Page 11 of Ordered Home for the Holidays
She wondered what all these people would think if they knew he was one of the wealthiest men in all of England. That didn’t happen by accident but by hard work. She smiled, and then the conversation turned to other topics, but her mind was still focused on Anthony. A man who was not only wealthy but also built hospitals and children's homes all over London for the needy.
The rakish second son had left home and returned a man any lady would desire—not because he was wealthy, but because he was a good person. One, Harriet, couldn’t stop thinking about.
Chapter Six
Anthony forced himself not to drum his fingers on the dining room table. Lady Leonora was watching him adoringly. He didn’t like it. He and the lady didn’t suit. Anthony had no interest in courting her. Still, he was trying his best to be polite.
His eyes flitted down the table to catch the lady who did hold his interest staring at him oddly. She’d been watching him all night with a strange expression on her face. It was as if she were trying to sort something out in her mind.
He lifted a brow, and she yanked her gaze away, turning to speak with Lord Mervil, seated next to her. Anthony took a sip of wine and then scowled. He stiffened when he heard a chuckle on his left. Jon grinned back at him and whispered, “You do like her.”
He didn’t respond, and his friend leaned closer. “I have to admit, she’s become quite beautiful since the last time we saw her. She seems more at ease with herself.”
Was Jon right? Had he not been the only one who changed in the last five years? She did seem different to him as well.
“Lord Webster, will you be here for the rest of the London Season?” Lady Brennar asked.
Her question seemed to silence the table as everyone waited for his response. He tugged at his cravat, suddenly feeling as if he was being smothered. “I haven’t decided yet.”
“I’m hoping so,” his mother said, beaming at him adoringly.
His gaze bounced to Harriet, who was still perusing him as she’d been doing earlier. He didn’t have time to think about it further because his brother and Lillian stood at each end of the table, beaming at everyone.
Philip held his glass up. “I wanted to thank you all for spending Christmas with my family. We will host a small festival for the locals tomorrow and then follow the Crown's lead by decorating a tree. During this time, I enjoy reflecting on the happy moments I've shared withmy family and friends. Those at this table fall into those categories, some longer than others, but we are grateful to have you all here.”
His brother’s gaze darted to Lillian’s, causing Anthony to look that way as well. She mouthed, “Don’t forget the doorways.”
Philip smirked and addressed the table again. “Before I finish my toast, my wife wanted me to inform you all to watch what doorway you walk through and with whom. We have mistletoe hanging around.”
Several ladies giggled. Philip continued, “Here is to ending the year with good people.”
Everyone raised their glass and drank. Philip and Lillian sat again, and the table broke into several conversations. Lady Brennar's eyes narrowed in on him. “Lord Webster, what will you do to keep yourself busy if you stay in London?”
He smiled. “My schedule is always full, Lady Brennar.”
She pursed her lips, seemingly skeptical. He glanced down the table to find Harriet shooting daggers at the older lady. Was she protective of him? Warmth spread across his chest at the thought.
“There are many charitable endeavors that may help settle you,” the older woman added.
“How do you know he isn’t already involved, Lady Brennar?” Harriet questioned.
The table quieted down again, listening to the exchange. London loved salacious gossip, not that this was that. Lady Brennar's face turned red. “I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.”
Harriet, his hellion, seemed skeptical. The corners of his mouth twitched upwards, flattered that she was defending him. Anthony smiled politely. “I try to do my part like anyone else.”
“That is all we can do,” his brother said from the head of the table.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Anthony wasn’t sure if it was because they all agreed or because Philip was the duke. He glanced back at Harriet and nodded his thanks. She smiled slightly in return.
The woman was quickly becoming something much more than an old neighbor.
***
Harriet paced back and forth in the library, wondering if Anthony would appear. She realized that sliding a note under his bedchamber door was scandalous, but she had to know if he was the King of Garnets. It made complete sense that he would be. He’d lived in Bohemia mostly since leaving England.
She turned when she heard the click of the door opening and closing. Harriet sucked in a breath. Anthony had discarded his jacket and was only in his shirt, pants, and shoes. She’d seen him like this so many times through her life, but somehow it seemed to affect her more right now.
He was so brawny. She willed herself not to turn red. He lifted a brow. “What is this about?”
