“Indeed.One of the better nights of my life—hearing how he was handed his ass by someone who hasn’t competed in over a year.He was getting on my bloody nerves with his self-inflated abilities.Good for you.But I digress.”Hawthorne waited as the footman served the fish course—a lovely turbot with lobster sauce.
“Continue,” Henley encouraged as the footman left.
“Ah, yes.You know your opponent—he’s your brother.You know his strengths and weaknesses, and I’m assuming you’re too bloody honorable to exploit them.”
“I’m not above it; however, I wish to act in such a way that sets me apart from him, not aligns me with his methods.”
“Bloody honorable.”Hawthorne sighed.“Very well, but remember this…” He lifted his glass and speared Henley with a stark expression.“You only get one chance, and you may have to choose between your damned honor and hers.Choose now whose will win out, because her honor will be short-lived in a marriage like that.”He gestured with his chin to the other side of the table.“You’ll have to make the choice eventually, and if you’ve already thought it through, you’ll take action when it’s needed.”
Henley gave a nod.“You know, you’re a lot wiser than anyone gives you credit for.”
“Shhh, don’t ruin my reputation,” Hawthorne replied.
The rest of the dinner, Henley considered his new friend’s words.And what he realized was that there really was no choice to begin with.It was always her, which made the plan so much simpler.
He’d have to seduce her.
But not her body.
He’d have to seduce her heart.
Chapter Seventeen
Anna laid herfork beside the half-eaten sherry tart and cast a sidelong glance at Pere.Her friend was clearly reveling in the attention, as evident by the smile gracing her lips and the playful dimple flickering on her cheek.Lady Anna wished fervently that Pere would find the right suitor at this house party.As the wordsuitorcrossed her mind, her gaze shifted to Edwin—Lord Devon.
She hadn’t spoken his name aloud—it would be far too improper—but in her mind, she whispered it repeatedly, marveling at how well it suited him.His golden hair brushed the curve of his collar, and a twin dimple, much like his sister’s, appeared on his cheek as he smiled at a comment from another guest.He had been perfectly attentive throughout the evening and dinner, inviting her into conversation when appropriate and complimenting her with quiet ease.If she were writing the story, he was playing the perfect hero.
Yet, part of her heart couldn’t help but flicker toward the other side of the table, where Henley—Lord Allendale—sat beside Lord Hawthorne.More curious still was the apparent camaraderie between the two.Throughout dinner, Henley and Lord Hawthorne had been deep in conversation, sharing confidences with an intimacy that seemed strange—an odd pairing, to say the least.At one point, Anna caught Lord Allendale’s eye, and she quickly flicked her gaze back to her plate, but the flush of heat that crept up her cheeks betrayed her composure.
As dinner wound down, the gentlemen prepared to retire to their own parlor for brandy and cigars, while the ladies would gather in a separate parlor with sherry and the gossip that had brewed at the table.Anna would have a few precious moments with Pere before the men joined them, likely to begin a game of charades or something similar.
When Lady Devon rose, the rest of the guests followed—men trailing after Lord Devon, ladies behind his mother, Lady Devon.Pere grasped Anna’s hand and tugged her along, as if concerned Anna wasn’t moving quickly enough.
“Why are we moving so fast?”Anna asked.
“The question is, why areyoumoving so slowly?”Pere shot back.“I want to get to the parlor before everyone else.We might snag the best seats—and I might have you all to myself for a few moments, because I heard something you have to know.”
Anna’s eyebrows shot up.“Well, now I’minsanelycurious.Whatever could you have heard that I didn’t?I was right beside you the entire dinner.”
Pere gave a placating smile.“I’d heard bits before but couldn’t tell you as we headed to the dining hall.Now that I have a moment—” She glanced around cautiously, then led Anna deeper into the parlor toward two wingback chairs beside a tall bookcase.“Here.This should do.Take a seat.”
Anna sat as Pere leaned forward, waiting to spill whatever gossip had made their hurried pace necessary.
“Well?”Anna prodded impatiently.
Pere glanced about to ensure privacy, then leaned closer, her eyes bright and wide.“My mother invited Lord Waverly to the house party.He did not accept the invitation, which struck me as very odd.He’s been so attentive—asking for dances at past balls, showing up during my at-home hours, always thoughtful.I assumed a schedule conflict, but why would anyone decline my mother’s invitation?Now I’ve learned the real reason he couldn’t come.”Her voice dropped, tense.
Anna tipped her chin.“And what was that?”
Pere patted her leg anxiously.“It was discovered he’d had a dalliance with Lady Wilson.Her escape to the countryside wasn’t to recover from illness, as everyone thought.When the truth came out, her father threatened pistols at dawn if Lord Waverly didn’t make amends.”
Anna gasped.“No!”
Pere nodded solemnly.“Yes.There’s more, but too many people are about now.After the games, come to my room—we’ll talk details.For now, you know the important part.”
“How am I supposed to focus on the games or polite conversation with my mind racing like this?”
“Now you know how I feltalldinner!”Pere giggled.
