Lord Devon and Lord Allendale.
As they entered, it was impossible not to compare them.Lord Devon bowed first, hiding his expression.Lord Allendale followed—his lips twitching with amusement, as if suppressing a private joke.His eyes met hers with a steady, unflinching gaze.Then he bowed.
Anna’s pulse quickened.She gestured for them to sit.With most other visitors gone, there were plenty of seats available.
Lord Devon watched his brother before choosing a chair.Lord Allendale didn’t hesitate, selecting one directly to her left—close enough to remain easily in conversation.
Anna turned toward him.
“Lord Allendale, thank you for coming.May I offer you tea?”
“Of course.Thank you.”
“Cream?Sugar?”
Before he could answer, she noted Lord Devon taking a seat—one much farther away than she expected.Odd.
“No, neither,” Lord Allendale replied.
Anna glanced back at him—his attention on his brother, that teasing smile still on his lips.
She served him, then turned.“Will you take tea as well, Lord Devon?”
He nodded once.His expression wasn’t quite a frown, but close.“Yes, thank you.”
“Same as last time?”she asked, trying to ease the rising tension.
Lord Devon blinked, then tilted his head, as if trying to remember.“Cream?”
She prompted again, “And a bit of sugar?”
“Ah—yes.A bit of sugar today, please.”His tone was charming, but his gaze toward his brother was ice.
Anna handed him his tea, watching them both closely.
“How are you this fine day, Lord Devon?”Duchess Kinfield asked.
“It had a lovely beginning—and it’s improving by the moment,” Lord Devon replied, smiling warmly at Anna.
Heat crept into her cheeks.She bit her lip and looked down.
“And you, Lord Allendale?”Anna asked.
“One of the few times I find myself in full agreement with my brother,” he replied smoothly.“It’s a lovely day indeed.Did you enjoy last night’s party?”
“I certainly found it interesting.”She arched a brow.“Parts of it were enjoyable.”She turned to Lord Devon.“What about you?”
“The highlight of the evening was dancing with you, of course,” he said lightly.“It’s rare to find both beauty and grace in one person.”
Anna gave a small nod in acknowledgment.
“Lord Allendale,” her mother interjected, “I heard from your mother last night that your family is hosting a house party?We were delighted to be invited.”
Anna snapped her head toward her mother.Why hadn’t she mentioned this before?
Lord Devon replied first.“Of course.We couldn’t possibly host without extending an invitation.”
Lord Allendale added, “Pere put your names at the top of the list.”
