Page 67 of The Trouble with Anna

“Yes.” The thought was quite pleasing. “As your fiancé, I may do as I wish.”

“My fake fiancé!”

“I believe you are attempting to change the subject. We were discussing whatever scheme you and Charlotte have cooked up.” More silence, more stony looks, more barricades and fortifications. Too bad for her that he knew how to storm her castle. “Howcharming! You wish to play a guessing game. You and Charlotte are making a plan for your future?”

Her eyes shot daggers at him.

“Your plan is shameless, I presume?”

“I don’t know what you mean, my lord.”

An idea occurred to him and wiped his pleasure away. “You mustn’t worry about Chatham’s servants. Promise me you won’t do anything madcap for them. I’ll take care of them, no matter what happens to the estate.”

Her eyes blazed. “Chatham ismyresponsibility and the lawyerIrecently contracted is working on it!”

“Damn it, don’t sell the horses, Anna. I forbid it!”

Anna said nothing, but an expression flitted across her face, fleeting as a firefly. It was both guilty and just the smallest bit… pleased?

As if she knew a joke, at his expense.

Odd. Interesting.

If only he could kiss her until her lips formed an O of wonder and all her secrets came tumbling out.

Think, man! And not about Anna’s mouth!Why should the idea of selling horses light her up?

The answer stamped its foot and shook its glossy gray mane at him.

Aha!

“Are we quite done here?” she asked.

Julian shook his head. “The music is still playing. I’m afraid our dance isn’t over yet.”

“We’re not dancing. We’re arguing in a corner.”

“The rules say you’re mine until the music stops. If you prefer, we can speak of more pleasant things. Tell me, did you like the horse I sent you? I wondered, because you never thanked me for him.”

He was rewarded when she choked.

“Th-thank you! Charon’s glorious. You know he is.” The musicians played the last bars, and Anna brightened. “Oh, look! There’s Lord Hartley. I was particularly hoping he’d be here tonight.”

All Julian’s pleasure fled. “You are not to talk to Lord Hartley.”

Anna stared up at him as if he’d gone witless. “Why? He’s my particular friend.”

“It’s unseemly for you to have aparticular friend,” growled Julian.

Anna yanked her hand from his. “I see. And I shall give your opinion the consideration it deserves.”

Anna marched off across the ballroom, making a beeline for Hartley and leaving Julian fuming behind her.

CHAPTER30

EIGHT HUNDRED POUNDS!” LORD HARTLEYyelped.

“Shh!Not so loud!” Anna cast a wary glance behind her. The Dowager might be lurking. Or Julian. Or any number of sneaks and spies.

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