Page 161 of The Language of Love

Annis couldn’t tell him what she was really thinking, but there were two things she needed to say. Well, three, actually.

“The letter I received from Miles—the one I wouldn’t let you read. The reason—”

“You don’t need to explain. You are allowed your private correspondence. I shouldn’t have—”

“I want to explain.” Annis turned in his arms, needing to crane her neck to look up at him. She gave an exasperated huff. “You are too tall. Sit here on the bench.”

He sat.

“Much better,” she said, reveling in the chance to see him at eye-level. She laid a finger across his full, soft lips. “Now, I have several things to say. It will be easier if you let me say them.”

He kissed her gloved finger and then nodded.

“Miles wanted to give Freddie what remains of the money he received when he sold his commission. He knows that I’m a signatory on her account and he wanted me to deposit the money without telling her.”

Henry frowned, a notch forming between his eyebrows. He opened his mouth, but then shut it.

Annis couldn’t help chuckling. “You may speak.”

“Why would he give the money to Lady Sedgwick?”

“Because he loves her, Henry. And she loves him.”

“What?”

“Yes, although neither of them has ever said as much. And I doubt they’ve ever acted on their feelings—or perhaps they did. Perhaps they would have married if Miles had not inherited, but I somehow doubt it. Something bad must have happened to Freddie during her marriage because she has always said that she will never remarry. By the way,” she added, when Henry continued to goggle. “I wrote to Miles and asked his permission to tell you, so I am not speaking out of turn.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Why are you looking at me that way?”

“I thought it was you.”

“Me, what?”

“That Avington loved.”

Annis laughed. “Miles? Lord, no! I think of him as a brother.”

“I thought you loved him.”

Annis stopped laughing when she saw the intense, almost pained expression in his beautiful eyes. “Why would you think that?”

Henry inhaled deeply, his enormous chest expanding and expanding, until he finally exhaled in a huff. “Never mind. I was obviously mistaken.”

She cupped his jaw. “Have you been thinking I was pining for Miles?”

He shrugged, but the slight flush of color over his cheekbones told her she’d guessed correctly.

“Oh no, Henry,” she murmured, brushing a thumb over his lips. “I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you say something? Why, you must have thought—”

“Shh,” he whispered. “It’s my fault, you have nothing to be sorry for.”

She snorted. “Well, I was allowing another man to court me while seeing you. No doubt you believed me capable of being in love with Miles and courting Mr. Norburg and marrying you. I made a mull of things, Henry. But I don’t love anyone else.” She kissed him, a slow, thorough, lingering kiss. When she finally pulled away, she said, “Except you.”

His reddened lips parted in shock.

“Why do you look so surprised? Have I not shown you I love you?”

“I thought you were merely putting the best face on things.”

She laughed at that. “I’m not that good an actress.”