Page 17 of Wicked Is the Duke
"I know, neither have I," she replied. "I hear your maid in the dressing area, so I'll leave you. Tea is served at five in the drawing room."
Anna nodded at her friend. "Thank you, Jane. Thank you for everything."
"You're quite welcome. Enjoy your respite from your brother."
"I shall, and I was honestly shocked that he would travel to the continent and leave me."
Jane turned to face her as she got ready to leave. "I'm glad he didn't make you go. I would like to believe Robert approves that match more than he's letting on."
The door closed, leaving Anna alone. She walked to the windows and gazed down into the formal gardens that ran along the back of the house. They were beautiful, planted by Norwood's grandfather if she recalled correctly. Jane had mentioned to her how gorgeous they were. Like nothing she'd ever seen.
Her lady's maid, Mildred walked in, causing Anna to turn her attention back to more immediate matters.
"I believe I'd like to lie down for a while before I dress for tea."
"Yes, ma’am. Why don't we get you out of your traveling clothes?"
"Tea is at five. Please wake me no later than four."
"Yes, my lady. Anything else?"
"Just be sure my gowns are pressed and ready for tonight. Lord Blackmont will be joining us for dinner, and I wish to look my best."
***
Henry turned at thesound of the door opening. There she stood in the doorway; dark brown curls framed her face, her golden-brown eyes shone, welcoming him. She was entrancing, utterly entrancing. As she walked closer, she dropped her gaze, her thick, brown lashes fluttering. He smiled as he could not help but notice her deep rose lips. Was her bottom lip a bit plumper than the top?
His eyes dropped lower, to her magnificent, long neck, and the silk, sapphire gown she wore. Henry felt his body react, growing hard as his mind wandered to imagining how beautiful Anna would look naked. How he'd kiss her body, beginning with that elegant neck, kisses that would explore every inch of her.
"Good evening, Anna," Jane said, forcing him to abandon any random, erotic thoughts he was having. He glanced at his sister, who watched him, her brow arched. Yes, she would know what he was thinking. His sister had unfortunately been in residence as hostess to his infamous house parties. Of course, he never let on what went on late at night, long after she was abed, but the look on her face said it all. She knew.
He made a stylish bow. "Good evening, sister, Miss Grover." He turned his attention to Anna. "I trust you had an uneventful journey from town."
She nodded, giving him a friendly smile. "Yes, it was quite uneventful."
"I always find it relaxing to spend time in the country, don't you?"
"Yes, I do. You forget just how much until you spend time out here," she replied.
"Indeed. I forget just how much I miss Blackmont Crest until I've spent time in London."
Truth was, he really did prefer Blackmont Crest to almost anywhere else. He wondered how much of a problem it would be with Anna for them to spend more time in the country, whether it be Blackmont Crest or one of his lesser estates. Most ladies wanted more society than he did. Probably part of the reason he hadn't married. The endless round of house parties had never appealed to him.
He heard Norwood snicker. "I believe you wouldn't come to town at all if it weren't for Parliament."
"I hardly think that's fair, Norwood. I firmly believe a compromise can always be made."
Jane quickly took control of the evening. She nodded to the open door where the butler was waiting. "Dinner is served. The two of you can debate the good and bad of living in town afterwards."
The four were seated, Norwood at the head and Jane to the right of her husband. The table was long, and this arrangement made for a more intimate supper. Anna was seated to Norwood's left, leaving Blackmont to sit next to Anna. He chuckled, knowing it had to be his sister's idea.
"What is so funny?" Jane asked.
"I was simply recalling how our mother would have used the entire table," he replied. That wasn't what he'd been thinking, but he couldn't very well share it.
Dinner was divine. Norwood and Jane's cook had outdone herself, serving roasted pheasant, poached fish in a cream sauce, an abundance of vegetables and, of course, a delicate turtle soup. The wine had been superb, and by the time desert was served, he barely had room.
Conversation had been light and witty. He was pleased to see Anna's usual stoic mask had disappeared as she added to the conversation.
