Page 32 of Wicked Is the Duke
Chapter Eleven
Anna sat patientlyas her maid put the finishing touches on her hair. Her hands smoothed the skirt of the dark ruby silk gown she wore. Tomorrow would be her final day as a woman betrothed to another. On Thursday, she would stand in Blackmont's drawing room, repeat her vows, and become his wife.
"You need to sit still, my lady. I'm almost finished."
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was so nervous."
The maid smiled knowingly. "It is quite common to be nervous before your wedding, my lady."
"I know. I find I want to pinch myself sometimes. It all seems like a dream. If it is a dream I don't want to awaken."
She nodded and stood back. "I can assure you it isn't a dream, and you're going to make a beautiful bride. The duke won't be able to keep his eyes off you."
Anna stood, looking in the mirror one last time before turning to leave.
She walked through the drawing room door and saw her brother, Norwood, and Blackmont engaged in conversation near the fire. Jane was seated on a gold brocade couch; she smiled seeing Anna near.
"You look beautiful," she whispered as they joined the men.
Anna could scarcely talk she was so nervous. She breathed in a deep breath as she smiled. "Good evening. I apologize if I kept you waiting."
"You're right on time," Jane replied, walking to her husband's side.
"You look beautiful this evening, as always," Blackmont said. He took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. She could feel the color rise in her cheeks. Never had she had a man pay such attention to her. Not in such a good and loving manner.
Anna turned to her brother as she composed herself. "Robert, I hope we will have some time before the wedding and before you leave for the continent."
"I look forward to it."
Blackmont looked terribly handsome. He wore a dark gray suit with a crisp white shirt and cravat. The cut of the suit and high quality fabric suggested it came from one of London's finer tailors. "We were just telling your brother about Lady Caroline and Carlisle's visit."
Robert nodded. "I can't believe they're still in the village. His estate isn't that far away."
Anna arched a brow. It was quite disturbing. "They're still in the village? Why?"
She knew Lady Caroline and Carlisle well enough to know that the pair didn't do things randomly. But why stay in the village? The inn was hardly someplace Lady Caroline would frequent unless traveling. They were out in the open for all to see.
"We don't know why, but Norwood and I have men in and around the village trying to find out," Blackmont replied.
"Carlisle is not to be trusted," Robert said. "He's used to getting what he wants. Taking what he wants. He acts rashly, which is part of the reason he's on the verge of financial ruin."
"What then does Lady Caroline hope to gain by all this?" Anna asked. "Why is she with him?"
The men glanced among themselves. They were trying to hide something. There was something they weren't telling her.
"Perhaps one of them is ill," Jane offered.
"Yes, perhaps that's the reason," Anna agreed.
