Her eyes fluttered open with a dazed look.
“You’re an heiress now, you mustn’t ever sleep on a sofa again.”
The party had ended several minutes before. Lady Tottenham had been concerned about Anne’s whereabouts, but I had explained that she was feeling unwell in her room. Thankfully Lady Tottenham seemed to be taking a break from her midnight parlor games, so the house was quiet. All the remaining house guests had gone to bed.
Anne stretched her arms, brushing her hair off her face with an embarrassed smile. Her eyes were still half-closed.
“You look exhausted.”
“I’m not.” She tried to sit up.
I hid my amusement the best I could, but it was to no avail. “I’ll carry you.” I slipped one arm behind her knees and the other around her back, lifting her off the sofa.
She laughed. Her eyes were wide open now. “You are going to drop me.”
“Are you underestimating my strength?”
Her laugh rustled the hair at the nape of my neck, sending a thrill racing across my skin. She squeezed her eyes shut as I descended the stairs, clinging tight to my collar. I could easily envision a future where we stayed up late together and she fell asleep on the sofa. I would carry her to her room every night if it made her smile the way she was now. Eventually she would trust me not to drop her.
I struggled to open the door to Anne’s bedchamber, which only made her laugh harder. She helped turn the knob, and I used her legs to push the door open. By the time I reached her bed, we were both laughing. I dropped her softly on top of the blankets.
She blinked up at me. I would never kiss her again unless I knew it was welcome, and her eyes were tugging me forward. I fought the temptation. My sense of propriety had been tainted by Lady Tottenham’s house party. I was still a gentleman.
“Sleep well,” I said.
“Alexander.” She sat up, curls askew. “Thank you.”
My hand was on the doorknob. I found the strength to turn it. “Goodnight.”
She returned my smile. “Goodnight.”
I closed the door behind me with a deep breath. She couldn’t possibly be more beautiful and enchanting, especially with her wild curls and drooping eyes. If I had taken any part in drying her tears, I would sleep soundly.
I walked down the corridor to my bedchamber. When I opened the door, I found a folded note just inside the room. “What the devil?” I muttered. I had assumed the midnight parlor games were over.
I unfolded it, scanning the page.
Alexander,
I have in my possession a banknote for two-hundred pounds. It is yours if you leave Birch House and stop meddling in my affairs. Meet me outside Russell’s at nine o’clock tomorrow morning to receive your payment. In addition, I offer you two thousand pounds after Anne and I are married and the old crone dies. If you require further incentive, I will personally arrange for your transportation to York.
Miles
ANNE
“Toads cannot hurt me,” I told myself as I waded into the cold pond water. The early morning air held a slight chill, but I wouldn’t allow it to change my mind. I didn’t stop walking until my dress was completely submerged. In one fast motion, I ducked my head under the water. A delighted laugh escaped me as I broke the surface.
I never would have admitted it to Alexander, but I had been tempted to test the water ever since I had seen him swimming in it. My sole purpose was to prove to myself that I could do something that seemed completely opposite of my nature. In the past, I would have scolded any young lady who did something so untamed as swimming in a murky pond at dawn.
In the past, I would have never been able to let go of Miles.
All the years I had spent desperately trying to grasp at some sort of control over my future had left my hands raw. I had clung to Miles without noticing the damage he caused, and the true character he possessed. My own sense of worth had changed, and it had nothing to do with the fifty thousand pounds. I deserved someone who wanted me before I had anything but my heart to offer.
I trudged out of the pond, stepping on the wet hem of my dress. I tripped, landing on my belly in a puddle of mud. Scrambling to my feet, I picked up my skirts and walked back to the house. I had informed Jane of my plan, so she awaited me outside the door with a linen towel. She didn’t question my actions, but I saw the hidden dismay in her eyes.
Ever since the announcement about Lady Tottenham’s will, the servants at Birch House had been particularly attentive to me. They knew that I would one day be responsible for their employment.
I took a hot bath, leaving my hair time to dry in rags before Jane arranged it for breakfast. My anticipation over seeing Alexander was a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
