Page 12 of Wicked Is the Duke
Jane arched a brow in Lady Caroline's direction. "Lady Caroline. I had no idea you and Carlisle were courting."
Anna could tell by the expression on Jane's face that she knew the pair weren't, but she seemed to enjoy making Lady Caroline uncomfortable.
"The earl is a friend of my brother's, nothing more. He offered to escort me here in order that I could speak to Blackmont," she replied haughtily.
"Don't worry yourself, sister. You interrupted nothing. Lady Caroline and Carlisle were just leaving."
With that, Lady Caroline, followed by the earl, quit the room just as fast as she'd entered. Without a word to anyone.
"Well, isn't she the rude one?" Jane sniffed. "I pity the man she does marry."
"Enough of Lady Caroline," Henry said. "It's good to see you, sister."
Jane's gaze swung to Henry, then to Anna. "It's good to see you as well. I had no idea you were still in town. I would have made sure you were invited to dinner."
"My days have been quite full with business. I hope to return to Blackmont Crest soon. I've about had my fill of all the social niceties."
"I'm sure you have," she replied then turned to Anna. "You must come visit."
"Yes, you'd have a lot of room to ride like the wind," Henry drawled.
"I would like that, provided my brother is in agreement."
"I'm sure Robert would be amenable to you coming to visit me. I could certainly use some female companionship," Jane replied.
The gong chimed from below, reminding everyone to return to their seats. Jane bussed her brother on the cheek then took Anna's hands. "We really need to get together. I'll be in touch."
"I would like that," Anna replied.
Jane left, and Henry nodded toward the refreshment table. "I didn't expect all that, though I was happy to see my sister. Why don't we get something to eat?"
Anna nodded. "Yes, let’s. I find myself hungry from all the excitement."
Henry threw his head back and laughed. "Yes, Lady Caroline certainly knows how to work a room. I'll give her that. Did you see the look on her face when Jane suggested she and the earl were a couple? It was priceless."
Anna smiled as she picked up a plate from the table and began to choose from the fruit, cheese, and other items before them. "She certainly was rude, though I have to admit your sister was amazing."
"She was, wasn't she?"
"Yes." She passed her plate to the footman who was standing near and made her way in the dimming lamps to the seat at the front of the box. "This has been a most enjoyable evening, Your Grace."
"I'm happy you're enjoying yourself, but it's not over with yet."
As they sat eating and watching below, Henry discreetly took her hand in his.
