Built during the reign of Elizabeth I, the manor was designed in the shape of anE, with several wings outfitted for guest suites.His mother had invited multiple families, all with ladies of marriageable age, but also several gentlemen’s families she had been evaluating for Pere’s sake.
Henley took a deep breath of fresh country air, the slightly salty tinge a welcome contrast to the coal dust of London.It would be a good change of pace, and he was certain it would be a turning point for Lady Anna.
Already there were whispers of the banns being read for his brother and Anna at St.George’s, and each ball attended added fuel to the fire in seeing them together.
Odd, even though Henley had danced with her just as often—he’d made sure—the whispers never included his name.At least, the whispers that reached his ears.However, there was common ground he shared with Lady Anna, and she wasn’t as immune to his particular charms as she pretended.
He’d use it to his advantage, but under the watchful eyes of her parents and his, he’d have to mark his steps with caution.
Which led to another odd observation.Only that one time had he ever seen or heard of Edwin having a private moment with Lady Anna.Edwin didn’t try to secret her away, kiss her—to his knowledge—anything of the sort.It was strange, seeming as Henley would kiss her as often as she’d allow it.
So far, the count stood at once.
But he’d take it.He’d never been a shameless flirt or toyed with a woman’s emotions—that was usually Edwin’s forte—which was why the role reversal didn’t make sense.
He decided to pay closer attention.Maybe he was missing a detail in the equation.Or, maybe Edwin was being so circumspect because of his other evening activities.
Henley gave a sigh and leaned against the soft velvet of his carriage.It was going to be a long week.
Too soon, the carriage turned onto the long gravel drive that led to their estate.Tall birch trees lined the small wood bordering their territory, which ended along a rocky shore where the ocean beat against age-old rocks.It was one of his favorite paths—the trail along the sea.How many times had he and Edwin spent their end-of-summer days skipping rocks and wading into the water?That had all changed when Edwin left for Eton and decided that family were inferior to his friends.
Henley had struggled with the shift, but the cruelty with which Edwin treated him made the transition easier—to have him leave for school rather than stay.
It was during one of those rare visits that Henley recognized the way Pere’s best friend, Anna, nearly worshiped every word spoken by Edwin.Henley recognized it because it was how he adored her.
How poetic that this house party would determine much about the future of them all.
Or tragic.
Depending on how one considered it.
The carriage stopped in the front circular of the drive, the large stone structure rising up beside the flanking trees.A fountain bubbled to the left as Henley stepped out from the carriage, his boots crunching against the gravel.
“Am I the first, then?”He smiled at their estate housekeeper, Mrs.Goode.
Her mop cap was perfectly placed atop her gray curls, her blue eyes flashing with efficiency.
“Indeed, not that I’m surprised.I figured it would be you and had the cook make a custard pie for dessert tonight, in case.”
Henley grinned.“You’re too good to me, Mrs.Goode.”
“’Tis my name, might as well live up to it,” she stated matter-of-factly, the same way she’d said it his whole life.
Henley started up the stairs and into the house.
“I’ll send tea into the green parlor, if you’d like?”
He nodded.“It would be most welcome.”
“I expect so.”She scurried off toward the kitchens, likely to attack her next task.
Henley meandered to the green parlor, enjoying the silence and the fact it would be short-lived.
He had just started his second cup of tea when his brother’s voice shattered the peace.
“Damn, I thought I won.”He took a seat and poured himself a cup.“Did you not stop at all, then?”
Henley shrugged but grinned.“I did.Once.I wanted as much time to myself as possible before the chaos descends.”
