Page 111 of If the Slipper Fits
Now she weighed her childhood image against the man himself.
Broad shouldered and tall, he stood—presided?—at the marble mantle, the unapologetic master of his domain. Marked with age by his lined skin and white hair—albeit, a full head of it—he nonetheless emanated a keen, nearly palpable sense of authority. But she detected none of the haughty and forbidding characteristics she’d anticipated. Instead, he emanated strength tempered with a kindness and warmth that set her immediately at ease.
Zeke, sitting in an armchair near the earl, was another story entirely. The carefully neutral expression on his handsome face did not disguise his distrust for her. Something icy in that royal blue stare said if she intended to lure his baby brother into harm’s way, she had another think coming.
She could tell him she held little sway over Caden and his too-noble ideals, but she sensed the attempt would be akin to arguing with a brick wall. At least to some degree, she understood the issue Caden had with his older brother.
Caden. His arm felt so very solid under her hand, promising safety, the heat from his body, offering comfort.
But he was no pussycat to be toyed with. The sleek, powerful energy he emitted with his every move spoke of the essence of the man at her side—one hundred percent alpha male—which explained the trouble his elder brother had withhim.
He halted in front of the earl. “Miss Anna Masters, may I introduce the infamous Earl of Claybourne, otherwise known as my grandfather. My lord, Miss Masters.” He paused. “My betrothed.”
A split second after he spoke, Lady Kitty’s joyous, “Yes,” pierced the air.
Zeke, the earl, and, a quick glance told her, Caden, all fought grins over the lady’s cheeky exclamation.
Though inwardly gratified by the lady’s show of approval, Anna’s cheeks burned. How could he put her on the spot like this?
On the other hand, hadn’t he told her, as far as he and the family were concerned, they were well and truly engaged?
The earl took her hand. Blue eyes, a shade darker than Caden’s but not so deep as Zeke’s, twinkled at her. There was no other word for it.
He pressed a kiss to her fingers and expressed his pleasure at meeting her, charming her and setting her instantly at ease.
Caden thought he took after his father? Bah. He was every inch his grandfather’s grandson.
The earl extricated her hand from Caden’s arm and led her toward a tall, ornate crystal floor lamp.
“Let me have a look at the beauty you’ve brought home to us, Caden.” He studied her face, and a bit of her discomfort returned. “You are quite correct, Kitty, love, she does have the most extraordinary eyes.”
Kitty appeared at Anna’s side as if by magic. “Exotic, don’t you agree?”
Anna sputtered, flustered beyond measure. “Oh, I don’t think—”
“Exotic, and…oddly familiar.” He cocked his head, still contemplating her face.
Curiosity overtook her embarrassment. “Oh? Did you know my mother, perhaps? My family did reside nearby many a summer.”
“Yes, I’m aware,” the earl replied. “Your parents let the old game-master’s cottage for a time.”
Zeke unfolded from his chair, moving to stand beside Caden. “You mentioned you'd met them on several occasions, but that was years ago. You recall her mother’s face so clearly? I hope I’m half as sharp when I reach your age, old man. While I remember a pretty, dark-haired woman toiling in the garden and the occasional sightingof a lanky, studious looking man, I’d be hard pressed to give any better description than that.”
The earl’s focus shifted to his older grandson. “I never said I recalled them, per se. I said she looks familiar.” He grinned at Anna. “Perhaps I am thinking of your mother, or perhaps a painting hanging in a gallery. Who knows? You’ll have to forgive the mental cogitations of an…” he cleared his throat and eyed Zeke meaningfully, “…oldman when confronted with a young beautiful woman.”
She smiled. “You did meet my parents, my lord? I never knew.”
“I invited your family to visit on several occasions. Most times I received word your father was away on business.”
“He did attend frequent lectures and the sort.” She nibbled her lower lip, then froze, hoping Caden had missed the so-called tell. She hadn’t exactly lied; her father had attended many lectures. Just not during their time in Derby.
If she wagered a guess, her mother had manufactured the excuses to beg off attending. She had never been overly social, especially when it came to the nobility, for whom she had a distinct distrust. She frequently warned Anna off of them. Off Caden.Guardyourself with the likes of him, Gloriana.With the nobility, the title always comes first, even before family. When you’re grown, you’ll understand. Best to find a good man. A loyal man. Steer clear of the likes of them…
She gave herself a mental shake, dragging her thoughts from the too-vivid memory.
“Staying up on all the latest scientific discoveries is an admirable trait in one’s physician. Your parents did come to tea once—one afternoon while you and Caden explored the countryside, no doubt.”
“Oh?” They’d never mentioned.
