Henley forced himself to calm down.Announcing that he’d been alone with Lady Anna at night could create a devastating situation for her reputation.Damn his mother, but he’d do everything in his power to protect hers.
“Oh, well, I was hoping we’d have a scapegoat,” Lady Devon replied, brushing invisible lint from her dress.
“Not yet, but I have some suspicions, so I’ll be watching at the picnic,” Edwin remarked coolly.
Henley debated on what option would be best; telling his brother now or letting him find out for himself.He was always one for straightforward honesty, but in this case, was that best for Anna?He wasn’t sure.Not with the current tension, and he truly must make it first clear to Anna, and her parents, before creating a stir with his brother.
Because he was certain his brother wouldn’t accept any of this gracefully.No, it would be best to have all the details attended to, tied up and proper, before Edwin had a chance to twist anything.
A faded memory flickered to the forefront of Henley’s mind as he considered how Edwin could twist things.Hadn’t he made the whole scandal worse last year?And laid all the blame at Henley’s feet, even when Edwin had been the one to encourage the fight with that particular gentleman.It had felt off; it still did.Edwin had an uncanny way of making situations stick to others and not to himself.
Henley decided to guard Anna against such a scenario at all costs.He’d have to steal a moment, but doing such would create the suspicion he was trying to avoid till the details were addressed.It was a quandary.
He’d have to enlist Pere’s assistance.
And then—if it wasn’t too risky—perhaps a midnight conversation could be arranged.They’d have to be careful; they couldn’t be seen by anyone.But, thankfully, the house party was at his house, which he knew backward and forward.If there was a way, he’d know it.
The carriage slowed as they approached the Bath Skyline walk trail.It was a beautiful six-mile route that moved in a loop.As it was near the Abby and Bathwick fields, it was the perfect setting for a picnic as well as meandering which could be secluded while still maintaining the requirements of propriety.
“We’re here.I’ll be watching, too, and maybe Lady Kinfield will speak with me.”Lady Devon gave one final smile to her favorite son, then glanced to Henley.“You be aware too.I know you’ve been listening, so do your part too, Hen.”
Henley nodded and stepped from the carriage, offering his mother assistance to alight as well.She readily accepted his help, as was expected, and immediately began instructing servants.
Several other carriages arrived, and soon the grassy area was filled with guests, bonnets, parasols, and chatter.He watched as Lord and Lady Kinfield’s carriage rolled to a stop, and Lord Kinfield stepped out, then assisted his wife, daughter, and Pere from the carriage.Henley watched Anna’s movements—the delicate curve of her hip, the warm smile on her lips as she thanked her father, and the way that smile faded as she scanned the area.Sensing the moment, he stepped forward toward her.
She caught his eye, returning his gaze with a soft smile and a faint blush that made his chest tighten.He silently hoped Edwin wasn’t watching.
As Henley bowed to the Duke and Duchess of Kinfield, he felt the duke’s eyes briefly on him—measuring, curious, weighing the man who’d captured his daughter’s heart.The look was careful, guarded, but not unkind.No words were spoken, but Henley knew the unspoken question hung in the air.
“Lady Anna.”He bowed again, then quickly turned to his sister.“I’m in need of my sister’s assistance since my mother is already ordering the servants about like a general orders his troops.She takes these events quite seriously and wishes for Pere’s aid.”It was the perfect cover for being near Anna, even if it was just for a moment.
He offered his hand to Pere, who gave him aI don’t believe one word you’re sayinglook, but she accepted his arm.
“I’ll be sure to return your friend soon, Lady Anna.”He turned to her then, and studied her expression, the light of her eyes, the gentle curve of her lips, and every feature of her face.“I’ll try to not delay in any fashion, Lady Anna, you have my word.”The words held double meaning.“I’m sure you recognize the need to follow the letter in these social settings, since my mother is quite the mercenary regarding keeping things proper for society,” he added, lowering his chin to make sure his expression conveyed sincerity, and he prayed she read into his words, deeply.
“There is a… protocol.”Lady Anna flickered her eyes to her father, who was already in conversation with another gentleman, and then turned back to Henley.
“Indeed, as much as I wish it were far simpler,” he added.
“As do I.”She blushed, the rose of her cheeks adding to her already glorious beauty.
“Hen.”Pere’s tone was tight, breaking him from his intimate conversation that masqueraded as social niceties.“Let’s go find Mother.”
Henley nodded to Lady Anna and her mother, who was about to hand her daughter a parasol.Turning around, Henley escorted Pere across the field slowly, choosing to meander around people rather than take a more direct route.
“Was something amiss?”Henley asked softly, casting quick glance to Pere.
“Edwin,” Pere replied.
“Yes?”
“Over there, look quickly then back,” Pere whispered through a polite smile.
Henley followed his sister’s gaze.
Edwin stood on the other side of the lawn.His attention was fixated on Anna, a defiant lift to his chin.
And Henley could feel it—the shift.Like something underfoot had loosened, unmoored.
