Page 118 of Corrupting his Duchess

Anna felt heat rising under her skin and Henry took her hand in his, comforting her quietly.

He turned to Henry again, his gaze faltering a little before steadying. “But you, Your Grace, you saw it properly. That’s the difference. You knew how to finish what others began.”

Henry said nothing.

Isaac mistook it for agreement.

Isaac chuckled. “Not that it matters now, of course. In the end, it took a duke to recognize what was truly valuable.”

Henry said nothing.

“And I’ll leave the romantic details to you two,” Isaac said, gesturing vaguely at Anna. “Though I must say– I’m glad you took my advice to heart.”

Henry said nothing.

Anna finally spoke, her voice crisp. “What advice was that, Cousin?”

He turned, surprised. “Why, to remain steady. To show your better qualities. Obviously the duke was watching.”

She stared at him for a beat, then said, “You weren’t mentioned.”

Isaac faltered, but only for a second. Then he laughed. “Modest as ever. That’s all right, Anna. You don’t need to say it. I’m just glad it worked out.”

Henry stepped forward then, cool and courteous. “If you’ll excuse me, Lord Stenton, I believe we have… arrangements to review.”

“Certainly,” Isaac said, practically bouncing on his heels. “Shall we discuss the finer points? I imagine your steward will want to consult with ours. Best to handle it quickly, while we’ve got momentum. I’ll just fetch the drafts. I’ve had them ready for days.”

Henry’s expression didn’t flicker. “Of course,” he said at last. “Let’s be efficient.”

Isaac gave a flourishing bow to Anna, a wink to Heather, and a patronizing smile to their mother.

Then he swept out of the room.

The silence he left behind was almost as loud as his entrance.

Heather looked at Anna. “Is it too soon to be grateful we’ll never live with him?”

Anna laughed softly and held Henry’s hand a little tighter.

They had left the parlor some minutes ago, but Henry had not yet released her hand.

The corridor was quiet now, the door to the drawing room half-shut behind them, muffling the soft hum of Heather’s excitement and Lady Hessey’s fluttering astonishment.

Anna stood beside him at the base of the stairs, her eyes cast downward, cheeks tinged with color. She hadn’t said much since the door closed. Her fingers were still loosely curled in his, but she hadn’t drawn away.

Henry turned to face her more fully.

“You’re quiet,” he said gently.

She glanced up shyly. “So are you.”

He offered a slight smile. “I’m trying to remember the last time I felt like this.”

Her gaze flicked away again, and he saw it, just the barest hesitation in her posture. A subtle awareness.

Last night had not been forgotten.

He didn’t touch her but his voice softened.