Page 11 of A Wallflower's Wassail Punch
“Thank you, Gibbs.”
When Lady Annette rose, he offered his arm.“My lady, may I escort you to the dining room?”Did he sound foolish or gallant?He rather thought the latter.
“I’d be delighted.”
Her smile was like honey on a warm slice of bread, pleasant and sweet, leaving one wanting just one more bite.He smiled in return and decided he’d be foolish more often if this was the result.
CHAPTER5
Annette’s fingers soaked up the warmth that seeped through Lord Weston’s coat.She noticed how the material strained across his shoulders and wondered again why he seemed so much younger than her father.
And so easy to converse with.It wasn’t just his looks, although she could drown in those chocolate eyes, but the energy about him.Strong, yet calm.Intelligent with a sense of humor.Annette found herself relaxing in his company, not worrying about what she might say or do.It could simply be the fact that he wasn’t on the list of suitors, but she’d had the same feeling when they’d first met.
The meal was informal since it was only the four of them tonight.The Vicar Langston would arrive tomorrow with his sister and spend two evenings.So, this would be the last night before the “selection” began.Her stomach knotted at the reminder.
“Are you well, Lady Annette?You seem anxious all at once.”Lord Weston was studying her, concern in his eyes.“I believe the next couple of weeks will be a journey of discovery for you.Enjoy the ride, regardless of where the coach stops, eh?”
Oh heavens!He knew.The knot twisted.But when he patted her hand, his touch calmed her.She felt… safe, secure.Yes, it would all work out as it should.She nodded gratefully.“You are right.And it’s almost Christmastide, my favorite time of year.”
“Ah, a lover of the revelry, then?”
She nodded.“I enjoy winter and the snow when we get it, the smell of pine and added color in the house.Do you mind the cold, my lord?”Her father had begun complaining it made his joints ache and avoided being outdoors for long periods.
“You saw me on horseback.I believe fresh air keeps the body fit and young.”
“If you are any indication, then I believe it too.”She grinned, relaxing with this kind man at her side.“How long will you be here?”
“Until you throw me out!”With a chuckle, he added, “Or until after the new year, whichever comes first.”
Annette took the seat next to her father, across from her soon-to-be stepmother.Lord Weston sat beside her.As the white soup was served, she listened to her father and the viscount recount an amusing story from Papa’s university days.She learned how Lord Weston had met his wife over the scalloped oysters.Her father shared a tale about the viscount’s brother while they dined on roasted venison and a savory pudding.
Annette enjoyed the multitude of expressions that passed over Lord Weston’s face as he recounted an escapade from his youth.His entire countenance took on the mood of the story, and he had a knack for holding his audience’s attention.
“I had no idea you and Papa were so close.Why have you not visited Beecham Manor before?”
“I did as a young man.”Weston glanced at the earl.“He helped me through the dark time after my brother’s death.Later, we used to meet at one of the gentlemen’s clubs after Parliament, but he hasn’t taken his seat for a few years.I’m not much for writing?—”
“Nor am I,” added her father.“Men are different from women.We don’t need to share every detail of our lives to keep up a friendship.”
“I’ll drink to that.”Lord Weston grinned and raised his wine glass.“To friends.”
“To friends,” they all chimed together.
After dinner, they gathered in the parlor.Her parents often enjoyed whist when there were enough players, and this was no exception.She found the viscount an excellent player, skilled but not overly competitive.But they were no match for her father and Alice.
“I hate to claim victory when I’m the host but?—”
“You’veneverhated to claim victory,” interrupted Annette with a grin.“I’ve inherited his competitive nature.Never admit defeat, he used to tell me when we were playing some game with my brothers.”
“I meant you should never admit defeat to your brothers,” corrected her father.“They would never let you forget it.”
“Did your brothers tease you terribly when you were young?”asked Lord Weston as he settled himself next to her before the fire.
Annette was suddenly acutely aware of his large body, so close yet not touching.Nothing scandalous about the action itself, but her cheeks heated just the same.A tingle skittered down her arm when he crossed an ankle over his knee, and his forearm brushed against her.She picked up her glass of madeira and took a sip to hide the flush of her cheeks.At least, she could blame the alcohol.
“Annette?”asked Alice, waiting for her to answer the viscount.
“Oh, yes.I mean, no.I mean…” She was making a horrid mess of this.“Yes, they teased me.They were boys.But as the youngest, they were also very protective of me.”
