Page 19 of A Duke's Sinful Bargain
Anna hesitated for a moment, then she shook her head. “No. I… I don’t think so.”
“Many would think it is,” Eliza said honestly, which Anna appreciated. That was one of the bases of their relationship, and Anna cherished it.
“We are not hurting anyone,” Anna pointed out.
“Anyone but yourself, if word comes out,” Eliza once again made her think.
“I know it is highly risky,” Anna admitted, biting her lower lip nervously in an effort to displace that unsettling feeling inside her mind onto her body. “I know of the scandal that would unfurl if this secret was exposed.”
“Has he given you his promise that this would remain between you two?” Eliza inquired cautiously.
“Of course,” Anna assured her. Although she knew he was right. He could make that promise on his part, but both his home and hers were full of people who might see something they were not supposed to see. If they were loyal, then that would not be an issue. But if they were not… Anna dreaded to think about the magnitude of those repercussions.
“Do you believe him?” Anyone else would be mad to question the word of a gentleman such as the Duke of Blackthorn, but Anna knew what Eliza was referring to.
“I do.” She nodded. “But we both know there is always the potential of someone finding out. That is how we are both entering this.”
Eliza inhaled deeply. Anna could see her friend was worried. Even more worried than she herself was. “You must be ever so cautious and vigilant, my lady. I would hate to see something happen you.”
“I know.” Anna turned around so that she was no longer talking to Eliza’s reflection in the mirror, but rather with Eliza herself. “That is why I need you to undertake the task of any messaging that is surely to take place between me and the duke. Notes, letters, things like that. I can only trust you with that.”
Eliza smiled. “You know that you can count on me for anything, my lady.”
“I know, dear Eliza,” Anna gushed. “Having you on by side in all of this is one of the very few things providing me with comfort. Otherwise… I don’t know. I just don’t know if I am doing the right thing here…”
Eliza approached her and took Anna’s hands into her own, squeezing them reassuringly. “You’ve already made up your mind. I can see it in your eyes, my lady. Questioning yourself now is only bringing you anguish.”
Anna realized that Eliza was right. Shehadmade up her mind. This was the only way to have the debt written off. Otherwise, she would find herself destitute. Not only that, but the reputation of her family would be utterly ruined. Her husband’s, hers. She would become a pariah in the eyes of theton, if she had not become that already. There was so little left to save, and she was clinging onto it with her dear life.
“It is only three months, after all,” Anna tried to convince them both. “It will pass quickly enough, and afterward, if everything goes according to plan, I will be a free woman.”
“Yes.” Eliza nodded, still uncertain, but trying her best. “That is what you should be focusing on.”
“I will try,” Anna replied, although the only thing she could focus on right now was the memory of the duke’s handsome face, the way he made her blood rush by nothing else but his mere presence. And now she was about to have more of that.
“Everything will be fine this evening when you go there,” Eliza concluded, as if she knew something Anna did not. She appreciated the reassurance. “Indecision breeds more doubt. You’ve decided what needs to be done and this evening, you will settle the details of this… arrangement, Afterward, you will feel more at ease with… what needs to be done.”
“I will keep telling myselfthat.” Anna was already feeling better, and it was all because of Eliza. At that moment, it seemed to Anna that Eliza had something else on her mind. “What is it, Eliza?”
Eliza’s eyes widened suddenly, almost as if she thought she was keeping her thoughts a well-guarded secret. “Oh, well… it’s nothing really. Nothing important, I mean.”
“I can see from the look in your eyes that it is,” Anna spoke gently. “What is it about?”
Eliza bit her lower lip before she spoke, entertaining a smile as she did so. It was obvious that Eliza wished to speak of something else, and Anna welcomed a change of topic. She listened patiently as her maid spoke.
“There was a man who left the duke’s residence while we were there. A slightly older gentleman, very kind and handsome. I… I was wondering if perhaps you’ve noticed him and know who he is.”
Anna thought about it for a moment, then shook her head. “I have not seen anyone, so I cannot know who you mean, dear Eliza.” The blush on Eliza’s face revealed everything Anna needed to know. She smiled. “But I am certain that I can find out who that man is from the duke.”
“Oh, it’s not really that important,” Eliza said, waving her hand dismissively, but Anna knew better. It was obvious that her young maid had taken a liking to an older gentleman she had seen at the duke’s residence. Anna made a mental note to find out who he was.
“Well, I suppose it is time.” Anna sighed heavily, that heavy feeling back, pressing onto her chest.
The doubts, though persistent, would not dictate the course of the evening. She herself would. With a final glance at her reflection, she left her chambers, determined to face the duke with the poise befitting her station. The grandeur of her gown, a silent proclamation of her resilience, trailed behind her like a dark shadow as she descended into the awaiting world of uncertainty and possibility.
Chapter 10
Cloaked by the veil of the night, Anna arrived at Blackthorn Manor. She felt her heart beating all the way up in her throat, making it increasingly more difficult to breathe. Yet, despite this unpleasantness, she was where she wanted to be. She lingered for a few moments inside the carriage, her trembling fingers refusing to open the door.
