Page 81 of A Spinster for the Cold Duke

“You are many things, my dear Annabelle, but fine is not among them at present. Those women are venomous creatures who feast on others’ discomfort.”

“I cannot stand them,” She gritted. “Look at how they treat Florentia! She ran away with my fiancé, disappeared for years, and returned triumphant. While I…”

“While you demonstrate dignity and grace under circumstances that would destroy lesser spirits,” Henry finished firmly. “Do not let their poison seep into your thoughts.”

Annabelle nodded quickly. “That is the last thing I’ll ever do. So, you can go now. It would spell disaster if we were seen together like this?—”

His expression turned stormy within her one breath and the next. “When are you going to get it through your pretty head that I do not intend to leave you?”

Annabelle’s heart pounded in her chest. “I…I know what you want, and…I…want that, as well but…” She let out a long breath. “No matter what happens, I’ll be ruined in their eyes. A failure. And while that does not wound me, it will wound Celia. I care for that girl deeply. And I know you do too. If you… If you are associated with me, it will affect her.”

Henry inhaled sharply. His eyes fluttered shut for a brief second before he snapped them open again. “Annabelle?—”

His hands moved as if to touch her, but she pulled back.

“Annabelle, don’t move away from me. I?—”

“Anna!” Florentia’s voice rang through the garden as she approached the arbor. “There you are, dear sister. I wondered where you’d vanished to.”

CHAPTER 28

“Miss Florentia Lytton. I was just assuring your sister that the gardens are particularly lovely this time of year,” Henry stepped back smoothly, and his expression shifted to polite formality.

“Oh, they are indeed,” Florentia agreed brightly. “Though I do hope Anna isn’t feeling unwell? She seemed rather pale during our earlier conversation.”

“I’m quite well, thank you,” Annabelle replied stiffly.

“Of course you are,” Florentia smiled. “You always were the strongest of us.” She turned to Henry with practiced grace. “Your Grace, might I express how much I’ve enjoyed observing your daughter today? Such a delightful child. Lady Celia, isn’t it?”

“Indeed.” Henry’s response was carefully neutral and a tad dry.

“She’s quite charming. And so fortunate to have a father who lavishes so much devoted attention to her education. Grandmama has always been wonderful with children.”

The observation, seemingly innocent, carried undertones that made Annabelle’s stomach tighten. Henry’s expression remained unchanged, but she caught the slight tension in his shoulders.

“Lady Celia is indeed fortunate in that the Dowager Viscountess opted to teach her proper etiquette,” he replied formally. “If you’ll excuse me, I should return.”

After Henry departed with a meaningful glance toward Annabelle, Florentia moved closer, and her demeanor shifted subtly.

“That was foolish, Anna.” Her voice lacked its earlier musical quality.

Annabelle blinked once at her sister before blurting out, “I beg your pardon?”

“Standing here alone with the Duke. People notice these things. They talk.”

Of course, it seemed as though she was just looking out for her elder sister, but Annabelle couldn’t shake the feeling that something was strange. She just couldn’t bring herself to fully trust her younger sister, despite claiming to have forgiven her.

“People have always talked,” Annabelle replied wearily.

“Yes, but this is different.” Florentia’s tone carried an edge of warning. “You know what they’re saying about you, even now. Imagine what they’ll say if they realize His Grace is seriously interested in a woman with your… history.”

Annabelle stiffened. Of course, Annabelle already knew the complications, but she did not care for Florentia’s words. “My history is my own concern.”

“Is it? What about that sweet girl, his daughter? She’s just a child, Anna. Think about what whispers might follow her if you pursue this attachment.”

How dare she! Annabelle wanted to feel indignation, but the words struck home with devastating accuracy, nonetheless. Annabelle felt something cold settle in her chest as Florentia continued.

“They wouldn’t dare say anything about a child,” Annabelle protested weakly. She knew her argument was moot, and it was because even she herself did not believe it.

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