Page 17 of Corrupting his Duchess

Anna turned, managing a smile. “I wasn’t hiding. Perhaps…I needed a breath of air.”

“A breath of air inside the house?” Gretchen teased, linking her arm through Anna’s. “Come now, you’re not fooling me. You've been needing a lot of air today.”

“I wasn’t in the mood for more conversation,” Anna’s smile thinned.

Gretchen paused, watching her closely. “With everyone?”

Anna brushed her hand along the wall as they walked. “He found me,”

Gretchen's eyes widened as realization dawned, “Lord Vaun? Again? Of course he did, he always does.” Her voice turned dry, “I saw him earlier, looking like a man hunting quarry.”

Anna’s smile tightened. “Yes. He’s… attentive.”

“You could do far worse, Anna.” Gretchen’s voice was practical, gentle. “He’s sensible. Well-positioned. And devoted, clearly.”

“Devoted,” Anna echoed softly.

Gretchen tilted her head. “You don’t sound convinced.”

“I…” Anna hesitated, then shook her head. “No, I suppose I am. I just… didn’t expect it to feel so… inevitable.”

Gretchen smiled. “That’s what good matches are, aren’t they? Settled. Certain. Not all fire and fancy.”

Anna gave a quiet laugh, though it felt hollow. “Yes. Quite.”

Gretchen’s smile softened, but her tone remained gentle and practical. “Anna, he’s a good man.”

Anna looked down. “I know.”

“He’s polite, respectable, thoughtful,”

“I know.” Anna’s voice came quicker. “I know, Gretchen. Everyone says the same.”

“Then why do you sound as though that’s a bad thing?” Gretchen tilted her head, concern flickering across her face. “Don’t you like him?”

“I don’t dislike him.” Anna’s lips pressed together. “That’s the trouble.”

“The trouble?”

Anna looked away. “I can’t find a reason not to accept him… but I can’t find a reason to do so, either.”

Gretchen was quiet for a moment, then spoke carefully. “Does there have to be a reason, beyond what he offers? A stable home, a respectable name, a man who clearly favors you?”

Anna’s throat tightened. “Shouldn’t there be?”

Gretchen’s hand squeezed her arm lightly. “Not every marriage begins in… in great passion, Anna. Sometimes affection grows. Sometimes it’s enough that he’s steady.”

“Steady,” Anna repeated, the word heavy on her tongue.

Gretchen hesitated. “You haven’t told your mother he’s courting you, have you?”

Anna’s gaze flicked toward her friend. “No.”

“Why not?”

Anna let out a quiet breath. “Because the moment I do… it won’t be just him asking.”

Gretchen’s expression softened with understanding. “You’re afraid she’ll press you to accept.”