Page 36 of The Trouble with Anna

The Dowager leapt to Anna’s defense. “You’re not a bit behind, Lady Anna. I myself have never waltzed. A giddier display I have yet to see.”

Charlotte clapped her hands. “That gives me the most wonderful idea, Gran! You and Anna must both learn the waltz. I’ll teach you!”

Anna choked on her soup.

“What a ramshackle thought! I have no desire to learn!” the Dowager cried.

“There’s only one problem. We can’t go out until Anna’s gowns are ready and I’m sure the dancing master’s not available with so little notice.” Especially as Charlotte had no intention of asking him. “Who could we possibly get to partner us?”

Julian lounged back in his chair and raised his glass in a silent toast. “As the only gentleman present, I’d be delighted to offer my services.”

“There’s no need!” Anna protested.

“Certainly not!” agreed the Dowager. “A woman of my age, waltzing!”

“It’s settled, then!” Charlotte cried, drowning them both out. “Dancing lessons start tomorrow.”

A month ago, Julian would have laughed if anyone had told him he would spend an afternoon teaching a reluctant young woman how to waltz. If anyone would have had the guts to suggest he’d enjoy the activity, that his boots would ring out with haste as he strode across town to his grandmother’s townhouse, he would have leveled them with a stare. Yet when he entered the Dowager’s ballroom, his mood was almost as bright as the afternoon light that spilled across the acres of polished floor.

Charlotte was there already, as was Anna, standing stiff as a board, though the corners of her lips curled when she saw him.

Julian grinned back at her.

To think her prickliness had bothered him, that he’d found her drab and charmless. Now her small attempts to hide herself away amused him, like the ill-fitting black dress she wore again, or the way she yanked her hair ruthlessly back from her face. No one would call her beautiful, but it was becoming harder and harder for him to look away.

“Good afternoon, Lady Anna.” He gave her a sweeping bow. “Charlotte.”

“I’m here too,” came an aggrieved voice from the pianoforte in the corner.

Julian turned. “I beg your pardon?”

“I’m here as well, though I should be writing up my hybrid rose results.” The Dowager perched straight-backed and disapproving on a gilt bench. “I thought I’d mention my presence, as you didn’t seem to notice.”

Charlotte let out a strangled laugh and Julian bowed in the Dowager’s direction.

“Forgive me, Gran. I’ll endeavor not to overlook you again.”

“It’s the least you can do, now that you’ve dragged me here! To learn to waltz, of all things, though I notice I am meant to play for you, not learn myself. I wish you would get on with it.”

Anna pressed her eyes closed for the briefest second, as she did whenever she was rattled. He could almost see the fervent wish to escape that she sent flying up into the skies. He had the strangest desire to catch her wish and send it winging back to her with a message of his own.Don’t wish me away, Countess. Wish me closer.

The Dowager was not finished. “In my day, young people didn’t drag their elders about. Especially when it’s cold and there are no fires lit. My fingers will ache before we’re done. How am I to write my paper then?”

“I didn’t know you were feeling so infirm, Gran,” Julian called.

“Or so argumentative.” Charlotte’s hair quivered at the effort it took her not to laugh.

“I will not be mocked,” snapped the Dowager. “It’s been much too tense lately and it’s taking a toll. I blame you and your brother, I do.”

“I do too!” Anna said, earning herself a sharp glance from the Dowager that quickly softened.

“They’ve both gone mad. Hurry up with your waltzing, and then let’s lock ourselves up together in the salon and have a bit of peace.”

Charlotte clapped her hands. “Shall we begin? Anna, you stand in front of Julian.” She frowned. “A little closer! Come on, closer still. Ooh, that’s good! Now, Julian, place your hand around her waist. No, Anna! Don’t stiffen up like that! You must relax a bit—but no, not your right arm! Hold that firm, so he encounters some resistance.”

“Not too much resistance, I hope,” Julian whispered.

Anna looked up at him and bared her teeth.

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