Chapter 28
Aweek later, having grown tired of searching the other rooms for another entrance to the secret passage and waiting for the study to be unoccupied, Anne sought out Colin.
As expected, she found him with his head bent over some papers in his study.
“Is that all you do?”
His gaze snapped to where she waited in the doorway. “Are you going to stand there, or are you going to come in?”
“Am I being invited into the sanctuary?” Tone all honeyed innocence, she paired it with her most beguiling smile.
“Sanctuary?” He put the papers down and motioned her forward. “I suppose it is. Regardless, I’m glad you’re here. There’s something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you.”
Taking a seat across from him, she studied his face.
Mouth tight, brows drawn together to form the faintest of creases between them, he shuffled the papers on his desk.
An uncomfortable shiver ran down her spine. “Is it your father?”
“No, thank goodness. Mother wrote and said he’s feeling much better, although he complains about Ashton’s concoction.” He paused and ruffled through the papers again. “No, it’s about that rag, The Muckraker.
Heaviness settled in her stomach. “What has it said now?”
“It’s not what it’s said that I wish to discuss. However, there was a report about us that arrived here before we did, and I’m curious as to how the person responsible for the paper got wind of it. My sister mentioned some group she’s organized to investigate the culprit.”
“The League, yes. We have some suspects, but none of them were at the house party. Could your parents have said something in passing before they came for the wedding?”
“Unlikely, especially given they weren’t in London.”
“Burwood’s Aunt Kitty lives in London. You don’t think she—”
He waved it aside. “I refuse to believe that. She would never do anything that would harm Burwood or those he loves.”
Anne slumped in her chair. She doesn’t like me.
“Put that out of your mind, Anne. The countess spoke to me before we left and wished us well. Said she thought we were perfect for each other.” He gave her a wry smile.
“I suppose it’s not her.” A horrible thought crossed her mind, and she sat straighter. “Mother, Arthur, and Lavinia came from Kent. Would they have stopped in London?”
“Doubtful. And surely you don’t suspect your own mother?”
“Not Mother. Lavinia. She loves gossip.”
“But you’re her sister-in-law.” Colin sounded incredulous.
“That wouldn’t stop Lavinia. She’s never liked me.”
Anne didn’t want to think her sister-in-law was responsible, but she would bring it up to the League when they met again.
“There is another possibility.” His gaze met hers. Steady. Serious.
“If you tell me what it said, perhaps that will give me a clue.”
His gaze slid away, and once more he fumbled with the papers before him. “It was unkind. I don’t wish to repeat it.”
She gave a dry laugh. “The Muckraker is always unkind. Its nastiness is what sets it apart from the other gossip rags. Really, Colin, how do you expect me to help if you won’t tell me?”
“It implied you trapped me. No one other than those present knew about the service closet.”
“You think it’s someone who was already at the house party?” The pit in Anne’s stomach grew heavier at the thought that one of their friends could have betrayed them.
“We should consider it.” A flicker of concern flashed in his eyes, and he clarified. “Not necessarily one of the guests, but possibly a servant. Most are loyal and discreet, but some have been known to share private information for a price.”
“Joan, my maid, doesn’t gossip. Perhaps one of the other lady’s maids or valets? I can bring it up at the League’s next meeting.”
“Good. But for now, enough talk of unpleasant things.” He rose and held out his hand. “I have a wonderful idea. Have you explored the outside of the house yet?”
She shook her head and refrained from telling him she’d been too preoccupied searching for the secret passage.
“Then allow me to show you around. I could use some fresh air. I’ve been staring at these papers so long my eyes are blurry.”
His large hand almost enveloped hers as he led her outside.
Although the day was overcast, she still lifted her face up to the sky and drank in the sweet smell of the country.
She loved London and all the activity, the garden parties, the balls, the League meetings with her friends.
But each time she returned home to Kent, she remembered how much she loved the clean air and the expanse of gardens and trees.
She knew she would grow to love Somerset almost as much.
She peered up at Colin, who also appeared to be enjoying the view. Maybe she would love it more.
“This way. There’s something I want to show you.”
Her hand in his, he led her forward, and she struggled to keep up with the pace from his long legs.
When they rounded the corner of the house, and he stopped, she laughed. A lake encircled a little island. Anne pointed to where a folly sat at the crest of a hill. “How do you reach it?”
“By boat.” He indicated a small dock to their left.
Now she was the one tugging his hand. “Let’s go there!”
He chuckled. “The lake doesn’t bring back unpleasant memories?”
“Only if you push me in.”
Expression affronted, he placed a hand over his heart. “I would never.” Then with a wicked grin, he added, “I would have to jump in to rescue you, and I’m particularly fond of this coat.”
Although she knew he was teasing her, she yanked her hand from his and glared at him. “Your coat!”
“And even fonder of the precious cargo the boat held. Now, shall we?”
True to his word, Colin helped her into the tiny boat with exceptional care.
As he hopped in to join her, the vessel dipped under his weight, and Anne grabbed onto the sides to balance herself when the boat rocked gently.
Giving a push against the dock with an oar, Colin began rowing them to the island.
Ripples of water followed in their wake with each dip and lift of the oars, but Anne was more interested in the bunching of muscles under Colin’s favored coat as he pulled the oars toward him.
She remembered how that muscled flesh appeared as he balanced himself above her, how it felt under her touch, the smell of his skin.
Heat crept up her neck like tendrils and scorched her cheeks.
Across from her, he frowned. “Are you too warm? I worried you would become chilled once we were on the water.”
Unable to meet his direct gaze, she turned away and made a show of watching the rippling water. “No. I simply remembered something.”
He didn’t ask what—for which she was grateful—but from the soft chuckle and sparkle in his eyes, he must have had an inkling.
Safely on the shore of the island and at another little dock, Colin leapt out and secured the boat to a small mooring. “My lady.”
Anne slipped her hand onto Colin’s outstretched palm and stepped from the boat onto the wooden dock.
The folly was even prettier up close than from a distance. The stately pillars formed a circle and supported a domed roof. With no walls, the structure afforded views of the estate in all directions. Two benches, back-to-back, sat in the middle.
Arm around Anne’s waist, Colin guided her up the moderate incline to the structure. “After getting you safely across, I wouldn’t want you to roll back down and fall into the water.”
She laughed and placed a hand against his chest. “We must protect that precious coat.”
Neither one spoke when they entered the circular structure. Anne roamed from point to point, taking in the breathtaking panoramic sight before her. She stopped to gaze across the lake to the house.
Her home.
Behind her, Colin wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged her to his chest. “Do you like it?”
She shook her head, and he spun her around to face him, worry in his eyes.
Placing a hand on his cheek, she reassured him. “I love it.” And I love you.
Oh, dear God. Had she said that aloud? Breath trapped in her lungs, and her head grew fuzzy as she waited for his reaction.
“Good.”
Good? That was all he had to say? No reciprocal declaration? Perhaps she’d been saved from embarrassment.
“I’m glad you like it. It’s one of my favorite places.”
Relieved she hadn’t made a fool of herself—because really, how could she have fallen in love with him so quickly?—she proceeded as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
But it had. Not usually one to examine her feelings too closely, she found it impossible to ignore the niggling voice that said her declaration, although thankfully unspoken, had been real.
Time slammed to a halt. The realization—momentous. She loved him. Stunned, she remained perfectly still as if the very air, thick with significance, refused to let her move.
“What is it?” He stepped closer. “Are you ill? You’re so pale, you look as if you’re ready to faint.” He took her hand and led her to one of the benches. “Come, sit.”
Her body dropped onto the hard wrought-iron seat, and he knelt before her.
His brows drew down, a crease forming between them and directing her attention to those lovely green eyes.
All she could do was stare into them. She wanted to say it.
To tell him, but for once in her life the words she said in her head didn’t form on her tongue.
“Perhaps if you lie down.” He rose and strode to a long, enclosed chest on the side of the benches. After pulling out several long cushions, he laid them down on the floor of the folly.
Lifting her hands in his, he kissed them, then helped her from the bench to the cushions.
He towered over her, his hand rubbing the back of his neck as he gazed around. “If only we had some water.”
Finally regaining her tongue, she said, “We’re surrounded by water. It’s an island.”
Peering down at her, he gave her an indulgent smile. “To drink, Anne. Although you are looking a trifle better.”
She held out her hand. “Join me, and I will recover completely.”