Page 42 of A Duke's Sinful Bargain
At first, Eliza did not seem to be as convinced, but Anna continued. “He mentions taking you as well, Eliza.”
“Me?” Eliza’s eyebrow lifted in stunned surprise.
“Yes,” Tom surprised them both with his interjection as he wrung his hat in his hands. “I will be joining him as well.”
“Oh.” Eliza turned to him, blushing. “You will?”
“Yes,” Tom repeated with a nod, unable to take his eyes off of Eliza.
Even amid her own jubilation, Anna could not help but witness the unspoken connection between the two, a silent exchange of glances and secrets that no one but the two of them were privy to.
“Mr. Higgins,” Anna addressed him, realizing that he was probably as eager as they all were to hear what her message would be. “I must thank you for delivering this message with such haste. Please return to the duke with my acceptance of his proposition.”
“What day would suit you, my lady?” Tom asked respectfully, turning his attention to her.
Anna once again exchanged a meaningful glance with Eliza. The look of eagerness on the face of her lady’s maid was evident. Anna smiled. “Eliza and I have no plans today, so I do not see why we cannot do it as soon as this afternoon.”
Tom grinned. “Splendid. I shall tell him right away.”
“We shall be ready in three hours’ time,” Anna said, wanting to give them both some time to prepare. Perhaps change, do their coiffure.
“Yes, my lady,” Tom bowed as he took a step back. He turned to Eliza, smiling from ear to ear. “I look forward to seeing you there, Miss Eliza.”
“And I you, Mr. Tom.” Eliza smiled back.
Tom backed up, but instead of walking to the door, he took a slight turn toward a small table on which a vase rested. Without looking behind him, he stumbled into it, with the vase crashing down onto the ground and breaking.
His eyes widened in shock. He stared at the vase, then Anna, then Eliza, then back at the broken vase again.
“I am so… so very sorry, Lady Ravenscroft,” he managed to mutter, nervous and embarrassed.
Anna resisted a chuckle. “It is quite all right, Mr. Higgins. It was an old vase.”
“Yes, but… please, allow me to make it up to you,” Tom insisted. “I… I feel very bad about it.” His face was flushed with shame, and Anna felt sorry for him. He had embarrassed himself in front of a woman he obviously liked, which made the situation even worse for him.
She walked over to him and placed her hand gently on his shoulder. She could feel him trembling. It was strange to see a man of his age tremble like that, which only endeared him to her further.
“Like I said, Mr. Higgins, it is nothing but a piece of furniture that no one will miss. If you truly wish to make it up to me, bring me flowers next time you come. I have more than enough vases to put them in.”
He seemed to like that idea. “I shall bring both of you some flowers,” he said, stealing a glance in Eliza’s direction. He bowed again and bid them farewell.
Once again alone, the two young ladies exchanged glances, bursting into a chuckle. The drawing room was filled with a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation of the picnic to come.
“Is that the gentleman you inquired about?” Anna asked, unable to contain her curiosity.
Eliza’s cheeks flushed an even deeper crimson at the question. “Um… yes,” she admitted.
“I could tell.” Anna smiled. “The effect he has on you is evident.”
“I-I’m not sure what you mean, my lady,” she stammered, her voice betraying the truth.
Anna chuckled softly, realizing that Eliza had been bitten by the very same bug she herself had felt stung by.
“I merely inquired about him as he seemed… kind,” Eliza admitted hesitantly, then both ladies burst into another chuckle.
“Well, he does seem kind,” Anna teased, her heart warmed by the genuine affection that shone in Eliza’s eyes. “But there is more to it than mere kindness, isn’t there?”
“I… I don’t even know him, my lady,” Eliza tried to wave her hand dismissively.
