ANNE
Ihardly recognized him without flour on his face.
My heart picked up speed. It was early, most guests were still in bed, and Lord Kirkham had cornered me in an empty room. If we were seen together, especially after the events of the night before…I could only imagine the rumors.
“My lord, you startled me.” The muscles in my neck tensed as he took a step into the room.
“My apologies. I thought I would find this room unoccupied.” He strode closer. “But I am glad to have found you here.”
“I cannot understand why.” I gave a hard laugh, moving to the right. “A morning of quiet solitude is the best sort. I don’t possess the talent for providing enjoyable conversation before ten o’clock.”
Lord Kirkham chuckled. His grinning face was the shape of the portrait behind him. Not of the subject, but of the frame itself. “I don’t care for conversation either. We might sit together a while? Perhaps read a book?”
“Actually, I was about to leave.” I clasped my hands together, skirting closer to the door. “My hair is not to my liking, so I must have my maid arrange it again before breakfast.”
He scoffed. “That’s absurd. Your hair looks ravishing.” His eyes trailed down my entire figure before returning to my face.
The door was in sight, but Lord Kirkham stepped in front of me. “My lady, please, don’t leave. Take a walk outside with me.” His gaze drifted to my lips. My stomach lurched. It was easy to lower defenses at a secluded party like this. Lines were blurred, and rules became suggestions. Gentlemen became oafs.
“I don’t enjoy walking,” I blurted. I cleared my throat. “Out of doors, that is. The air is far too chilled in the morning.”
“Come now, it’s August.”
My chest tightened with frustration. “Good day, my lord.” I rushed past him and into the corridor. I didn’t stop until I was safely in my bedchamber again. I slumped against the back of the door, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. I had hoped Lord Kirkham would forget the kiss, but it seemed he had not. I groaned. He might have assumed I liked him since I had chosen to kiss him over Alexander. How could I remedy the situation? Lady Tottenham was likely proud of her work from the night before, and she might have even seen a potential match brewing.
Shehad chosen the partners. She must have wanted me to court Lord Kirkham.
Why on earth would she want that?
Perhaps I could tell Lady Tottenham about Miles. If she knew I was already in love, she might exclude me from her matchmaking schemes. It was also possible that she would send me home, deeming me unable to contribute to her objectives. I bit one fingernail in thought.
I delayed going downstairs for as long as I could. Jane delivered a schedule for the events of the day, and I read it before heading to the breakfast room.
Day 2
Nine o’clock:
Breakfast
Ten o’clock:
Gather in the hexagon room
Afternoon:
Luncheon
Various activities of nine pins, embroidery, and music
Tea
Six o’clock:
Dinner
Cards and music
I scowled at the space at the bottom of the page. It should have read:Midnight:await a dreaded invitation under your door.
