“No, my lord.”Anna retreated, then decided more distance was necessary and stood.
“I didn’t realize you were so shy.”Edwin stood as well, taking slow steps toward her as if not wanting to cause her to startle.
Anna frowned.This wasn’t going according to plan, not that she’d had a plan.“Lord Devon.”
“Edwin, if you wish.I’d love to call you by your given name…”
Anna gave a tight smile and deliberately stated.“Lord Devon, I am miscommunicating my reasons for wishing to speak with you, and I’d like to give complete clarity to the conversation immediately,” she started and watched as his expression grew confused, then tight as if impatient and bored all at once.“I am flattered that your attentions have been so singular, and while at first I welcomed your pursuit, I need to inform you that I cannot entertain a proposal from you, as it would be dishonest to my heart and take advantage of yours.”Anna released a tight breath and waited.
“Pardon?”Lord Devon blinked, then tilted his head with an angry smirk to his lips.“You do not wish for my attentions?As in, this entire house party was set up to make a grand proposal, and you’re disinterested?”He rubbed the back of his neck and took a step back.
“I wanted to inform you as soon as I had made a decision, but I regret that it took me so long to come to that decision.”
“You regret?”He scoffed.“Everyone back in London expects us to return betrothed.Do you know the whispers that will follow you and me after we return without a formal alliance?”
“This is why I wished to tell you immediately, so that we can respectfully inform our families to alleviate any potential scandal.It’s a mutual—”
“This is not mutual.”He slashed his hand through the air.“This is one-sided, in more than one way.”He paused and regarded her coldly.“I expected more from you than this; of all the ladies, I picked you.How foolish of me.”He sneered the words.
Then he narrowed his eyes, and took a step toward her, and then another.Anna stepped backward, knocked into a table, and then scurried around it, placing it between them.
“I could force the issue, you know.You’re alone with me.”He traced her form with his gaze, giving a threatening chill down her spine.
“You could, but you wouldn’t,” she said with more conviction than she felt.
“Perhaps.”He regarded her.“Besides, my sister is likely just outside the door and would take your side.Leaving me the villain in the drama.”
Anna didn’t respond, just waited.Footsteps sounded in the hall and a moment later, Pere walked in as if his words had summoned her.
“Do we wish for tea?”Pere asked, as if one couldn’t cut the tension in the room with a dull butter knife.
“No, I think I’m finished here.”Anna darted around the table and toward the door of the parlor where Pere stood.“I believe we should see what the others are doing before we’re missed.”
“Yes, please run away, it’s not like I have any expectations of you now.”Lord Devon turned and regarded her coldly, his eyes dark and stormy with irritation.
“Good day, Lord Devon,” Anna remarked and started out the door.
“I know you had a part to play in this, Pere, I won’t forget,” Lord Devon called to Pere as they left.
“That didn’t sound kind,” Anna remarked to her friend as they started to the hall, Anna keeping her pace quick.
Pere shrugged.“That’s Edwin.I wasn’t lying when I said he was used to getting his way.This… won’t sit well.So be prepared.Not that he’d do anything to hurt you, it’s just, his pride will not let him let it go, at least not today.”
“Delightful,” Anna responded.“Why didn’t you tell me of this side to his character?”Anna asked, not angry just curious.
Pere’s expression grew worried.“I honestly didn’t think it would apply to you; it’s more of something I experience as a sister, so I just assumed it was only because of that relationship.Now, though, I’m seeing how that was a misstep.Can you forgive me?”
Anna grabbed her friend’s arm as they took a turn in the hall toward the main rooms.“There’s nothing to forgive.I can understand why you thought what you did, I was just inquisitive.”
Pere twisted her lips and gave a worried look to Anna.
“What is it?”
Pere sighed and stopped just before the main parlor’s entrance.“He’s going to be far angrier when he realizes who has stolen your heart,” Pere whispered.“And that… will be a battle you do not need to fight, but I think… it would be wise to let Henley know what’s afoot.”
Anna nodded.“Henley can take care of himself, I’m sure.”
“That is not my concern.Henley manages Edwin just fine.Edwin knows that Henley could mop the floor with him if it came to blows—” Pere stopped and glanced to her friend.
