Chapter Eleven

 

Anna found herself lost in Colin’s gaze. Unlike the previous times they had met, this time felt different. Oh, her legs still turned to jelly, and her head could have floated away on the breeze. But now her heart ached for him, a most unusual phenomenon but one she welcomed all the same.

As he looked down at her, a single thought came to mind. Colin was a duke, and she was a Silverstone. She wanted him to kiss her but feared the day when there would be no more kisses from him.

“Anna,” he whispered. “Look at me.” He placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her face to look at him. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just reminded that I’m a simple woman and you’re a—”

“Never speak of yourself that way again,” he said. “You’re worth far more than any titled society believes you to be. You’re Miss Anna Silverstone, a woman who should be proud of who she is.” The way he said her name was like a soft caress and sent shivers down her spine. “And I’m far more than a duke. That’s why I came here. To be the man I am inside, the man I’m trying to find. I know that, somehow, you’ll help me in this endeavor. I’m sure of it.”

“I’m happy to help you, Colin,” she whispered. “Not because you’re a duke, and not for anything you could do for me. But rather because I’ve come to have a certain regard for you.”

The words came with no hesitation. Despite the fact they had known one another only a short time, she did care for him. To what extent remained to be seen. But as the world stopped around them and they stood staring into one another’s eyes, she saw nothing but Colin.

With the speed of a fox leaping at a hare, Colin took hold of her waist.

Anna’s heart skipped a beat. Before she could respond, he pulled her against him.

“You’re beautiful, Anna,” he whispered. “I must confess that your lips have pleaded with me for far too long.” He rested the back of his hand on her cheek. “You know what they ask.” It was not a question but rather a statement of fact, and the boldness of his words sent a thrill through her body. “And to that,” he continued, “I must oblige.”

He lowered his lips to hers. She had thought her first kiss would be gentle, but that passion behind the way he had said her name now burst through. It took every bit of strength she could muster to not collapse. She abandoned herself to that kiss, to him. Yielded herself to the urgency behind it. A tide of warmth surged through her, sending an enjoyable tingling down her spine. The trees no longer existed, nor the grass, nor the breeze. Only they two, locked together in a world all their own.

When the kiss came to an end, Anna placed her head against his firm chest. Strong arms wrapped around her and drew her closer.

“That was wonderful,” she whispered. “I’ve never experienced such feelings before.”

“Nor have I. If I could hold you forever, I would.”

For the first time in as long as she could remember, she allowed her guard to drop. No man, no beast, no problems could hurt her. “I could wish for nothing more.”

She savored his embrace, relished the feel of his arms around her. But they could not remain there forever— no matter how badly she wanted it.

As though reading her thoughts, Colin released his hold and grasped her hand. Leading her to the horses he stopped.

“Now, we must return to Redstone Estate. Caroline has invited us to tea.”

“Tea?” Anna asked. “Surely, you must be teasing! I’m to be allowed over for tea?”

She and Caroline had been friends as children, but no Silverstone would have ever set foot on Remington property as a guest. A servant perhaps. A courier, definitely, but never a guest for tea.

“I’m not teasing,” he replied. “I’ve been asked personally to bring you to the house.” He lifted her onto the horse as if she weighed no more than a sack of flour. “Trust me, I was as surprised as you. With Markus now living elsewhere, the women have become comfortable in the running of the house. Therefore, the decision is theirs. I, for one, would not argue with them about such an invitation.”

Despite his reassurances, panic welled up in Anna. “But I’m not dressed for tea at Redstone Estate!” She touched her head. “And my hair! It must look a sight! And what if I break a teacup?”

“What you’re wearing now is satisfactory,” he replied with a grunt as he mounted his horse. “Have I mentioned that I rather like the color blue? More so when you wear it.”

Anna’s throat went dry. Not only had she received her first kiss, but she was also receiving an invitation to tea with a duke!

No, he was not the duke. He was Colin.

“Regarding the teacup. If you break one, I’ll insist you sell the coat you stole from me to pay for the damages.”

This made Anna laugh.

“Whether it be a horse race or a broken teacup, nothing you do will change what I feel for you.”

Her face burned as an image of Colin holding her and peppering her face with small kisses came to mind.

An image of which, this time, she did not want to be rid.

 

***

 

Anna bit at her lip as the horses moved at a leisurely pace. The rays of the sun highlighted Colin’s strong jawline and perfect nose, somehow making him even more handsome.

“Before we arrive at the house,” Colin said as he brought the horse to a stop. “I have a question I would like to ask. Caroline mentioned a feud between the families. What can you tell me about it?”

Anna brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. “My family owned a great deal of property at one time, including our side of where the log crosses the river and the river itself. Over the years, the land was parceled out, most of it sold to the Remingtons. When the land touching the river was sold, an agreement was made that we would be granted use of the river. So it’s as much ours as theirs.” She shook her head. “But I don’t think it matters, not really. It’s all rather silly if you ask me.”

Colin moved his horse closer to hers and took her hand. She could not help but marvel at how small and delicate hers appeared in his. “I could not agree more,” he said.

When he released her hand, she was left with an empty feeling. She could have him hold her hand forever!

“We should go,” Colin said. “If we don’t get to the house soon, I suspect Caroline will see a new feud started.”

Once Redstone Estate came into view, the worry returned. Anna was going to make an utter dolt of herself, she was certain of it! What did she know about drinking tea at a noble house? Not a single thing!

Anna had not been to the estate house before. Oh, she had seen it from the main road on many occasions, but there had never been reason for her to be within its boundaries. Besides at the river, of course. This close, it appeared far larger. Built of deep red stone, the front of the house showed more than five times the number of windows on the entire cottage in which she lived.

Miss Caroline came bounding out the double front doors, her yellow dress flowing around her ankles, and Anna tensed.

“You’ve nothing to fear,” Colin whispered.

He was right. When had Anna become so concerned about what others thought of her? She had never cared before about such trivial matters.

“You’re right,” Anna said, glancing at Colin. She smiled. “It’s good to see you, Miss Caroline.”

It had been three years since Anna had last spoken to Miss Caroline, but she had not changed one bit.

“It’s been far too long,” Miss Caroline said. “We may no longer be young girls secretly swimming in a river, but we can still be friends.”

“I suppose so,” Anna replied. “I admit I miss those times we shared at the river and think of them often with great affection.”

“I’m so pleased you’re here. We’ll have tea and sandwiches. I’ve had Davis set up a table on the veranda out back.” She turned to an older man in livery. “Davis, this is my friend, Miss Anna Silverstone. Davis has been awaiting your arrival with great anticipation, have you not, Davis?”

“I dare say I have, Miss Caroline,” the butler replied, although he sounded as if he were reaching deep into his throat to pull out the words. “Welcome to Redstone Estate, Miss Silverstone.”

“We are ready for our tea, Davis,” Miss Caroline said. “And please be sure you provide us with the best we have.”

“Yes, Miss Caroline,” Davis replied with a bow before leaving to do her bidding.

“Come. We’ll go around to the back. You’ve not been to the house, have you?”

Anna shook her head. “But it’s very lovely.”

The back gardens were far more extravagant than she could have ever imagined, with cobbled pathways weaving through various flowerbeds and between carefully trimmed hedgerows. Someone spent a great deal of time pulling every weed and tending every plant. Anna could imagine herself spending hours exploring there.

On the veranda sat a table already set with drinking glasses, plates, and utensils. Would they be eating a meal? Anna lowered herself into a chair Miss Caroline indicated, and Colin hurried over to push it in for her. Then he did the same for Caroline.

Anna wrung her hands beneath the table. Why was Miss Caroline staring at her? She reached up to pat her hair. Was it out of place?

Of course it was. Had she not just returned from a ride, one on which she had chosen to go without a head covering? What had she been thinking?

“I cannot believe how lovely you’ve become, Miss Anna,” Miss Caroline said. “You always were, of course, but have you any idea how many women strive to have a fraction of what you have naturally? Lady Craven, a dear friend of mine, would give up her husband’s estate for a tenth of what you have.”

“Thank you,” Anna said, her cheeks heating at being so thoughtfully compared to one of the area’s loveliest baronesses. “You’re too kind.”

I doubt that tenth includes my leaky cottage, she thought ruefully.

Miss Caroline continued to study her. “I can see why Colin is so smitten with you.”

The heat in Anna’s cheeks deepened, and when she glanced at Colin, he had suddenly become consumed with studying a nearby hedge.

“Oh, don’t give me such looks of innocence, either of you. I’m a reader of romance novels, and I can see what’s in front me as easily as a banker can see money.”

Anna found herself unable to respond and was relieved when Colin asked, “And where is Miss Remington? Will she not be joining us?”

Miss Caroline shook her head. “I’m afraid she’s gone into seclusion again and will remain so for several days.”

Seclusion? Anna thought. What an odd choice of words to use. Well, it has nothing to do with me, so I’ll not inquire.

She wrung her hands in her lap once more. Despite the warm welcome, never had she felt so out of place!

A door to the house opened, and Davis emerged carrying a silver tray laden with a silver tea service. He filled three matching red teacups with gold rims and displaying the Remington family crest— a crown flanked by two ravens facing inward. Behind him came two footmen, each carrying a tray filled with tiny triangular sandwiches and a variety of tea cakes.

Anna’s mother had spent many hours teaching her about proper table etiquette, but she could not stop tea from nearly sloshing over the rim of the teacup when her hand trembled so. Yet she managed to take a sip without incident.

“So, was your time with my cousin pleasant?” Miss Caroline asked. Anna nearly did spill her tea. “I imagine you enjoyed yourselves.” She wore a grin that made Anna wonder if she suspected the kiss they had shared.

“Anna is a very skilled rider,” Colin said. “Today I learned that my childhood instructor exaggerated when he praised my abilities. Which does not surprise me.” Anna was not certain she was meant to hear the last.

“I saw your brother Christian in the village three weeks ago on Sunday,” Miss Caroline said.

Anna stifled a groan. Christian had been in a fight with another boy recently. Had Miss Caroline witnessed that altercation? Anna prayed not.

“Sadly, he did not see me,” Miss Caroline continued. “I would not have minded saying hello to him.”

Anna studied the young woman. Was that a dreamy expression on her face? Did Miss Caroline have an attraction to Christian? No, Anna was reading far too much into the situation.

“I’ll tell him to make sure to look for you the next time he’s there,” Anna said.

“Please do,” Miss Caroline said, beaming with pleasure. “It would mean much to me.”

So, she had read Miss Caroline’s expression correctly! The thought of Christian and Miss Caroline together pleased Anna, but she knew it would never come to pass any more than she and Colin.

The conversation continued on to other matters, and Anna found herself relaxing. She used all her mother had taught her about proper etiquette— tea with the likes of Miss Caroline was far different from dining with her brothers. Soon, they were laughing together as if this was a regular occurrence.

“A word alone with you, Miss Anna, if you please,” Miss Caroline said, hooking her arm through Anna’s after they had finished their tea. “Give us a moment, Colin.”

Colin bowed. “Of course.”

They descended the steps to the garden level. “Although the last time we spoke we were children, we’re now adults. Or you’re an adult and I’m nearly there. Therefore, I would like to ask something if I may.”

“Yes, of course,” Anna replied. “What would you like to know?”

“My cousin… do you have romantic notions toward him? Oh, I’m sure the question is not proper, but I don’t care. We’re both women— and friends— and so we may speak of such things.”

Anna could not help but laugh. Miss Caroline’s immediate family may not have been titled, but they were quite wealthy with close ties to the aristocracy. Then her gaze fell on Colin, who leaned against the parapet wall that enclosed the veranda. She had no artistic skills, but if she could paint, she would have chosen him as her subject.

With a sigh, she replied, “I had not realized until today that I do have feelings for him, so yes, I do. I can’t name them, nor can I describe them, but I can admit that something is there. What I can’t seem to fathom is how it came about so soon after we met.” She shook her head. “It’s all rather strange if you ask me.”

“Oh, how romantic!” Miss Caroline said in an excited whisper. “Don’t worry. Markus will never know. Evelyn already suspects, but I don’t believe she cares. I know I certainly do not.” She embraced Anna. “We’ll meet again soon, I promise. I’ve forgotten how much I enjoy your company. Perhaps we can even go swimming together again like we did when we were children. This time, however, we’ll not need to keep it secret.”

“I’d like that.”

Miss Caroline turned them around and headed back to the veranda. “Well, I’ll give you and Colin a moment alone. I do look forward to seeing you again.”

“I’ll not ask what she said,” Colin said once Miss Caroline had gone inside. “I suspect I would die from embarrassment if I knew.”

Anna smiled. “It was quite horrendous. I would be surprised if you appear in public after what she told me!”

Colin barked a laugh. “Why do I choose to keep company with a woman who wishes to torment me?”

“Because you enjoy it,” Anna said, adding a mischievous grin. “Now, I have a request. Tomorrow at midnight, I wish you to meet me at the river.

“Midnight?” Colin asked as he led her around to the stables where a stable hand waited with her horse. “What exactly do you have in mind?”

“That is a secret,” Anna replied. “Meet me if you wish to know more.” She raised herself onto her toes and kissed his cheek, not caring who was around to see. “I’ll see you then.”

Once she was on her horse, she waved goodbye and headed down the drive toward home.

Today, two of her dreams had become reality. She had experienced her first kiss, and the gentleman she had always mentioned to Betty had finally arrived. His name was Colin, Duke of Greystoke, but she knew him simply as Colin— a man unlike any other. One who made her heart act in ways it never had before.