Page 34 of A Rogue to Ruin
“I was in a bookstore, not walking around Covent Garden by myself. Though I did go there with Rafe. And to Cheapside and other places. After that first meeting, he offered to take me around London to places I would not be allowed to go.”
Jane simply stared at her, saying nothing. So Anne continued.
“Those were the best afternoons of my life.”
“Youdidfall in love with him,” Jane said.
“I did. He does not know that, however. I was not able to continue meeting him.” Even if she had, Anne wasn’t certain she would have told him that next week. They hadn’t even known each other’s names. “If you recall, Mother made me stop my weekly outings with Deborah. The Season was becoming too busy. Or so she said.”
“If you were in love with him, why did you accept Chamberlain’s proposal? Why didn’t Bowles, hell, Stone, court you?”
“He wasn’t in Society then. I didn’t meet him again until he came to see Anthony last week.”
“But surely you could have contacted him.” Jane shook her head. “Or not. I realize how difficult it was to live with Mother and Father. They would not have allowed you to send a letter to a man you hadn’t officially met.”
“That’s true, but since I’d found a way to escape them for two hours each week, surely you realize I could have sent a letter somehow.” She smiled at Jane, who laughed softly.
“Fair enough. You are quite capable. Why didn’t you, then?”
“Thank you. Because I didn’t know his real name. We agreed to keep our identities secret. I didn’t know him, and he didn’t know me. So when I failed to meet him, that was the end of it.”
Jane’s eyes rounded briefly. “How sad. And yet romantic at the same time.”
Anne laughed. “I’m glad you think so. I was devastated.”
“Then you went on to become betrothed to a man you surely didn’t love.” Jane laid her hand against her cheek. “Oh, Anne, I am so sorry. And so relieved that your wedding didn’t happen.”
“No more than I am,” Anne said soberly. “Thankfully, that is in the past, and for the first time in weeks, I am looking forward to the future.”
“With Stone?”
“I hope so, but I don’t know if he reciprocates my feelings. Right now, I can’t even get him to admit we’re friends.” She waved her hand. “That isn’t important, however. Wearefriends, and he needs them. I’m worried about him. Yesterday was a shock, and I’m desperate to know how he’s faring.”
“You’ll see him on Monday.”
“Along with everyone else. I want to see himalone.” Anne put her hand back on the table and lightly drummed her fingertips atop the cloth.
“We’ll pay a call on behalf of the Spitfire Society,” Jane declared, straightening her spine against the back of the chair. “This afternoon.”
Anne stared at her sister. “We will?”
“Yes. And I will give you some time alone with him, if he’s amenable.”
“He will be.” Anne had no reason to believe he wouldn’t. He hadn’t given her the cut direct or anything. She smiled at Jane. “Thank you.”
Jane reached across the table, and Anne met her fingertips with her own. “I would do anything to ensure your happiness, even if it includes bending Society’s stupid rules. After all, I am not exactly a role model.”
Anne laughed. “Youarethe very best sister, however.”
“Well, that much is true.” Jane winked. “Go don your most fetching walking dress.”
Anne was already out of her chair. She could hardly wait to see him.
Chapter 6
Rafe sat brooding in his study, which was just off the library. He stared through the open doorway at the shelves of books and was immediately comforted.
Harry had just left, and while it had been a good visit—Harry’s father and brother were ready to stand in support of Rafe becoming the Earl of Stone—it had also left him emotionally raw. Or more raw than he was already after yesterday’s revelations.
