He silently begged Lady Anna to lean away from the pressure, to give his brother some indication that his attentions were unwelcome.But hidden behind several dancers, Henley gave up hope when he spotted them again, closer than before.
What tore at his heart was the smile on Lady Anna’s face.
She was taller than average, with cinnamon-colored hair and cobalt blue eyes, but it was her smile that was remarkable—because it wasn’t perfect.Overly wide lips often spread into a grin considered vulgar by society matrons.More than once, he’d seen her hide the glorious expression behind a hand or fan.
A bloody Greek tragedy, that.
No, a smile like that was contagious, not meant to be hidden away.
He watched as she pinched the corners of her mouth, as if trying to keep the expression in check.
Did Edwin notice?Henley already knew the answer—no.Edwin was blessed or cursed—depending on one’s perspective—with an oblivious nature that led him to feel quite cheerful about all circumstances.
Unless it related to Henley.
But that was the exception to the rule.
The music ended, and Henley tugged at his shirt sleeves, waiting for Edwin to return Lady Anna to her mother’s side, or even Pere’s.However, Edwin tilted his head and whispered something quickly into Lady Anna’s ear.At her nod, he escorted her toward the edge of the ballroom.
Henley’s brows furrowed as he followed their movements.When they disappeared into the hall, Henley moved forward, his feet making the decision for him.
Careful not to attract attention, he arranged a polite smile and meandered toward the hall, praying there were others nearby.
Dear God, don’t let them be alone.
And if they were, let it be him who found them—to mitigate the scandal—for her sake.
For his own.
He took a deep breath as he rounded the corner and spotted the couple, now paused and talking softly.Henley’s heart lurched at the tender scene, revolting against it.
“Ah, Edwin.Mother is asking for you—another introduction, you understand.”Henley bit the inside of his cheek to keep from saying more.
“Ah, Mother.To think it was her idea for a turn about the room.”Edwin’s tone implied disbelief, but that was likely a nuance only a brother would notice.Or so Henley hoped.“You know, we call him Hen for a reason.”Edwin gave Henley a quick wink.
Henley’s blood simmered at his brother’s antics.His hands clenched of their own accord; with difficulty, he forced his grip to relax and his expression to remain indifferent.
“Yes, I’m rather a mother hen, I suppose.Though I must say it’s served you well a time or two, hasn’t it, Edwin?”Henley replied before Edwin could say anything to Lady Anna.
“See?He even admits it.”Edwin shrugged.“Please tell Mother I’ll be right in.”
Henley sighed, pausing a moment before continuing.It was part of the charade, and he needed to play it well—or his brother would view the situation as a game, rather than a threat to Lady Anna’s reputation.
“You and I both know that will not suffice.”Henley’s gaze shifted to Lady Anna.
Her expression was guarded—or irritated?He couldn’t tell.She wasn’t happy, and he wasn’t sure if it was with his brother… or him.
“Very well.I trust Henley will escort you to the ballroom while I attend our mother—”
“In the library.”
“Ah, it has been my utter delight, Lady Anna.I’m sure I will see you quite soon.”Edwin lowered his head to kiss her wrist, lingering a little too long for a gentleman.
Fists curling again, Henley released them before his brother turned back to him.
“I’ll see you soon as well.”
It was a threat if Henley had ever heard one.But he cared not.
