“Thank you kindly, Lady Caroline.” Percival dipped his head and released her hand, passing her back into the care of her friends. “You dance with as much grace and beauty as you possess.”
Anna stifled a snort.Is that what he deems to be charm?
But poor Caroline lapped it up, her face flushed, her eyes bright with happiness. “It was my pleasure, Your Grace. I have not yet had such an exemplary partner.”
“Then, I hope we shall dance again one day soon.” Percival smiled. “Indeed, it is a pity we are only permitted two this evening.”
Matilda stepped in. “A pity, yes, but even the most asinine rules must be obeyed. Off you go, Your Grace. I am sure there are countless other ladies waiting to faint at your feet, with open spots on their cards where you may put your name.”
Percival ignored her, his attention fixed on his dancing partner. “Until we meet again, Lady Caroline.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Caroline curtseyed once more. “Until then.”
With that, Percival walked away, and Caroline began to chatter animatedly about the delight of the dance. She looked so excited, so giddy, so utterly enchanted that Anna could not bear it a moment longer. Of course, she wanted more than anything for Caroline to be happy and to find a husband worthy of her, but she would not permit her to fall into Percival’s trap of believing him to be something he was not.
“Excuse me for a moment,” Anna said. “I think I saw my brothers. I must make sure that Dickie is behaving himself.”
She hurried off, keeping Percival within her line of sight as she bobbed and weaved around the throngs of guests who crowded the ballroom. As she followed him, she reminded herself not to cause any sort of scene, for this was her friend’s home, and this ball was being hosted by two of her friends—three, if she included Amelia.
I will simply warn him not to toy with her. I will be courteous, but I will say my piece, for if he breaks dear Caro’s heart, I shall never forgive myself.She slipped out through the garden doors and onto the terrace, pursuing Percival stealthily down wide, shallow steps that led to a small piazza. There, seated on a low wall, enjoying the warm night air, were her brothers.
She muttered something rude under her breath and dove behind a bush, praying they had not seen her trailing after Percival. More for the sake of her pride than anything else, for Percival would surely tease her mercilessly if he thought she had been following him. Then again, there was not much pride to be retrieved when one was hiding in a bush.
“You seem pleased,” Max said cheerily, as Percival approached.
Anna gingerly pulled down on some of the prickly fronds of her hiding place, until she had a clear view of her brothers and the interloper.
“I have good reason to be,” Percival replied, sitting down on the low wall. “Gentlemen, I believe I have found my bride tonight.”
Anna’s blood ran cold, resisting every impulse to launch herself out of the bush and march toward the group to tell Percival that under no circumstances would he be marrying Caroline.
However, Dickie’s laugh held her in her place. “Come now, Percy, you cannot be serious. You have barely begun to explore the possibilities.”
“Why explore when I have already found what I am looking for?” Percival replied.
“Who?” Max asked, tilting his head.
Percival reached over to borrow Max’s drink, taking a sip before passing it back. “I intend to pursue Lady Caroline.”
“You and every other gentleman under the age of five-and-thirty,” Dickie teased. Anna was grateful for that. “I am sorry, Percy, but you would have a greater chance of convincing Anna to marry you.”
She was less grateful for that, appalled by the very idea.
“I am the first gentleman to have asked her to dance. Her mother seemed encouraging.Sheseemed encouraging,” Percival replied with a shrug. “I mean no offense, Dickie, but you will not dissuade me. She would be a very useful match for me, considering the influential nature of her brother and his excellent business acumen. All of my estate difficulties could be solved with one simple marriage. I would be an idiotnotto make it happen.”
A shiver of shock vibrated through Anna and down to her fingertips, trembling the spiny branch she was holding down to keep watch over the trio. There were many who thought her silly for holding romantic ideals in such high regard, accusing her of living in a realm of fiction, but her friends were living proof that the stories she adored could exist in real life too. She would not watch Caroline sacrifice the possibility of her own life-altering romance just so Percival could solve his financial woes.
Dickie sighed. “This is the trouble with society. When it comes to matters of the heart, one should not be so practical and unfeeling. Call me a fool, but I will not settle for less than a love match.”
Precisely.Anna thanked him in her head, even though he was not exactly the best example of a romantic hero. Indeed, he had broken numerous hearts himself.
“Ah, but therein lies the rub.” Max flashed his younger brother a pointed look. “You fall in love on a whim and fall out of it just as quickly. Perhaps, this time, you ought to follow Sinclair’s lead and consider practicality instead.”
“Never.” Dickie raised his glass and looked upward. “A marriage without love is like the night sky without stars. Dark and endless. You do as you please, Percy, but I shall not be taking your advice.”
Percival smiled the smile that never failed to irritate Anna: a thin, smug sort of smirk that did not reach his eyes. “When I have Lady Caroline as my bride, we shall see.”
“You ought to pray that this matchmaker everyone is talking about feels the same way,” Dickie said, and a tingle ran up Anna’s spine. “Whoever they are, they seem to be Lord or Lady of Romance. One word from them and you are either doomed or destined.”
