“We should circulate among the guests.It might aid me in keeping my hands off of you for a little while longer.”His fingers brushed the silk buttons along the back of her gown.
A possessively delicious tingle flickered through her.Mine.He was hers, and the realization was heady, intoxicating, and it was only because he was leading her that she left their corner of the ballroom and walked into the sea of people.
Anna studied the people as they milled about, their expressions all ranging from amused to quiet interest.It would be the talk of the ton for a week, and then something new and sensational would be the on-dit.And she’d be happy to no longer be in the limelight.
“I don’t believe I’ve offered my congratulations yet.”
Anna turned to the voice and gave a polite grin, then noted the way Henley chuckled then shook Lord Hawthorne’s hand.“Well, you did have a front row seat for part of it, I felt your silent encouragement.”
“I was pulling for you, for certain.”His charming smile flickered away, then back to Henley but not before a hint of uncertainty crossed his expression.
Curious, Anna glanced to where his eye had landed.Her brow furrowed then smoothed into a welcoming smile as Pere came to stand beside her.
“Officially my sister, I knew it.”
Anna gave her a wry grin.
“One way or another.”Pere flicked her wrist.
“That… was not tactful, sister.”
“It’s part of my charm.”
Lord Hawthorne chuckled and covered it with a cough.
“Are you well?”Pere asked, her brow rising.
Anna watched with interest as Lord Hawthorne gave a shake of his head, though his lips curled into a small smile.
“Yes, quite well, my lady.”
“You seem to do that a lot.The coughing that sounds suspiciously like laughter.”Pere tipped her chin, regarding him.
“Watching me?”Lord Hawthorne asked boldly.
Anna shared a glance with Henley, who seemed equal parts amused and confused.
“No.”Pere flushed, then gathered her wits.“It’s hard to ignore such a… conspicuous reaction.”Then she added, “My lord.”
“Ah, and here I was taking your interest in my health as a compliment.”
“I assure you it wasn’t meant to be regarded as interest,” Pere said through closed teeth, her smile not matching her tone.
Lord Hawthorne reached out and grasped her hand, lifting it to his lips.“Pity, that.”He released her hand and then turned back to Henley.“Again, my congratulations to you both.”With a devilish smile to Pere, he turned his back and took his leave.
“That… was interesting,” Anna whispered to Henley.
“Irritating.The word you’re looking for isirritating.And, yes, I heard you.It’s not like you whispered that quietly.”Pere gave a shake of her head and regarded her friend with a patient smile.“Now, before I was interrupted—”
“I think you interrupted him,” Henley interjected.
“I saw you first,” Pere replied.
“He washerefirst,” Henley responded, earning a glare from his sister.
“Be that as it may, I’m family.I take priority, which speaking of family, Mother wishes a word.”Pere’s expression softened.“She’s waiting by the door.”
“Door?”Henley asked, just as Anna did.
