“I’d never have guessed you felt that way.And I must say, you looked quite interested in a few gentlemen near you—another thing we’ll discuss after the games.”
The parlor’s candlelight flickered as the gentlemen filed in, settling into relaxed seats, the scent of brandy and cigar smoke blending with the beeswax candles.No one seemed in a rush, and the calm eased some tension Anna hadn’t realized she’d been carrying.Sharing a smile with Pere, she noticed several gentlemen nodding toward her friend, choosing seats nearby.Soon, Pere was engaged in soft conversation.
A warm shiver tickled Anna’s spine, causing her to hesitate before she identified its source.Brown eyes locked with hers—Henley had entered the room, not even pretending disinterest; the fascination in his gaze was obvious to anyone watching.Anna glanced away, certain their silent exchange was obvious, but as she scanned the room, she realized no one had noticed.Bravely, she looked back.Henley’s eyes waited patiently.He gave a small smile and raised an eyebrow—as if to say,No one’s watching, but I am.
He always was.The realization struck her sharply.He was always aware of her, of others, of everyone but himself.She tilted her head, studying him boldly, if truth be told—because she, too, was always aware of him.Perhaps that’s why she assumed everyone else noticed.
Henley strode over, his long, lean body moving with a subtle grace that seemed almost unnatural for his height.Taking a seat beside her, he broke eye contact and leaned in slightly.
“If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll think we’ve already won the games before they start.”
“My apologies.”Anna didn’t dare meet his gaze, forcing herself not to shiver at the low timbre of his voice.
“Please don’t.I’m just warning you—I might claim victory prematurely, and that might entertain those around us.”He chuckled softly.
Anna’s ears perked as he inhaled, about to speak, but his mother’s voice interrupted.
“As you can see, I have tables set up for whist!To be fair, I’ve written everyone’s names on slips of parchment and will assign the partners.”
“I find that hard to believe,” Henley muttered low enough for Anna alone.“She wouldn’t leave an opportunity to chance—not one like this.”
“Oh?”Anna whispered, turning to him.“You think she’s already assigned the partners but wants it toseemrandom?”
Henley’s eyes softened as he studied her.“I don’t believe anything is random when matchmaking is involved.”
Anna swallowed and nodded, turning her attention as Lady Devon drew the first names from the bowl.
“First pairing: Edwin and… Lady Quinn?”She pulled a slip and furrowed her brow, glancing up to meet Anna’s eyes before flicking her attention back toward the doorway, where Edwin had just entered.
“But if one wants to win the game, they have to think ahead,” Henley whispered, earning Anna’s full attention.His lips tightened, barely hiding a smile dancing in his eyes.
“What… did you do something?”she asked, amused.
“Maybe.I won’t tell you, to keep you innocent of my machinations.”He grinned, then nodded toward his mother.“She’s trying to figure out why the parchment folded differently has a name other than yours.”
“You took it out?”Anna whispered, careful not to draw attention.
Henley gave a sidelong glance.“I neither confirm nor deny.”
Anna narrowed her eyes playfully.“So, I’ll be matched with another random gentleman instead?”
“Or the only one left…” He turned to face her fully, arching a brow.
Lady Devon continued pairing names, and as understanding dawned, Anna looked from Lady Devon to Henley and back.“You took out your name.”
“Beautiful and brilliant.”He nodded with approval.
“I… am impressed.”
“Good.I endeavor to impress you, Lady Anna.Now, if I’m not mistaken, my mother is nearly finished, and I’ll need to make a query.”
Anna watched as people filed toward the tables.Henley stood and turned to her.
“I believe that only leaves us, Lady Anna!You must be my partner.”He offered his hand to help her rise.
Anna bit back a smile at his clever maneuver.“It would seem so.”Her gaze flicked toward Edwin, who watched them with narrowed, displeased eyes.
Anna accepted Henley’s hand and followed him to a table with two empty chairs.
