A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,64

Why worry her until they knew more?

“Would you have agreed if he’d asked without duress?” Louisa asked.

Louisa knew how important writing was to her, but Annabelle had never shared that Louisa’s own mother’s behavior was one of the reasons she hadn’t wanted to marry. Aunt Felton had grieved her husband’s loss deeply then filled the emptiness in her life in all manner of ways, each of them more concerning than the last. Louisa had been grateful for the entrance of Count Eastov into her mother’s life. He was an old friend of Louisa’s father and seemed to genuinely care for the marchioness. Since his arrival, her aunt had been happy, much to Louisa’s relief.

Annabelle was fulfilled by her writing and couldn’t imagine feeling less than that because of a man. It had been a risk she didn’t want to take. Now that she was faced with the possibility, she worried even more, especially since she already had feelings for Thomas.

“I don’t know.” Thomas had asked her father for her hand, which was all very well and good, but he hadn’t actually asked her. That small distinction felt terribly important as if it suggested he wouldn’t have asked her if not for being caught in a compromising situation.

Her thoughts were ridiculous when she already knew he wouldn’t have. He was a rogue, after all.

“That’s understandable.” Louisa studied her. “But I’ve noticed how he has watched you in the last few weeks when he happens to be nearby.” A smile curved her lips. “It makes me think he would’ve asked for your hand eventually.”

Before Annabelle could respond, a friend of theirs, Lady Helen, joined them.

“Is it true?” she asked, eyes wide with interest as she looked at Annabelle. “You and Raybourne are betrothed?”

“We are.”

“Imagine. A rogue like Raybourne actually getting married. And to you, no less.” Lady Helen shook her head. “I can hardly believe it. Why, his reputation...” She broke off, giggling behind her hand. “So many women have been associated with him.”

A sick feeling came over Annabelle as the woman prattled on.

“I’m not certain if I’d be pleased to know I’d caught him or concerned that he would soon cast a wandering eye elsewhere.” Lady Helen glanced at Louisa as if to see if she agreed.

“Annabelle and Mr. Raybourne make the perfect pair.” Louisa smiled broadly, showing far too many teeth. “I think it’s so romantic.”

Annabelle appreciated her cousin’s defense but wished there was more truth to it. “I am a lucky woman,” she managed.

“’Tis I who is the lucky one.” Thomas’s deep voice had all three of them turning to face him. He took Annabelle’s hand as he bowed while the ladies curtsied.

“Mr. Raybourne, we were just speaking about you.” Lady Helen’s gaze swept over him as if she’d like to take a bite. “Congratulations on your betrothal.”

“Thank you.” Thomas barely glanced at the woman, his gaze remaining steadily on Annabelle, causing her stomach to quiver.

Oh dear. She was definitely on the edge of something.

She told herself that he must’ve overheard Lady Helen’s remark. That he was only pretending to be interested in her. Yet none of those thoughts paused the flutters in her body at his continued regard.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noted Louisa’s beaming smile. No doubt her cousin believed Thomas truly was enamored. But Annabelle was old enough to realize there was a difference between physical desire and love. If rumors were true, Thomas was very experienced in physical desire, but would he recognize love even if it struck him between the eyes?

Was what they had between them enough to begin a marriage that would make them both happy and last a lifetime?

Chapter Fifteen

Thomas watched a myriad of emotions shift through Annabelle’s eyes, though he couldn’t begin to guess what she might be thinking. But he certainly didn’t care for the worry reflected in the dark depths. “Would you do me the honor of this dance?”

“Of course.” Her polite smile made him want to kiss her until the distant mask she wore fell away, revealing her true feelings no matter what they were. Surely honesty was preferable to hidden thoughts.

With a nod at Louisa, he escorted Annabelle toward the dance floor but continued around the edge of it.

“I thought we were dancing,” she whispered.

“Not until you tell me what’s on your mind. Did Lady Helen say something to upset you?”

“She reminded me of how unlikely it was that you will marry.”

“She knows nothing about me.” He scowled at the idea of the woman