Ah, so their topics were one and the same. It made things so much easier that Anne had brought up the matter. “He does appear to enjoy the pastime. Is it making you uncomfortable?”
Anne’s cheeks darkened. “Not exactly.” She flashed Honoria a guilty grin. “I rather like it.”
Why didn’t that surprise her? “You’re not returning his advances, are you?”
“No. But . . .”
“But what, Anne? Are you having second thoughts about Mr.Merrick?” Honoria tried to hold back the creature inside that wished for her friend to sayyes.
Anne slanted a glance toward her, her words tumbling out. “He’s a duke, Honoria. Aduke! I could be a duchess.” A dreamy expression replaced the guilt on her face.
The creature clawed its way free and took control, but Honoria convinced herself she had everyone’s best interest at heart. “Anne. If you are considering a match with Burwood, is it fair to Mr. Merrick to lead him on?”
Anne’s bottom lip puffed out, reminding Honoria how much like a child Anne was. “But what if the duke isn’t serious? You know Mr. Merrick. Wouldn’t he be jealous? If I break the attachment with Mr. Merrick, then I shall have nothing. What should I do?”
“Oh, Anne.” Honoria took Anne’s hands in hers. “I can’t speak for Mr. Merrick. But if I had one wish for you, it would be that you would marry the man who makes your heart sing each time you see him. Who looks at you as if you light up his world. In other words, I wish you to marry for love.” Unbidden, her gaze traveled to the small group. Even across the room’s expanse, Drake’s eyes locked with hers.To feel like this.
“But what if that never happens? I want to be married. And Idofeel that way . . . at least when I first meet them.”
“Them?”
“Eligible men.”
“No one in particular? Not Mr. Merrick?”
“He is handsome.” Anne’s gaze shifted to the small group. “But so is Burwood.” Her shoulders slumped.
“Handsome is all well and good. One should be attracted to one’s spouse, I would think. But what about character, or similar interests? Can you imagine yourself thirty years from now with either of these gentlemen?”
Tears formed in Anne’s eyes. “I don’t know. I’m confused.”
Honoria patted Anne’s hands. “You’re still recovering from your fall. Give yourself some time.”
Anne nodded. “Thank you, Honoria.” Her face brightened. “Perhaps everything will become clear during the ball.”
Honoria forced a smile. “Perhaps.”
With a quick peek over her shoulder, Anne sighed. “I should get back. Thank you for listening, Honoria.”
As Anne made her way back to Drake, Honoria couldn’t help but wonder if the ball would solve everyone’s problems, or create new ones.
“Have you told her?” Charlotte’s voice jolted Honoria from her musings.
Honoria sighed and faced her friend. “No.” Any attempt to feign ignorance of which Charlotte referred was futile. “I can’t tell her about what happened between Mr. Merrick and me. My father is already worried about the scandal resurfacing. And although she wouldn’t intend to, Anne says things without thinking.”
“I see your point.” Charlotte threaded her arm through Honoria’s. “He asked me to look after you, you know. Your Mr. Merrick.”
“He’s not mine, Charlotte.”Not any longer.“But I’m fine, really.”
“Liar. And a poor one at that.”
They both watched Anne rejoin the group of people surrounding Burwood.
“That man is up to something.” Charlotte’s brow knit together.
“Burwood?”
“Hmm.” Charlotte nodded. “Don’t misunderstand, I still think he’s obnoxious, but if he’s trying to draw Anne’s attention away from Mr. Merrick, I may change my opinion”—Charlotte’s grin was nothing less than lethal—“slightly. Perhaps from loathsome to merely exceptionally disagreeable.”
