Page 40 of His Scandalous Lessons
Kendal turned that hawkish gaze on her. “But what?”
Anne looked down. “I had assumed it wasn’t until the end of the season.”
“Your father wants our alliance cemented before the ballot act comes up, and I see no reason to wait. A fortnight.” He grasped her chin and gave her a last bruising kiss. “Then you’re mine to do with as I please.”
Chapter 22
Richard spotted Anne with Kendal just before they were announced at the Ashby ball. He had become so aware of her that he could find her in a crowd anywhere: the elegant sway of her hips, the graceful lines of her body. He’d sought her smile once, a secret message shared between the two of them that spoke of a meeting later, a ridiculous conversation, a kiss. There were whole stories in her eyes, emotions that made them light up during a dance, or glaze over with desire.
But these messages were not there now.
Wariness had returned to her gaze, and it made his chest ache at the sight of it. She looked as she did the night she first came to him desperately asking for his help, but being too brave to show weakness.
Brave Anne. Beautiful Anne. God, how he admired her.
Beside Richard, his sister Alexandra made a frustrated noise. “Have you spoken with our brother? Look at him. He’s danced with at least five ladies and I swear, it’s as if he sees not one of them.”
Richard glanced at James, who was dancing the waltz with some debutante he couldn’t name. The earl did indeed look distracted. Before Richard left for Caroline’s, James received an invitation to the Masquerade — where gentlemen and ladies met to conduct affairs in anonymity — and met some woman that had him besotted.
Richard knew the feeling.
“He has his reasons,” Richard said shortly, focusing his attention on Anne again. He strove not to stare at her — that would only lead to gossip — but pretended as if he were scanning the room for a new dance partner.
More than one lady preened during his search, and several mothers attempted to catch his attention. He pretended not to notice.
Kendal led Anne onto the dance floor, where they began a waltz. God, she was beautiful. He wanted to smash Kendal’s face in.
“And you?” Alexandra was asking. “What’s your reason? Or, should I ask,who?”
Anne’s gaze collided with his. He felt the breath expel from his lungs. By god, he wanted her. He wanted her safe. He wanted—
She shook her head, barely a movement.
Hell no. Did she think he wouldignore this?Ignore her? He inclined his head slightly to the terrace doors.Meet me. We need to speak.
She glanced at the terrace doors, at him, and then, very deliberately, trained her gaze on Kendal.
Fuck.
“Richard,” Alexandra snapped.
“Excuse me,” Richard said sharply. “I need to be elsewhere.”
Ignoring his sister’s slack-jawed astonishment, Richard circled the dancers and waited. He would find a way to be alone with her. At the moment, he didn’t give a damn about her father’s determination to ruin him, he only wanted to be sure that she was well. He wanted to kiss and comfort her and let her know that he would always be here, whenever she needed.
What followed was a good twenty minutes of Anne avoiding Richard, even as Kendal danced with other women. While the duke eventually retired to the salon to play cards, Anne engaged in conversations that resulted in more dances.
Another.
Another.
Well, Richard would wait for her all bloody night if he had to.
He stalked back to where Alexandra and James were standing by the drinks table. Scowling, Richard said, “I need a drink. Where is that goddamn waiter?”
Alexandra, who’d been in the middle of lecturing their brother on something or other, glanced at him. “And you.Youhave been surly since returning from that house party. Good god, I’m the one dealing with gossip surrounding some newspaper drawing that depicts me as — yes —the literal devil, yet you don’t see me brooding.”
“Shut up, Alexandra,” Richard said, grabbing the flute from James’s hand. He downed the champagne in a single gulp. “For once in your life, stop talking. You’re not the only one with problems.” He caught sight of Anne over Alexandra’s shoulder. She was alone this time, and he was so damn angry he barely cared.
