Page 90 of Lord of Temptation
She wanted to gaze into his eyes and long for his kiss. She wanted to grow warm with the possibility of him touching her.
“Do you like him?” Sarah asked.
“He’s pleasant, yes. More than pleasant, really. He makes me smile.”
“But does he make you laugh?”
She turned to her dear friend. “What sort of question is that?”
“An odd one, I’m sure, but I’ve discovered that for true happiness one must laugh. Fayrehaven makes me laugh on occasion.”
“I’m certain I’ve laughed with Chetwyn.” Although she couldn’t remember a moment when she had. Not truly. A small laugh here and there she supposed. Was she being unfair to him to want for more?
“What about Lord Tristan? Have you seen him of late?”
“No. I told him that we couldn’t continue on as we’d been. I think he took my words to heart.” More than she’d wished for, truth be told. She hadn’t meant that she never wanted to set eyes on him again. She just wouldn’t serve as a convenient mistress or lover.
“And how was that?” Sarah asked.
“Pardon?”
“How had you been?”
“Oh, you know, passing here and there, knowing all along there would be nothing permanent. A good strong wind would have him back on the sea.”
“Do you miss him?”
Terribly, but she fought not to dwell on it because she would not sink into despair. This Season was about pleasing her father and finding a husband. “I hardly give him any thought.”
“Liar. I’m married and I give him thought. He’s a remarkable specimen.”
“Sarah, you’re not helping matters.”
“Apologies. I daresay, it’s wonderful what Chetwyn and his mother are doing for the soldiers.”
A change in topic, thank God.
“Yes, they’re exceedingly generous.” She suspected this would be but the beginning of Chetwyn’s efforts. He had a kindness in him that wanted to protect and shelter. He would make an excellent husband. If he were hers, she would strive to be an exceptional wife. But then she wondered if she should have to strive. Shouldn’t it come naturally?
The orchestra struck a chord, the room quieted, and with her son’s assistance, Lady Chetwyn stepped onto a dais. Her hair had gone completely white since her younger son’s passing. A bit of murmuring began and she clapped her hands. When silence again reigned, she said, “As you all know, caring for our soldiers is an endeavor that is near and dear to my heart. Funds are needed to ensure that those who are not yet able to work are cared for. We owe them housing, food, and warmth. We owe them our undying gratitude for going where we did not wish to tread. I hope you will not find offense in how we wish to begin this ball. Consider that it is done with the best of intentions. Unmarried ladies, please come forward.”
“That’s you,” Sarah said, nudging Anne’s shoulder with her fan.
“Do you know what this is about?” she asked.
“No. I would think you would, though. You’re the one who’s been keeping time with Chetwyn.”
“He’s been quite secretive about the plans.” He caught her attention then, winked at her, and jerked his head toward the dais. She had a feeling in the pit of her stomach that she wasn’t going to like this.
“There you go. Off with you now,” Sarah insisted.
Anne meandered over to where the other ladies were standing about, smiling, and giggling.
“Do you know what they have planned?” one of the ladies whispered.
Anne shook her head.
“I’ve heard it’s going to be scandalous,” someone else said sotto voce.
