She spoke something softly in her father’s ear and he laughed, then she glanced over her shoulder and frowned at me.
I smiled back, if only to play the old game we always played.
Who would win her father’s attention tonight?
ChapterFour
Anna
Graham Everettknewhe was not wanted tonight.
I’d given him every clue, every opportunity to excuse himself, and yet still his footsteps clomped behind.
Were all men this careless about a woman’s desires? Or were they simply daft?
He’d come with another investment opportunity; I could tell merely by looking at him. His coat wrinkled, trousers dusty, and his sandy hair a matted mess. Judging by the number of times he swiped his hand through it, something was clearly troubling him.
Not that I cared. Graham could take his greed elsewhere. From the very first moment he’d set foot inside our home, he’d charmed Papa with his intelligence and scheming. He was the grandson of one of Papa’s old friends, which had apparently warranted Papa taking the man under his wing.
I’d tried everything I could to dissuade Papa from inviting Graham to every outing, introducing him to every associate, every connection, every friend we had because even then I could tell that Papa’s time and attention were shifting by the day. Less for me, more for Graham and conversations fit only for men’s ears. What I had tolerated in the beginning grewinto something utterly vexatious, and before long I found myself belowstairs with Cook. Far enough away not to hear the clinking glasses and boisterous laughter in Papa’s study.
Indeed, Graham had kept Papa so busy over the past few years, I’d lost count of the weeks I’d been left home alone while he sought out some venture or another. He’d only just returned from Bath!
Whatever new investment scheme Graham Everett proposed this time, I’d thwart at any cost. At present,Ineeded Papa.
In the dining room, Papa helped me into my chair at the head, then patted my shoulders before moving to his spot at my right.
I straightened my silk skirt comfortably under the table and pretended not to hear the screeching of the chair to my left. I could feel Graham there, tall and wide and filling the other space beside me.
Pea soup was poured into my bowl, then my glass filled with wine.
“I am very fond of pea soup.” Graham aimed his comment to Papa.
I cleared my throat and glared.
“No more than I,” Papa laughed, lifting a spoonful to his mouth. “Another commonality we share, Everett. Thank you, Anna. Your thoughtfulness brings me great pride.”
I forced a pleased smile, for naturally I had planned Papa’s favorite dinner for tonight, for a new beginning. Had I known Graham was attending, I would have served raw turnips.
Graham leaned closer to his bowl as he finished his soup. Comfortable, much too comfortable at our table.
My appetite waned, but I politely sipped my soup, watching Papa’s progress to ensure the evening went according to my plan. After soup, he’d want more wine, which I signaled for. Then soon after, I motioned for the soup bowls to be taken away.
“More favorites.” Papa grinned at the fricassee of lamb, green beans, potato pudding, and spinach cakes that arrived at the table. “A surprise to be sure. And much needed after the day I’ve had.” His eyes focused, and a crease between his brows appeared. “What is the occasion? Have I forgotten a celebration?”
The opposite, actually, but how could I tell Papa of Mr. Lennox’s betrayal with Graham sittingrightthere. I tried for a smile. “I’ve missed you, that is all.”
“Don’t be modest, Everett,” Papa said, motioning to the platters situated in front of us. “Help yourself.”
Graham looked to me for, what, approval? I set my jaw and stared back. If he thought I might allow him to serve me, he would be greatly disappointed. I gave him my best smile. “Yes, Mr. Everett. Please do not be modest on my account. You’ve always had quite the appetite when you come to our table.”
A muscle in his jaw ticked as he watched me. He tilted his head to hide his annoyance, and it was too good. He had to know how dearly I despised him. I broke our stare and held my breath to keep from laughing.
Papa served the green beans and lamb, and the room grew quiet, all nicking forks and slicing knives.
Then, “Mr. Lane, would you mind passing me the goat cheese?”
I stopped chewing.Do not react.Graham was baiting me.
