by Ella Edon
"Lord Huntington," she replied.
"Anne is the daughter of the late Marquess of Bowmount." Katherine darted her fingers from her head to her chest and across her shoulders in the sign of the cross. "Bless his soul."
Anne repeated the gesture. "Indeed."
"I've never seen you around. Never knew you were friends with Katherine," he said. Anne suspected he was trying start up a conversation. She couldn't let him do that. He was engaged to Katherine. Whatever feelings she was catching needed to die here, tonight.
She had, after all, seen him just the once. They were strangers to each other. Nothing more.
"His Grace and I would leave you two." Anne smiled. "Congratulations, my friend."
She hugged Katherine and kissed her on both cheeks. Katherine did the same. Behind Katherine, Lord Huntington looked away. Perhaps he, too, couldn't bear the intensity of their gazes.
As she moved away with the Duke, she found herself looking back to stare at him. To her surprise, he was doing exactly the same.
Chapter Three
The double French doors of Somerset Castle opened as Augustus emerged, holding the door for Katherine. The black cloak she’d donned hid the pink dress beneath. She smiled as she spotted him. He moved away from the carriage and walked towards her. Her eyes glinted mischievously as he did. But even as he walked towards her, smiling, his eyes solely on her, he thought of Anne. He thought of dark eyes and long dark hair, rather than the golden-haired beauty in front of him.
Never had he imagined that she would be in a gathering at the ton. His own engagement party, no less. When he had seen her for the first time, she’d looked dowdy. A lady of the ton did not dress like that. However, he was still drawn to her. He also never expected that she would be acquainted to his betrothed. Such a turn of events, he thought, snorting as he walked on. It seemed fate was playing a dangerous game with him. She was a dear friend to Katherine, and that only meant he would be seeing her more often than not.
He held out his hand as Katherine neared. She placed her hands in his and stepped forward. They were going to watch Othello at the theatre. Rumor had it that it was a lady who played the main role. It was why Katherine was so excited to see it. His mother had suggested that he indulge her excitement, to use it to get to know her — not as a friend, but as his wife-to-be. He had, after much persuasion from his mother, asked Katherine to see the play with him.
"Katherine, you look lovely." He bent and kissed her hand.
"Thank you." She raised her chin, smiling at him.
He forced a smile, trying — but failing, miserably — to push his thoughts of Miss Balfour away.
Together, they walked towards the carriage. He helped her to climb in first, holding her arm to support her. The cotton material of her black cloak seemed rough to his touch, and that was all he could focus on. Its roughness. He got in after her and relaxed in the seat.
The carriage began to move. He held back a sigh as he looked outside, his eyes wanting to be everywhere, but on his betrothed. He couldn't bear to look at her when all he thought about was Anne.
"Do you like watching plays?" Katherine asked, her voice filled with excitement. He hated that he was not as excited as she was.
He didn't really like the theatre. He liked reading books, since he felt more when he read. Watching it acted out by humans who were not the characters didn't quite cut it. But he didn't say all of this, he simply turned to her and shrugged. "Some."
She grinned. The hood of the cloak had been pulled down from her head and now rested on her shoulders. "Really? Well, I assure you, the moment you watch Othello, you'll never want to leave the theatre again. Esther, Anne, and I always go to the theatre to watch plays. Before Anne's mother left to perform in America, she performed at the theatre here in Somerset. She made us love the theatre."
That caught Henry’s attention. He sat up, his gaze now on her. "Anne? Your friend Anne?"
Katherine nodded, then she looked out the window. "Yes. Her mother was a great actress. She started here. Until an American saw her talent and offered her the chance to grace a larger stage in America. She left with him."
"Left? What... What of her daughter? And was she not married to the Marquess?"
He watched as Katherine shrunk, the light in her eyes fading. "I'm sorry, I don't... Think it’s right talking about Anne."
He caught himself then. Was it obvious that he wanted to know more about her? He breathed out softly, hoping that Katherine didn't notice. "Sorry for asking such questions. I was merely curious."
Katherine nodded. "'Tis not a bother— I just don’t think it just to talk about Anne's life. She's dear to me, and many people are cruel to her."
"I understand."
"Thank you."
The rest of the ride was silent. However, he reviewed Katherine's words in his head, finding himself even more curious about Anne. What life had she lived? If her mother had left, then what had happened to her? Why was she dressed so dowdily the day he saw her? Who was she, really?
He settled back into his seat, questions running through his head. Richmond was not so far from Somerset, and the reason he'd been visiting Somerset so often was because of his wife-to-be. But then, he had first seen Anne at Cheapside, in Richmond. What had she been doing there? He was not surprised to see someone from Somerset there, after all, Richmond and Somerset shared a boundary and both were two small towns. He couldn't help but wonder what the Marquess's daughter had been doing at such a place. Internally, he swore to find out more about Anne. Maybe if he spoke to her, or knew more about her, then his madness would finally be over.
The carriage halted just outside the theatre, its wheels screeching to a halt. Henry alighted before holding his hands outstretched for Katherine to lean on as she alighted.
The theatre was full; he could tell by the amount of people who were rushing in. He held Katherine close as they went up the stairs, her hand tucked into the crook of his arm.
"You'll enjoy Othello, I assure you," Katherine insisted once they had taken their seats at the center.
"I'm sure I will," he replied breezily.
"I hope Anne and Esther will be here. They would never miss a play."
He said nothing to that. Miss Balfour was coming? He bit his lip as he stared ahead and found himself wishing that she would arrive. He saw Katherine looking around, and felt the need to put her at ease. "I'm sure they’re on their way, not to worry."
"I'm not worried— I have my betrothed here with me." Katherine grinned briefly at him before looking away. He held a breath when she turned his way again. However, as she made to speak, her eyes caught something behind him for they widened and she grinned.
"Anne!" she shouted.
His shoulders tensed.
"Oh, thank goodness! She came with Esther!"
He swallowed hard, willing himself not to speak a word. Why was he suddenly panicking? He wondered if her eyes were still dark, if her hair still touched her hip. Too many things.
He saw her then, beside Katherine, in a simple black dress that lacked pattern. It was utterly plain—something that might be worn to a funeral. Her hair was pulled up in a chignon, baring her face to the light. He liked the way she wore her hair simply— it brought out her cheeks, her smile. He watched as she said something to Katherine and then giggled. Her shoulders shook as she laughed. Lady Esther had taken a seat beside Anne. She was talking to someone on her left. He couldn't care less about anyone else; his eyes were solely on Anne. Her eyes turned to him.
"Lord Huntington," he heard her call. She inclined her head and smiled. He froze. "Good to see you. I didn’t know you were one for the theatre."
"And I, you."
She seemed at ease talking to him. It irked him. Didn't she feel as uneasy as he felt? She looked away from him and focused on the stage. He forced his gaze away from her and focused, too. On stage, a slender lady was dressed in breeches and cotton shirt, which was tucked in loosely. Her knee-high black boots sh
one in the light. She raised her hands in the air, spitting out the first words of Othello.
He was familiar with the story, having read it a few times. He recalled a few words by the characters, as well.
When they reached the second scene, he found himself quoting Othello, mimicking the words as the actress spoke them.
"'Tis well I am found by you..."
Another voice from nearby spoke along with him: "...I will but spend a word here in the house..."
"...and go with you."
He couldn't stop himself from smiling in amusement. Miss Balfour was quoting Othello along with him. Did she notice that he had, as well? He refrained from looking her way, for fear that Katherine may be watching him.
"Oh dear, we have another reader,” Katherine whispered to him. “Anne is obsessed with books, she spends her day in her father's study, reading."
He inclined his head. "'Tis quite astounding to hear. I did not take the lady as one who read at all."
"Why so?" Anne spoke up.
He almost smiled at how easily it was to get her attention. He turned to her, his face blank of any motion, he shrugged. "I see you as one who likes the theatre. One who finds delight in watching plays, does not find delight in reading."
"That's ludicrous. I find delight watching the play, and I also find delight in reading. I see no reason why the two cannot be placed together," Anne responded before averting her gaze again.
He could have sworn he'd seen her smile. "Hmm. I do not agree, but I'd rather leave you to your belief. A play and a book are absolutely incomparable. Whereas a play staged has people pretending to be other people, books are pure—their characters are created to be themselves. No pretense involved."
“Art comes in different ways, and should be accepted whatever way they are presented,” Anne replied. “Staged play shows people creating themselves, expanding their horizons to be people they are not. That is art. And books tell stories from the heart through words, which are also true. But the both of them are art, and deserve appreciation. There would be no need to put unnecessary rivalry between the two, my lord."
He held his breath while she spoke. Although she had spoken calmly, there was an edge to her tone. He turned to stare at her, but her eyes were on the stage. He held back a sigh and gazed at the stage in front of him. The play was nearly at its end.
"Anne is quite right,” Katherine added. “It is indeed possible to love both."
"But not the same way— one must surely surpass the other." He didn't mean to sound nonchalant towards the thing that she loved, but he needed Anne to speak. And he'd heard somewhere that provocation helped.
"Hmm, I guess you have a point, Lord Huntington." Anne shrugged, her eyes still on the play.
"So, which do you like best?" he asked her.
"Reading. Reading books."
"Shh! You lot talk like yer death m'come d'morro." An old woman glared at them from the front row. Henry felt everyone shrink back, just as he did.
Lady Esther offered a small smile as she apologized, saving them from the old lady's cold gaze.
Silence reigned for few seconds before they all went about talking again.
Katherine sighed and leaned into him. He stiffened at her closeness. "I'm so glad you are getting along with my dear friends."
"As am I."
They stayed silent through the rest of the play. He stole glances at Anne, who was just a seat away, their eyes locked at intervals, but both quickly averted their gazes when such an event occurred.
Discovering that she read as much as he did, made him feel ecstatic. What more did they have in common? What more could they possibly share?
He found himself watching her, until the play was over. As the actors emerged from behind the large curtains to bow, they all rose from their seats, clapping. He saw Lady Esther move towards Anne and whisper something in her ear. Anne was quick to touch her shoulders and whisper back. Not long after, Lady Esther clasped her hands in the hands of the man who had been seated beside her. Lord Nicholas, he remembered, he had exchanged pleasantries with him at the engagement ball. Katherine spoke up beside him, addressing Anne.
"So how will you get home?"
"Victor said he would be here at the end of the show."
"Pray tell, dear, how Lord Victor would be aware that the show has come to an end?" Katherine snorted.
Anne sent her a look. "If Victor doesn't come to my rescue —not that I need rescuing — a hackney would do."
"A hackney?” Katherine looked scandalized. “'Tis too dangerous for a lady such as yourself to be in hackney alone at night. 'Tis not advisable, Anne. I’ll send for Augustus, he’ll bring a coach, and we’ll be on our way, together." "So what, then?” Anne asked. “After I'm safely at home, you ride alone in a coach at night?"
"Augustus will protect me fiercely— I assure you."
People had started vacating the theatre. He watched as the crowd dispersed. Meanwhile, the ladies were still arguing. He saw Katherine's point, as a lady of stature, it was quite risky to take a hackney home. Anne could be attacked. He wondered, for the second time, how she had arrived in the first place.
"How did you arrive here?" he asked loudly, enough that they heard him.
They both turned to him sharply. "Lord Victor," Katherine said.
"And he promised to return for me. Victor won't go home without me, Katherine." Anne insisted.
"Miss Balfour , I'm afraid Katherine is indeed right." He inhaled sharply when her dark eyes settled on him. "Staying here alone and waiting for Victor is as dangerous as taking a hackney home."
He wondered again. As the daughter of a Marquess, she was to have a coach. There was so much mystery about the lady and he wished to uncover her secrets.
"Lord Huntington, I appreciate your concern, but I assure you— I'll be fine."
Katherine sighed. "I hope you will. I worry about you Anne. 'Tis a cruel world."
He saw Anne's eyes flash as she forced a smile. There was something odd about her insistence that Katherine be on her way home. It was as though she was lying about Lord Victor coming to take her home. Katherine finally sighed, then pulled Anne in a hug. They all walked outside together, as he and Katherine got into the coach to head to Somerset castle, he saw Katherine glance back, her brows creased. He knew she worried for her friend, and he knew she was about to suggest something he should reject, but he wouldn't.
"Can you stay with Anne?” she asked. “To make sure that she’s safe? I have a bad feeling about her waiting here alone for Lord Willington. Ferguson can take me home and then return for you, perhaps?”
He swallowed hard as he looked away from her. "Katherine, I'm sure Miss Balfour can handle herself."
"Please Henry, I want to make sure Anne is safe. She often says she is, but there's really no assurance that she is indeed safe."
He sighed. "Katherine —"
"Please."
He sighed. "Very well."
He alighted the coach and looked up to where Ferguson sat. "Ferguson, take the lady home safely and return here for me."
Ferguson nodded, his silver hair glowing in the moonlight. "You have my word, sir. The lady will be home safe."
Henry nodded once and stepped away as the carriage wheeled into the path that led to her home. Now he had to face Miss Balfour. Swallowing hard, he turned and swiftly made his way to the entrance of the theatre.
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Ella Edon is an American author of steamy historical Regency romance books. She started pursuing her childhood passion of putting stories to paper after experiencing two of the most life changing experiences of her life.