Anna grinned as she followed him back to the stairs and gave a blushing smile to her friend.“Thank you.”
“I’d say you’re welcome, but it was rather awkward—and youdefinitelyowe me,” Pere teased.“And I’ll keep an eye on him, so don’t worry, Anna.”
“Oh, the confidence that inspires,” Henley replied with a teasing tone.
Anna all but rolled her eyes as she looked ahead to the top of the stairs, only to have her blood run cold, all mirth evaporating.Henley’s arm flexed under her hand, and he shared a quick look with her before addressing his brother.
“Good afternoon, Edwin.”He offered a kind tone as the elder brother started down the stairs.
Edwin paused, then gave a sneer.“Good afternoon.”He turned to Anna.“Are you headed to your mother?I’m happy to escort you the rest of the way,” he proposed with a charming smile.
Anna gripped Henley’s arm tighter.“I thank you for your kind offer but I’m nearly there and Pere isn’t feeling well, so I’m going to ensure she gets to her room as well.”She hated her little lie but needed a reason for all three of them to stay together without raising suspicion.
Not that the news wouldn’t be public soon, but some instinct told her that her father had reservations about Edwin, and that was why she was being sent home early.
“Ah, I hope you improve soon, sister.”Edwin turned to Pere and seemed to study her for illness.
Pere slumped slightly, then gave a cough for good measure.
A rather pathetic attempt at a cough, but an effort nonetheless.
“Ah, well, I’ll leave to you it then.I’m sure Hen will make a great escort; he’s rather fatherly in that way, old soul.”He speared the jab at his brother and gave a cold smile.
Anna stiffened and took a breath to give a retort to Edwin but paused with Henley interrupted her.“Yes, maturity doesn’t always come with age, does it?Some of us are just born with it.”He shrugged, and then led Anna around Edwin, who had stopped on the stairs.
“Good afternoon, Edwin,” Pere replied sweetly, then seemed to remember her ruse and gave another pathetic cough.
Henley led them up the stairs and toward Anna’s parents’ chambers.“And this is where I’ll leave you.”He took a step back and bowed properly, but there was nothing proper about the intensity of his gaze or the way his eyes lingered on her lips, making them tingle as if he’d just kissed them softly.
“How, you’re doing nothing improper, but it feels… like it is.”Pere gave a delicate shiver.“You two are going to be horrific to be around the first month.”Pere covered her mouth and glanced around, her breath rushing out when she realized they were indeed alone.
Sorry, she mouthed.
Henley gave her a teasing smile.“Soon, there will be no need to be cautious.”
“In any way,” Anna added.
“Okay, you’re just as bad as he is, and I’m now officially feeling nauseous.”
“I suppose it wasn’t a lie, then!”
“A sin canceled out.”
“It’s a blessed day.”
“Indeed, it is.”
“Go.Please.I beg you.”Pere all but shoved Anna to the door as she knocked for her.
Anna couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s antics and exaggerated expression as she glanced heavenward as if petitioning the almighty for patience.
The door opened and Anna started through the door, then paused, glancing back to Henley.With a final smile, she went to find her mother.There was much to plan, and with any luck, the three days would pass quickly.
They had to.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Henley swirled thebrandy, inhaling the sharp scent but not drinking.He needed clarity tonight—not comfort.His mother had been speechless for once—stunned into silence by the duke’s news.She’d offered a quiet congratulations, then poured herself a tall glass of whisky.Henley couldn’t remember the last time she drank anything stronger than wine at dinner.
