Page 6 of Wicked Is the Duke
Chapter Three
Henry sat in the drawingroom of Robert Grover's townhouse waiting on Anna with a wrapped, leather-bound copy of Keats sitting in his lap. It was time to make his intentions known.
The door to the drawing room opened and Anna glided across the carpet. The instant he saw her, he felt in awe. She was dressed in a lavender day dress with dark gray piping and buttons, her dark hair swept up off her neck.
"Good afternoon, Your Grace. I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long," she said. She gifted him with a smile as she neared.
"Good afternoon, Miss Grover."
She gazed at him nervously. "I ordered tea. I hope that's all right, Your Grace."
"Yes. Tea would be nice."
He had been holding the book in his hand, waiting for the right moment. He waited until she sat down on a burgundy brocade sofa across from him before presenting her with the gift. "This is for you, Miss Grover. I thought you might enjoy it."
She tore the paper and read the cover, her fingers delicately touching the leather. "Keats. He's one of my favorites. How did you know?" she asked, her face flushing.
"Lucky guess," he replied.
"Thank you, Your Grace. It was very thoughtful of you. I shall treasure it."
At that precise moment, the butler entered. A footman pushed a tea cart into the room and stopped near Anna. "Shall I pour, Your Grace?"
"Please. Milk, two sugars."
She nodded and went about her task and a moment later, she handed him a cup. He accepted and sat back in his chair as he gazed at her over the rim of his teacup. Yes, she would make him an excellent duchess. Though she appeared slightly nervous around him at the moment, she was graceful and poised. He felt once they became better acquainted that nervousness would change. Anna was educated and could probably take him on in any sort of discussion they might have.
He looked about the room, noting there were only two other arrangements scattered about. Evidently, the potential suitors were waning. At least until the next ball or soiree she attended. He noted a large vase, with pink roses, placed by itself on a table in the center of the room. They were his; he'd made a point of sending pink roses. He smiled to himself. He knew at that moment he held a special spot in her heart.
"Are you in town for the remainder of the season?" she asked.
He shook his head. "I have several business interests which require my attention so I will remain in London for now. After that I plan to retire to my country estate in Kent."
She nodded. "That's not so far."
"No, it isn't. It's close enough that should I be there and needed here I can return to town quickly," he said.
He wasn't used to women like Anna Grover. She was nothing like Lady Caroline, who made her opinions very well known. Anna had been educated for the most part on the continent, and it showed. The few conversations he'd been able to have with her were far more than the usual ones he had with young women at social events. She could hold her own on a number of subjects.
"I apologize for my brother. He meant to be here when you came but was called away to an important matter. Business I'm sure," she said. She picked up her cup and took a sip, her eyes never leaving his.
"Perhaps he'll return soon."
Was she letting him know they were alone? Or was it no more than apologizing for her absent brother?
"Have you seen the hot air balloons in the park, Your Grace?"
"No, I'm afraid I haven't had the chance. I understand they're spectacular."
She nodded. "They are."
He arched a brow. "I take it you've seen them?"
"Yes, but I've also seen them in Paris," she said.
"I imagine the park was quite packed with people wanting to see such an extraordinary sight." He was curious who she'd been with when she saw the balloons rise up into the London sky. Had it been her brother or one of her many suitors?
"It was. I don't think I've seen it so crowded."
