Page 48 of If the Slipper Fits
He may as well leave himself. He hoped like hell no one tried to stop him. He was not in the mood to fraternize.
Pushing past several guests, an image of Anna’s flight from the room replayed in his mind. Something about her carriage—skirts fisted in her hands, her bonnet-covered head more downcast than usual—plagued him.
No. He would not feel guilty. She had lied to him, repeatedly, only coming clean when cornered. Even then, she guarded her secrets. It was all well and good to allow him to kiss her. But trust him to help her out of whatever conundrum she faced? That, apparently, was out of the question.
Damnation, but she confounded him, like no woman he’d ever known. Tied him up in bloody knots. One minute he wanted to bed her, the next throttle her, the next run from her, then the cycle started all over again.
He breathed a sigh of relief as he exited the close confines and muggy air of the parlor and started for the bachelor’s wing.
What a bust this weekend was turning out to be. He’d departed Chissington Hall intent on having the time of his life amusing himself with women, wine, and winnings, knowing Zekereallywouldn’t like the latter.
Although, in fairness to his brother, a friendly card game would hardly draw his ire. It was the hells he disapproved of.
Damnation, why was he defending his brother, even in the privacy of his own thoughts? The point was he’d chosen the wrong woman with whom to form a temporary liaison.
He could sort this. Pausing mid-stride, he gave his waistcoat a sharp tug and turned to scan the thinning crowd. Hewouldenjoy his idle, irresponsible, purposeless life. Blast, Zeke, and the earl, and Mrs. Anna Jones.
He caught sight of Harrison and waved. The younger man shot Caden an affable smile and hurried toward him.
“Thurgood, hardly seen you since we arrived. I say, old chap, why do you look as if someone stole your last farthing? Don’t tell me that head injury still plagues you?”
Blasted woman.
“Good day to you, Harrison. The knock I took? I hardly recall it now.” He resisted the urge to pat the tender crown of his head.
“Glad to hear it.” Harrison glanced over his shoulder in a conspiratorial manner. “Did you enjoy the afternoon with your new lady friend?”
Caden shrugged. “Fine.”
“She has a way about her that strikes me as…” He rubbed his chin. “Familiar in a way. Did she happen to mention if she and Lady Wentworth are distant relations? You know how often the well-to-do take in those family members whose fortunes have declined.”
“A common practice, I’ll grant you. But in this case, the answer is no. The dowager went through an agency to procure Jones’ services.” Caden arched a brow. “Frankly, I’m surprised you have the time to ponder yet another woman. One would think you have your hands full with the two misses who haven’t left your side for the duration of this affair.”
Harrison’s eyes gleamed with undisguised amusement. “No need to get your feathers ruffled. I’ve no intention of poaching—not that I’d stand a chance against the famed Caden Thurgood if I did. I’m simply curious. Collector of useless information, here. One of my many charms.”
“What utter nonsense. I’ve no claim on the woman. None whatsoever. I barely know her.”
He clenched his jaw, regretting his outburst. He sounded defensive even to his own ears.
“Of course not.” Harrison pressed his lips together as if suppressing a smile. “Any interest in a friendly game of lanter-loo? My brother claims you’re quite the sharpie.”
“Randall said that?” Was Sterling another one cataloging Caden’s so-called misdeeds?
Harrison took a hasty step back. “Maybe I’m remembering wrong. Look, Thurgood, if you’d rather not join us, it’s no skin off my teeth. We’ll make do.”
He had no interest in joining the game. Why enjoy a bit of sport when he could spend the hour sulking and obsessing over a certain vexing female?
Hecouldhelp her, by Jove. He could wipe out her destitute state in one fell swoop. Or he could’ve had he not recently financed the quarry project. In any case, he was not without resources. Why refuse his offer of help?
“If you’ve enough takers, I’d rather…” He broke off. “Who’s playing?”
Harrison ticked names off with his fingers. “Myself, Sir Geoffrey, Lord Hardasher—”
“Love to,” Caden said, slapping his back. “Where and when?”
Harrison flashed a surprised grin. “Gentlemen’s parlor, and now.”
***
