“Hah! Victory is mine!” He backed away from me, his grin triumphant and that ridiculous smirk of his in place. I could not wait to watch it drain from his expression, replaced by sheer horror. It took every ounce of effort I possessed not to show my pleasure at him falling into my trap.
I glowered at him, one final display of faux frustration, but before I could say anything, applause sounded from the entry of the morning room to our left. I expected to find another sibling standing there, watching the entire display with amusement, but my eyes fell upon Mother, and beside her, a tall figure with dark hair and eyes. A man whose kiss had haunted my memories for months.
A chill left goosepimples on my arms. Lieutenant Edward Paget.
A day of victory suddenly seemed beyond my grasp.
Chapter three
Annette
Mother’sstrainedsmilesaid,in tandem with the look in her eyes, that she expected whatever discord taking place between Rus and myself to cease at once. I had received hundreds of such silent chastisements throughout the years. Unfortunately for Mother, I often ignored them, especially when they were given to me at home.
It was one thing to put on a proper façade at a dinner party or ball in London, but here? No, Kenwick was my sanctuary—a place I could be myself, free of judgment. I would not surrender that freedom simply because Lieutenant Paget happened to be here.
My brows furrowed. Whywashe here?
“What a surprise!” Rus said, stepping toward our guest. He extended a hand to him. “Welcome to Kenwick, Lieutenant. My father mentioned you would be arriving soon.”
What?
“Annette.” Mother chided in a harsh undertone. Apparently, my shock and displeasure had been unintentionally voiced aloud. Not that I particularly cared if the lieutenant knew how unhappy I was to see him. In fact, I would make a point not to hide it.
“Do not worry, Mother,” Rus said, his lips drawn into a smirk, “I am sure Annette is merely enthused to see her beau after so many months apart.”
“He is not my beau,” I ground out.
Rus folded his arms. “Really? I could have sworn the two of you were spending time together quite regularly not but a few months ago. I can think of no other reason for an eligible lady of virtue to keep frequent company with a gentleman.”
The lieutenant and Ihadspent a great deal of time together, and we had wished for society to believe we entered a courtship. It benefited us both to have thehaut tonassume we were taken with one another.
But my family knew nothing of our ruse, and I intended to keep it that way. Should either of my parents find out, our agreement would become void. I had worked too hard for my independence to throw it away.
Which meant I had no choice but to accept Russell’s taunting and smooth over the situation. “Lieutenant Paget and I shared several wonderful outings, I will not deny, but we both came to the conclusion that the two of us would not suit; therefore, he is not my beau. As I said.”
I narrowed my eyes at Rus, daring him to contradict the statement. I should have known better than to think the matter resolved, but it was not my brother who spoke next.
“Did we come to that conclusion?” asked the lieutenant, his expression all innocence. “I do not recall such a conversation. Quite frankly, I remember your departure rather differently.”
Heat scorched my cheeks. Wretched man. I would just as soon forget our last encounter. If only my mind would allow it.
“Knowing Netty, the conversation was in her head,” said Rus. “It is far easier for her to win arguments that way, you see.”
“Ah.” The lieutenant nodded in agreement. “That is a valid point. I have known Miss Apsley—and all women of my acquaintance, for that matter—to take great joy in coming out the victor in disagreements.”
“They do, don’t they?” Rus added. “I should like to rank the pastime near the top of the list, next to embroidery and nagging one’s male relatives into insanity.”
“Russell,” Mother chided sharply. “You will mind your words. I believe I have taught you to be more respectful to both women and guests.” She turned to Lieutenant Paget. “Forgive our manners and please do not take offense.”
“There is nothing to forgive, my lady.”
Rus’s expression twisted with irritation, and he mumbled, “He cannot be offended if he agrees with me.”
And Lieutenant Paget did agree with my brother if his silent amusement indicated anything. I could tell, because it made the corners of his eyes crinkle.
I forced a smile. “It seems the two of you are well versed in the language of women. What a wonder it is for both of you to remain single. I cannot imagine why a woman shouldn’t overlook a lackluster personality and less than pleasing appearance to marry a man who could understand her so thoroughly.”
“A pointy barb, dear sister.” Rus held up the tart he’d stolen. “You may have the last word, for I will enjoy the sweetest victory all the same. In fact, I think I shall share my spoils with our guest.”
