Page 10 of If the Slipper Fits
The other miss spoke up next. “Harrison promised to take us through the maze, and he avowed you’d make up our fourth, Mr. Thurgood.”
Caden’s glance shifted between Anna and his friends. “But why not five? Mrs. Jones, would you care to join us?”
“Do come, Mrs. Jones,” Mr. Randall seconded.
The women scowled at each other in unspoken accord. They needn’t worry their simpering little heads.
Anna silently chided herself for the uncharitable thought. Rather than fault them, she should seize the opportunity to rid herself of Caden Thurgood.
“I appreciate your kind offer, but my obligation lies here.”
Frowning, Caden looked prepared to argue.
“Mr. Thurgood, we must gonow, or we’ll risk getting back to the manse too late for Lady Claudine’s next event,” one of the young ladies pressed.
“I’m ever so anxious to see the maze,” the other added.
“Of course.” Caden proffered one arm. Both ladies leapt forward, but one, quicker by half, won out. A moment later the foursome departed.
Helpless to resist, Anna’s eyes followed their egress, as if drawn to Caden’s shining tawny waves by an invisible hook. An odd ache filled her chest. Nostalgia, she supposed, owing to crossing paths with her long ago childhood friend who’d stolen her heart no matter how sternly her mother had warned her off of him.
Once was more than enough.
Abruptly, he glanced behind him, brows furrowed, a frown dragging down the corners of his broad mouth.
Perhaps he’s disgruntled over being pulled away from me.
She scoffed inwardly. Why would he care if—
Her mind went blank as his gaze found hers. In the span of a heartbeat his entire demeanor changed, lips splitting in a brilliant, devastating smile.
Heat suffused her from head to toe as an answering smile she couldn’t quell spread over her face.
Caden tipped an imaginary hat.
Anna’s hand lifted as if of its own accord.
Briefly, he looked down toward the woman at his side who appeared to have his jacket sleeve in her fist. He patted her hand, before sliding his gaze once more to Anna. He sent her a quick wink and shifted his attentions forward.
Awink. Spine stiffening, Anna turned her back on his party lest he look her way and catch her mooning over him again.
She sighed and silently, grudgingly admitted Lady Wentworth had the right of it. Caden Thurgood of Claybourne was magnificent.
Lethal good looks aside, his mere presence stirred dangerous currents inside her, drawing her to him like magnet to steel. She must resist the pull. Besides, turning into a goose around him as she always had, Caden might recognize her yet.
***
Anna drew the shutters closed, blocking out most of the late afternoon sun, and strode for the adjoining door of the guest suite. “Restwell, madame. Call out, should you need anything. I’ll be just on the other side.” She crossed the threshold, hand on the brass lever.
Lady Wentworth lifted her silver-haired head from her pillow and arched a brow at Anna. “Napping,” she said in a flat tone.
Anna laughed softly. “Yes, napping.”
The woman knew her too well. Anna never napped, yet she could hardly take her employer up on her suggestion she explore the grounds for the next hour or so. Too risky.
“At least you’ll be rested for tonight’s festivities.”
“Yes. Now go to sleep.” She closed the door softly and tried to tamp down the excitement coursing through her veins at the casually spoken words.Tonight’s Festivities.
