That last part seemed unavoidable now. Perhaps it had always been.
With a sense of sick understanding, Philip smiled at Ashwicken and the earl, knowing what had to be done.
“How well you know me,” he said, speaking loudly for the crowd intent on making him a villain. “Though I have tried to chain my wickedness, I simply could not resist her. Please, revel in this foul design with me.”
Philip turned toward Anna and kissed her.
CHAPTER14
From what little Anna had read about kisses, they were supposed to be chaste and private things. The way Philip’s lips crashed into hers was violent and public, in full view of her father and the Ratleys’ guests—among whom, she was sure, were her friends.
At first, she squealed in surprise, pressing against his chest. His hand cupped the nape of her neck to pull her closer. His free hand clamped around her waist, holding her steady. In response, her body quivered with shock, then desire—then fear, when she realized what had happened. She could still taste Philip on her lips as he drew back breathlessly, a dark longing for more mixing with the terror in her gut.
“What did you…” she mumbled, her face burning with embarrassment. “Why did you…”
Philip leaned away, shaking his head in apology. He turned to her father before she could stop him, as the crowd stood silently watching. A display like this was unheard of—the stuff of nightmares. Anna’s fall from grace, publicized for the whole world to see.
The earl’s lips formed a tight white line, his body vibrating. Beside him, all the blood had drained from Ashwicken’s face.
“You have ruined her,” the earl stammered, his eyes widening. He pointed a trembling finger at Philip. “You have ruined her, and I will demand satisfaction!”
“If that is what you desire,” Philip said. His boots echoed with every step as he crossed the terrace to him, while Anna watched on in horror.
He whispered something in her father’s ear, his voice too low for her to hear. Her fingers drifted over her lips, and she fought the urge to cry. She wanted to run or hide, rage bubbling up inside her. She had wanted Philip to help, but not like this.
Never like this.
Philip stepped back, and Anna feared her father would attack him—he had every right.
The earl restrained himself long enough for Philip to take his leave, pushing through the crowd and disappearing into the ballroom, where chaos ensued.
Instinctively, Anna tried to follow him, fearing that he had just signed his own death warrant. A slight of that magnitude on her family’s honor would not go unpunished. She saw George shoving past the guests after him and heard him calling Philip’s name. The next thing she knew, someone grabbed her from behind, pulling her out of the fray of heavily perfumed bodies.
Her mother turned her around, dragging her across the terrace and down the steps to the gardens. Anna could barely keep up with Rosamund as she raced into the darkness. She cast a glance back toward the house. Her father and Ashwicken were raging on the terrace, other lords swarming around them as if they were gathering for a hunt.
“Stupid, stupid girl,” her mother hissed, yanking harder on her arm. “Do you have any idea what you have done? The shame you have brought upon us?”
Anna’s mouth was dry, her heart racing. The bottom of her gown was wet from the grass. Her stockings were saturated with dew by the time they reached the edge of the house, where her mother directed her toward the parade of carriages out front.
“We can’t leave,” Anna said, once she realized Rosamund’s plan. She struggled against her mother’s grip, slipping her wrist out of her hand so abruptly that her skin chafed. “Father will—They’ll kill Philip!”
Rosamund turned and grabbed Anna by the shoulders, shaking her hard. “You will not speak that man’s name before me, Anna! Your father will not allow us to be scandalized further—and he will secure our future by any means he sees fit. Has this been your plan all along? To disgrace yourself so thoroughly that Ashwicken would cast you aside? Don’t be so surprised. I was a girl once, too. Well, you’ve made your bed, Anna. Ashwicken will forsake you now. They all will.”
Her voice rose to a shout. She let go of Anna and dropped her head in her hands.
Anna watched her mother start to cry, too guilty and confused to comfort her, let alone relish her victory.
The sudden jingle of Rosamund’s jewelry caught her attention. Her mother had turned on her heel and carved a path toward the main drive, not bothering to check if she was following.
Rosamund didn’t have to check. What else could Anna do?
Her mother found their driver smoking his pipe by their carriage. Anna waited a distance away, checking the other carriages for signs of Philip and George.
Once the horses were readied and the lanterns fixed, Rosamund scrambled into their carriage. She pursed her lips and looked down into the footwell. Her light blonde hair had frizzed around her temples. She looked so much younger when she was worried—and itwasworry that prevailed on her face. Not anger. Not disappointment.
“It would be wise to leave as soon as possible, but we cannot depart without your father, and it’s anyone’s guess how long he will be.” She adjusted the lantern inside, turning it toward Anna. The light burned into her eyes. “I must hear the truth from you before he finds us, so we can decide on our next move. Did the duke take advantage of you, or are you involved with him more than I know?”
“I…” Anna closed the carriage door softly behind her, shying away from the harsh light of the lantern.
