Honoria’s gaze darted back to the couple. Nothing made sense. Her mind fought against the logic of what she witnessed. Drake wouldn’t lie about his feelings.
Would he?
And if so, why?
Had something changed?
She turned from the embracing couple and hurried back inside the ballroom. Figures blurred as she blinked back the tears.
Burwood’s voice stopped her. “Good Lord, what did he do?”
CHAPTER 29
Relief mingled with guilt as Drake studied Anne’s face.
With the back of her hand, she swiped at the tears flowing down her cheeks. “You must think me such a ninny, sir. To pin my hopes so vainly on an attachment.”
He pulled a handkerchief from his coat and handed it to her. “Not at all. I take responsibility for encouraging your hopes. I wanted to make amends to you after your fall. It’s no wonder you interpreted my actions as you did.”
She sniffed, wiping her eyes and then her nose. Sending him a shaky smile, she shook her head. “I should have seen it sooner. The way you look at Honoria and she looks at you. But why didn’t you say something?”
Her tone did not accuse, yet he felt ashamed as if it had. “It seemed hopeless at first. You asked about our prior relationship. I asked her to marry me eight years ago, and she refused me, no doubt because in her father’s eyes, I don’t measure up.”
“You said, ‘at first.’ Has something changed?”
He shrugged, not certain of the answer himself. “It depends if Lady Honoria accepts me as I am.” He squeezed her hand. “But thanks to you, I can hope for that now.”
Her blue eyes widened. “Me?”
“For releasing me from our attachment. You must know she would never consider me if you and I . . .”
“No. She wouldn’t. Not Honoria.” She wiped her eyes again. “She’s been a loyal and kind friend to me. It’s time I return that kindness.”
“Thank you, Anne. Now, at least Honoria and I have a chance.” He turned, looking for their chaperone. “Shall we call Mrs. Marbry back and go inside?”
“In a moment. I have a request.”
He almost said ‘anything,’ but thought the better of it. It was Anne after all. Once bitten, twice shy, as they said. “What is it?”
“I know everyone thinks I have loose morals. But I’ve never been kissed. Would you kiss me? I should like to experience it.” She held up a hand. “Even though it won’t mean anything.”
“I shouldn’t. What if someone sees us?” Pity banded his chest at her dejected expression. “Besides, wouldn’t you want your first kiss to be with someone who lights up your world?”
She sighed. “I suppose you’re right.” A spark of her personality bubbled up from her sadness. “Have you kissed Honoria?”
He waggled a finger at her. “Ah. A gentleman never tells. But suffice it to say that when you do find that special man, it will be like the heavens have opened up and shined down upon you.”
“So youhavekissed her?!”
Unable to stop the smile pulling at the corners of his mouth, he rose from the bench beneath the terrace wall and held out his hand. “Let us fetch Mrs. Marbry and join the others before the fireworks commence.”
With Mrs. Marbry collected, the three of them strolled across the terrace toward the doors to the ballroom. A soft laugh caught Drake’s attention, and Lord and Lady Montgomery emerged from the shadows.
Lord Montgomery’s hair appeared mussed.
Lady Montgomery exchanged a furtive glance with her husband. “Are you feeling better, Miss Weatherby?”
“A little. As His Grace suggested, I’m most likely suffering fromresidual effects of my fall. But I have every confidence I shall recover quickly.” She cast a gentle smile at Drake, and his heart lightened.
