Page 173 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

Her heart sank. Should she press?

No.

“I am glad of that,” she said, but then she could not help adding, “Your health is satisfactory?”

“Yes.” He would not grace her a real smile, though, and he still was looking about.

“I am glad,” she said stiffly. “Do you not wish to be seen with me or… No matter. Good day.”

And she walked away.

Anna suspected a part of her would always care for him, but if he would treat her thus, she saw no reason to continue to hope he would see her as more than a friend.

And if he were to be her friend, surely she could attempt to be friends with Jasper as well. Perhaps she should not look for love and instead allow love to find her.

Still, the duke’s attitude stung far worse than even the curt behavior of the earl the first time she met him. Truly, that was saying something.

* * *

Benjamin watched Lady Anna leave his side. She had not gone more than four steps before he rushed to her side. “Forgive me,” he said as smoothly as he could.

She would not look at him.

He winced. “Lady Anna, please.”

The lady jerked to a stop. “Please what?”

She was glaring at him, angry, almost standoffish. And she did not even know the truth yet.

Benjamin sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I would like to tell you something in confidence if I may. I… I am not quite ready for this news to reach everyone yet.”

“You’re entrusting me with a secret?” Anna’s eyes sparkled, matching the flush appearing on her cheeks.

“Yes,” he said gloomily. Her smile would not last long, he’d wager. “You see, I find myself engaged to marry.”

“Engaged?” She retreated a step, a hand on her chest. “Find yourself… How does a duke find himself engaged?”

Pain swam in her eyes, and hurt undertones colored her voice. He winced. She had been one of the ladies he most enjoyed spending time with. At times, he had even considered if she might be the one for him.

But life had made a mess of things, and he could hardly sort through things himself.

“Yes,” he muttered. “Not something I expected or anticipated, but it is what it is. I am engaged.”

“To whom? Or is that a secret you wish to keep to yourself?”

He winced yet again. “To a dear childhood friend.” Although he had not planned on sharing the details, he blurted out, “She is with child. Not by me, but the reprobate responsible has run off with another woman. It is the only way to save her from scandal. I will do this for her. It is only right. I have brought her to town with me, and she is staying with my mother.”

Anna held herself perfectly still. “I wish…”

That things were different? Ah, he did as well. He rather liked his freedom to dance with every lady, to smile, to flirt. He had not pictured himself marrying for a long while.

Now, he was not only engaged. He would have to marry and marry very soon. Elsewise, he will fail to keep the disgrace of Lady Florentina Ramsbury, the daughter of the Earl of Burntwood, from gossips.

Anna dipped her head and walked off. Perhaps he should go after her, try to explain more, but really, what was there for him to say?

Instead, he headed back into White’s. He needed another drink.

CHAPTER11

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