Page 84 of Lord of Temptation
“She has nothing—”
“She has everything to do with it and well you know it. As do I. Now do you wish to play a game of croquet or not?”
“I don’t like him.”
She took a deep breath. “That’s a pity. Because I do.”
Resisting the urge toaccidentlyswing the mallet into his shin, she held tightly to it and marched away.
“He’s absurdly handsome, isn’t he?” Sarah asked.
Anne was sitting at a small round table with her, eating a scone, sipping a cup of tea. She knew she should be out enjoying the company of the other guests, but she seemed only capable of watching Tristan as he played croquet with Lady Hermione. “I hadn’t noticed.”
“Of course, you have, silly girl. I suppose the duke would be so if not for the scars that mar his face.”
“Why didn’t you invite him?”
“Lord Tristan? I should think it’s obvious.”
She gave Sarah a pointed look. “No, Keswick.”
Sarah seemed to become interested in her clotted cream. “Well, I don’t really know him or his wife.”
“How can they become known if everyone ignores them?”
Sarah looked up indignantly. “What would you have me do?”
“Call on the duchess.”
“What if the duke is there?”
Anne smiled. “He’s not going to bite.”
“He’s quite frightening.”
“At the ball I thought his wife looked to be madly in love with him, so how bad can he be?”
“I suppose we could go together.”
Anne’s smile grew. “I think that’s a lovely idea.”
Sarah glanced toward the guests. “I didn’t invite her, you know.”
“Who?”
“Lady Hermione. She prattles on so, drives Fayrehaven to distraction. One of her friends must have sent word that Lord Tristan was here. She is making quite the fool of herself.”
“I feel for her. He won’t settle down. He won’t give up the sea.”
“Not for her, but he might for you.”
Anne jerked her head around. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
Sarah scoffed. “Anne! I fully expected at any moment that he would toss you over his shoulder and cart you away. The man is clearly intrigued by you.”
“It’s all a game, Sarah. Just a game.”
No matter how much she might have wished otherwise.
