Page 66 of Enticing the Devil

Anne could barely believe what the woman was saying. Lady Mayhew was utterly deluded. And Anne had lost her patience. “The man you want doesn’t want you back,” she stated bluntly. “He never did and never will.”

The other woman actually laughed at that. “That’s ridiculous. I knew the moment I saw him that he’d end up in my bed. Your sad eyes and clingy, grasping hands won’t keep him from me. Mr. Thomas is mine and I will have him.”

“Not this time.”

Alarm shot through Anne at the sound of Lord Mayhew’s softly spoken words. She turned to see him standing not two steps away, certainly close enough to have heard his wife’s declaration. His gaze was riveted upon Lady Mayhew, a look of deep grief and resignation in his eyes.

As though Anne weren’t there, Lord Mayhew continued, “I told you what would happen if I discovered you were up to your tricks again.”

“But, darling,” his wife pleaded in that cajoling voice she’d used in the garden that day.

Lord Mayhew interrupted her with a firm shake of his head. “Release Lady Anne this instant. We’re leaving.”

Surprisingly, Lady Mayhew did as he said. Her husband immediately grasped her firmly by the elbow, pulling her tight to his side. “My sincere apologies, Lady Anne.”

Then he turned and forced his wife through the crowd as the lady appeared to continue pleading her case to no avail. Anne felt for Lord Mayhew—the pain his wife’s betrayal had been clear in his expression—but she couldn’t dredge up an ounce of sympathy for the selfish woman.

Feeling the intent curiosity the small scene had inspired around her, Anne ignored the sharp glances as she sped toward the refreshment room. Though a good number of guests were gathered around the punch bowl, Anne stepped back against the wall and did her best to be unnoticeable while she caught her breath.

Barely a moment later, Lily stepped into the room. As soon as she caught sight of Anne, she turned to approach her with a wide smile. “There you are. I was hoping I’d have a chance to talk with you before the announcement.”

An awful feeling rolled through Anne. Surely, Beynon wouldn’t think to announce their engagement here. Tonight. Without even speaking to her first? But then again...wouldn’t he?

“What announcement?” she asked, her voice full of dread.

Lily’s smile slipped as she suddenly seemed to notice Anne’s tension. “I’ll be announcing the winners of the games tonight. I wanted to let you know ahead of time that you and Mr. Thomas took first place. Anne? Are you all right?”

Though she was greatly relieved to know an engagement she hadn’t fully come to terms with wouldn’t become more fodder for the gossips tonight at least, it seemed the shock of yesterday’s events had finally gotten to her. Anne wanted to assure her friend, but the words necessary to do so simply wouldn’t come.

But before Lily could press further, they were joined by her sisters.

“Lady Anne, why do you look as though someone just kicked you in the stomach?” Lily’s younger sister Portia asked in her typically blunt fashion, though there was genuine concern in the voice.

“I’m fine,” Anne managed to reply though the words sounded a bit strangled.

Emma Bentley assessed Anne with a quiet gaze. “Are you, really?”

Anne began to nod. But she wasn’t all right. She was a mess, to be honest. And the nod slowly devolved to a morose shake of her head.

“Come on, then,” Lily whispered with a quick glance to her sisters. “Let’s go somewhere a bit more private.” Then her soft gray eyes seemed to focus in on something over Anne’s shoulder. “Portia, dear, would you mind?” she asked with a subtle tip of her forehead.

Portia seemed to know exactly what Lily was referencing as she gave a smart nod. “Gladly.” The younger woman stepped away and Emma took her place before Anne could see what the issue might be.

The three of them moved easily through the milling guests to a small door that led into an adjoining sitting room which was blessedly unoccupied. As Lily started to close the door behind them, a familiar voice called out, “Wait for me!”

Bethany swept into the room with a look of admonishment. “I saw you all spiriting Anne away and knew I’d be needed.” Turning a concerned gaze to Anne, she noted gently, “What has that broody Mr. Thomas done to upset you now?”

“Why don’t we all sit down and get more comfortable before we harangue Anne with questions,” Lily suggested in a firm tone.

“Shall I call for some tea?” Emma asked, but the question was interrupted as Portia slipped swiftly into the room and closed the door firmly behind her.

“How about Scotch, instead?” Portia asked as she strode purposefully toward a small bookcase where she pulled out a few books to withdraw a bottle of whisky hidden behind them.

“You stashed a bottle of Scotch in my sitting room?” Lily asked, aghast.

The younger woman shrugged as she lounged with a brazen lack of decorum in a high-backed armchair. “In case it might come in handy,” she explained. “Unfortunately, there was no room for glasses, so we’ll have to do as the pirates do,” she added with a saucy wink before pulling the cork with her teeth and tipping the bottle to her lips.

Shaking her head, Anne looked to each of the four women who had taken up positions around her. “I don’t mean to cause such a fuss.”

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