to,” he answered softly, taking in the glory of her features—even angry, she was stunning.
The faintest smattering of freckles on her cheeks only grew more prominent with her slight blush.
“Stop.”
