Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,110

felt there was something she would want in a suitor that was distinctly missing.

Music started up from the adjoining ballroom. Lord Huddington met her eyes. “Would you care to dance, Lady Annette?”

Remembering what a wonderful dancer he was, Annette decided not to disappoint him. Besides, she might as well see what happened. Her mother had said that spending time with someone was the way to fall in love.

“Yes, I would very much like to.” They went into the ballroom and danced to the slow rhythm of the music. Annette wondered if she would feel the anxiety creeping up in her, the feeling of butterflies from dancing with such a perfect, distinguished gentleman, but her emotions remained flat. It was a pleasant dance, but she didn’t feel anything special.

“I enjoy this particular style of music very much,” Lord Huddington said as they danced.

“I prefer faster tempos, but I do like dancing to this style of music, simply because it allows you to talk rather than try to catch your breath.”

Lord Huddington chuckled. “Having danced both kinds with you, I can confidently say you are an excellent partner, no matter what kind of dance it is.”

Annette felt a blush creep into her cheeks. “You’re too kind, my lord. If it wasn’t for you leading, I might not be so elegant.”

Following the dance, Lord Huddington remained by her side. He introduced her to some friends he knew, and then Annette talked to Lady Julia for a little while. However, Lord Huddington found her again, and they resumed their conversation.

He spoke intelligently and was interesting to listen to, but Annette simply couldn’t shake the feeling that his words lacked something, some kind of passion or emotion in the things he spoke of. Yet he was impeccably polite and listened attentively to anything she had to say.

At the end of the night, as people were leaving, Lord Huddington approached her one last time, his manner a little hesitant. “Lady Annette, may I call on you soon?”

Annette watched his hopeful expression. She had no definitive reason to give why he shouldn’t call on her. While she enjoyed his company, there was just not the kind of excitement she would have expected in her own fairytale suitor. Still, her mother had said to give things time, and there was no harm in that.

“Yes, you may.”

Lord Huddington grinned. “I look forward to seeing you soon then, Lady Annette.”

“And I look forward to seeing you, too.”

They parted, and Annette found her mother. They went out to the carriage together and her mother spoke first.

“I saw you spending time with Lord Huddington for most of the evening.”

“Yes, I enjoy his company.” Annette paused. “He has asked to call on me.”

Her mother laughed and clapped her hands together. “Oh, my dear! That’s wonderful!”

Her enthusiasm made Annette smile. “I am looking forward to getting to know him better.”

“I can already see you two get along so well. Only one week, and you have already found a suitor. I always knew you would excel in finding a husband, Annette.”

“He is not my husband yet, mother,” Annette reminded her. “As you have told me, I want to spend time with him and let love grow.”

“Of course, my darling.” She clasped Annette’s hand in hers. “I am excited for you, which is why I sometimes get carried away. I always knew you would find a wonderful husband, but I don’t want you to think it needs to happen so quickly, despite what I’ve said.” She smiled. “I trust you will find the right man, and I think it was wise to allow Lord Huddington to get to know you better.”

Annette was warmed by her mother’s faith in her. “Thank you, Mama.”

Annette looked out of the window and thought of Lord Huddington. Despite having told him he could call on her, she was still uncertain if he was the man she would marry. As much as she liked his manners and his company, she knew that she wasn’t in love with him.

At least not yet.

***

The following day, Annette’s mother insisted they go to a tearoom to celebrate Annette’s early success. They walked to one close by and took their seats at a table in joyful spirits.

“Now that your first week in London has passed,” her mother began, after taking a sip of her tea, “what do you think of it all?”

“I am enjoying it immensely, Mama.”

Annette smiled, thinking of the many people she had met and the different places she’d been. “It’s perfect! The only thing