Page 16 of Wicked Is the Duke
"We've discussed the matter quite a bit, but he's yet to ask me."
"He's probably waiting for the right time. My brother may have been known as a rake, but he's a perfectionist. He'll want everything perfect when he proposes."
"That's what I thought. He's so kind and considerate. He'll choose the perfect time."
"Speaking of time," Jane said. "Henry will be joining us this evening. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not. I can't wait to see him."
Jane smiled. "Good. He'll join us before dinner. I was going to ask another couple, maybe two, but decided this evening should be family only."
"Thank you, it will be nice to have a small, quiet dinner," Anna replied. A footman, followed by the butler, Mr. Garner, brought a tray filled with cups and a pot of tea.
Jane poured two cups, handing one to Anna. "Good, I'm glad you think so because I have a few things planned."
"Such as?" Anna asked, accepting the cup.
"Nothing too elaborate. A dinner or two, just neighbors, perhaps a tea with the ladies. I know my brother wants to spend time with you, and since it appears you may end up as my neighbor, I thought it appropriate to keep social events to a minimum."
"That sounds splendid, but please don't go to any trouble on my account."
"No trouble at all. The one thing I enjoy about the country is we are under no obligation to entertain."
Anna smiled at her friend. "True. The season gets so exhausting."
"It does, though there are some who find the need to continually entertain. Even out here."
"Yes, I imagine so. Are we subject to this plight?"
Jane nodded and took a sip of tea. She set the cup down on the saucer on the small table in front of her. "I'm afraid the Countess of Wright is in residence at her parents’ estate. I received an invitation for a ball her family is hosting Thursday."
"I don't believe I know her," Anna replied.
"She's a close friend of Lady Caroline's. The countess's parents are the Duke and Duchess of Sutton."
"I've heard the name. Have you accepted the invitation?"
"No, I wanted to discuss it with you since there's a possibility Lady Caroline will be attending. In fact, I'm certain she'll be there."
Anna revealed to Jane the conversation she'd had with Lady Caroline at the theater. "I can deal with her if I must, but please tell me the Earl of Carlisle won't be there."
"I have no idea, I'm afraid," Jane replied. "We'll discuss it with the men this evening. The last thing I want is for you to be upset."
"You don't want the duchess to think you're slighting her, either, by not accepting."
"Yes, I know, and I wouldn't," she replied as she picked up her teacup and took another sip. "I'm sure you'd like to change, perhaps lie down for a while. Would you care for me to show you to your rooms?"
"Yes, please. I think I will lie down for a while before I change."
"Excellent. We can't have you looking too tired when my brother comes this evening," Jane teased.
Anna felt herself blush. "No, I suppose we can't."
She followed Jane out of the drawing room, through the hall, and up the grand staircase. At the top of the stairs, Jane took a right and led her down a hallway until they reached a set of closed doors. Jane opened the door and led her inside a sunny room done in shades of pink and white.
"I chose this room because it looks over the gardens, and I immediately thought of you when my housekeeper and I were choosing which rooms to put guests in."
Anna looked around the vast room and nodded. "It's beautiful. I don't think I've seen some of the pinks used in here."
