Page 28 of A Duke's Sinful Bargain
She couldn’t believe it, but she had forgotten which book she had picked up from the shelf. She was lost in thought even in that moment. She hastily looked down, only to see that it was a book about gardening.
“I’ve been meaning to instruct Phillip to plant some hortensias this fall. I believe they would look lovely.”
The two young women locked gazes, then they both burst into a chuckle of understanding. “Then I am not sorry for the intrusion. A book on gardening is not much fun.” Eliza teased, approaching Anna and offering her the letter in her hand. “An invitation, my lady.”
Anna accepted it, admiring the envelope adorned with an elegant wax seal. Her fingers delicately traced the wax, her heart fluttering with a mix of anticipation and disappointment. In Eliza’s hand, the letter held more promise than now in her own.
For a brief, hope-filled moment, Anna thought it might be a letter from Alexander. The exquisite stationary spoke of a noble sender, but when she saw it, she recognized the seal. It belonged to Lady Pentor’s family.
“Thank you, Eliza.” Anna smiled as she opened the envelope. “Why don’t you call for more tea, so we can have it together? I really dislike drinking tea by myself.”
“Yes, my lady.” Eliza nodded, hurrying toward a rope in the corner that was to call for the servant.
In the meantime, Anna’s eyes fluttered over the contents of the letter in her hand. The words unfolded like delicate petals, revealing an invitation for afternoon tea at Lady Pentor’s residence. Anna was disappointed that the letter was not from Alexander, and she was in little mood to go anywhere. However, she felt as if she owed it to Lady Pentor, as it was because of her ball that Anna had met Alexander in the first place.
And Lady Pentor was an amusing host. Perhaps afternoon tea would be a pleasant distraction from thoughts of Alexander, which mercilessly swirled inside Anna’s mind. She carefully folded the letter, also recognizing the importance of maintaining appearances in the intricate dance of theton.
“You may inform Lady Pentor that I will be delighted to attend afternoon tea,” Anna replied, aware that outside, there was probably a valet awaiting her response, so he might report it back to Lady Pentor.
Eliza curtsied and immediately left the room, while Anna tucked the invitation into a drawer. Though this letter brought a different sort of invitation, Anna could not help but hope that perhaps the next one would be from Alexander, expressing his desire to reignite that same flame.
After a pleasant hour of tea drinking with Eliza, and a stroll through the garden, Anna realized it was time to prepare for afternoon tea. Despite her initial reluctance to attend, she decided to dress with meticulous care. She was well aware of the impossibility of the duke’s presence there, but that little ray of hope lingered that they might meet somewhere, unexpectedly.
With those thoughts in mind, Anna approached her wardrobe, where a shining array of elegant gowns hung in a brilliant palette of colors and fabrics. All she had to do was select one, based on the effect she wished to achieve.
After thoughtful consideration, she found a lavender gown that exuded both grace and charm. It immediately reminded her of the wildflower blossoms that Alexander had chosen for their evening together. The thought made her smile.
She pressed it to her body, as she gazed at her reflection in the looking glass. The gown was crafted from delicate silk, adorned with intricate lace details that went all the way down the transparent sleeves. The bodice hugged her figure with tender precision, and the flowing skirts trailed behind her like the shimmering tail of a mermaid.
“It is the perfect one, my lady.” Anna heard Eliza’s voice from somewhere behind her.
“I think so, too.” Anna smiled. “And for jewelry…” she continued, walking back to her dresser, extracting a dainty string of pearls from the drawer, “something simple.”
The following half an hour was spent dressing and adjusting Anna’s coiffure, which Eliza skillfully adorned with a few tasteful hairpins that caught the light like shimmering stars.
The style was simple and minimalistic, yet there was graceful perfection in the way it all blended in together. The gown exuded modest sophistication, the pearls hinted at timeless elegance, but it was her smile that revealed the allure of a woman who carried a wonderful secret in her heart.
“I ought to smile less,” Anna said playfully.
“Why?” Eliza wondered. “If you don’t mind me saying, but you seem happier than I have seen you in ages, my lady.”
“Perhaps,” Anna replied, still with that mysterious smile on her face. “Well, I’d best be off. I don’t want to be late.”
Eliza walked her down the stairs, each step echoing around them. Anna waved her maid goodbye as the carriage took her away from the comfort of her own home and toward Lady Pentor’s abode. To be quite honest, she had become quite enthusiastic about spending the afternoon with the lady and sharing in some of the newest gossip of theton.
Anna did not care much for it, but Lady Pentor lived for it, which meant Anna would be listening to it whether she was interested or not. It was a matter of politeness toward one’s host.
The journey was short, and the grandeur of Lady Pentor’s residence awaited. The imposing architecture, manicured gardens, and the air of elegance welcomed her for what she expected would be a casual gathering of two friends. She was escorted to the parlor by the grave but polite butler whose only words were to follow him. However, upon her arrival, Anna’s expectations took a turn for the worse, as an unpleasant surprise waited for her.
“Anna, my dear! You’re here!” Lady Pentor exclaimed, jumping up from her armchair and rushing to greet her guest. “How lovely of you to join us!”
It was then that Anna realized this would be anything but a casual gathering. To her surprise, which she could not mask no matter how hard she tried, the room held the presence of Lady Genevieve, with whom Anna had already had an unpleasant confrontation. Anna faltered as Lady Pentor approached her for a kiss on the cheek.
“Yes, well… it is lovely to be here, Lady Pentor, thank you for inviting me.” Anna managed to regain her composure, refusing to look in the direction of Lady Genevieve until propriety forced her to do so.
“And you know Lady Genevieve,” Lady Pentor took Anna by the hand, leading her toward the chaise longue where the young lady was already seated. She did not get up as she nodded to Anna.
“Lady Ravenscroft,” Lady Genevieve said curtly, though with a wide smile as if the two had been lifelong friends. But Anna could easily see through the woman’s guise. A flicker of amusement danced in her eyes, revealing that unlike Anna, she was well aware of this seemingly unexpected twist in the social affair.
