Ernest Sinclaire walked down the street back towards his London home when he saw an unexpected sight. “Lady Anna?” What was she doing out with the butler Mr. Woods and her lady’s maid Miss Daly?
“We’ve a message for you from my father!” Lady Anna voiced enthusiastically. “Mr. Woods, the letter?” As if he were her place to do so, she jumped down from her horse and handed him the letter herself.
“I’m surprised to see you running errands.” If he could say anything of Lady Anna, it was that she was far from predictable.
“Maybe I was hoping to run into you,” she said with a sly smile.
“And so you have.” His heart skipped a beat, but outwardly he kept a straight face, careful not to let any emotion show. Were her words true? He wanted more than anything to believe she returned his affections, but rumors had him doubting otherwise. He’d heard she had been about town with both the handsome Prince Hamid and the wretched Duke Richards of Karlington.
Earnest did not know much of the foreign prince, but should he be worthy of Lady Anna’s hand, Ernest feared he could not compete. Mr. Sinclaire was a man of respectable wealth to be sure, but had nowhere near the riches of royalty. Ernest had his charms when he cared to reveal them, but women seemed to fall at Prince Hamid’s feet from a simple flash of his dazzling smile.
Duke Richards was an entirely different story. He was boorish and arrogant and had a history with Mr. Sinclaire that he preferred to keep buried in the past. Even if Anna did not want to pursue marriage with himself, Ernest vowed to do whatever he could to keep her out of the duke’s clutches. It had appeared clear from her actions she found the duke revolting, but would pressure to marry a man of suitable rank for the sake of her inheritance force her hand?
Neither Mr. Sinclaire nor Lady Anna seemed to notice any time had passed as they gazed at one another. Briar snorted with laughter at the obvious display. “Are you two going to make eyes at each other all day? I thought it was my turn.”
Ernest struggled to find the words to save face, a blush surely visible on his cheeks, and was most grateful when Lady Anna so graciously replied. “Apologies, Briar. We really should let Mr. Woods make his deliveries.”
Ernest had a brief notion to ask Lady Anna to join him, but failed to think of a proper reason for such an invitation. “It was a pleasure to see you, Lady Anna.” As Anna moved to mount her horse, the horse nudged her and she fell right into Ernest’s arms. “Are you all right?” he asked once he got his wits about him.
“I’m fine, but Clover has some explaining to do.” Anna eyed her horse with a smirk and he neighed satisfactorily.
If Ernest didn’t know better he’d think the horse was trying to play matchmaker, however absurd that would be. “Your horse is as wild as you are Lady Anna.” Did he truly speak those words out loud? Ernest would describe himself as anything but wild, and some might see that descriptor as an insult. But Anna’s spontaneity and boldness were what drew him to her. Her spirit captivated him like none other.
“Or as smart,” Miss Daly countered. Could everyone see what Ernest presumed he was a master at hiding?
“I hope I shall see you again at the opera Saturday!” The enthusiasm in Anna’s voice had Ernest believing she meant it. They parted and Ernest marveled at the fact that this woman could make him want to do things he usually tried to avoid. It was no secret Mr. Sinclaire was not fond of social obligations and the opera was no exception. He found his time could be much better spent giving back to those in need, but if Anna would be there, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to take the night off.
~~~~~
The night of the opera came, and Ernest Sinclaire was decidedly not in attendance. If only he had known Lady Anna would be there at the invitation Duke Richards, in his private box, he would have told her he would be staying away and that she should consider the same. The last part was probably a lie. He would have politely explained he had other plans and left it at that, but the anger and jealousy he felt had him wishing he could swoop in and take Anna away. It felt as if Duke Richards was trying to stake a claim on something that belonged to Ernest, but in truth, Anna did not belong to him any more than she did any other man. If only he’d made his intentions clearer, maybe Anna wouldn’t be so accepting of invitations from other men.
So instead of attending the opera and having to think about Anna on the arm of Duke Richards, Ernest kept his usual weekend ritual of assisting those less fortunate than himself. As he reached his destination, he heard quick footsteps behind him. Turning around he was greeted by the last person he expected to see. “What are you doing here Lady Anna? This is no place for a young lady!” What business could Anna possibly have in this part of town, and why wasn’t she with the duke?
Anna stared back at him slack-jawed. “Is this place what it looks like?” It was understandable Anna would have questions for him, but her tone was almost accusatory.
“What does it look like?” Ernest asked before offering and answer in return.
“It looks like a house of ill repute!” There was no mistaking now that Anna believed him to be partaking in unsavory activities.
Ernest was displeased Anna would believe such a thing about him. He opened his mouth to argue but figured it better to show her instead. He took the food and blankets and handed them to one of the women on the steps. “For the children.” She accepted the items gracefully and then hurried inside. Turning back to Lady Anna, he offered further explanation. “Yes. This is a home for fallen women. Some might say I should judge them harshly for that, but their children do not deserve to freeze or starve.”
“So, you’re here to…help the children?” Anna questioned, finally putting the pieces together.
“The women as well. They are doing their best. I’ve helped a few find other work.”
“I don’t understand why you would hide such kindness.”
Ernest shrugged. “I’m not doing it for recognition.”
“But Duke Richards is telling everyone that you’ve sullied yourself with the women here. He’ll destroy your reputation–”
Mr. Sinclaire cut her off. “I care nothing of the good opinion of anyone who would believe such rumors.” Duke Richards trying to make him look bad was nothing new, but Ernest had to admit it hurt Anna would doubt him for even a minute. Hers was the one opinion that mattered most. He dispersed the rest of the rations from his parcels before facing Anna again. “Come. I’ll walk you home. This part of London isn’t safe at night.” This was true and he would never let any Lady walk alone, but he couldn’t say he was disappointed to have an excuse to enjoy her company. He offered her his arm, and she laid her gloved hand in his. Her warmth radiated through the fabric, but he yearned to feel the softness of her skin.
“But why let the duke tarnish your good name? Surely you could stand up to him.” Why couldn’t Anna just let this go?
Ernest momentarily tightened his grip on her arm in frustration. “He is a duke, only two generations removed from royalty, and I’m a country squire. How exactly should I oppose him?”
“Tell the truth when he spreads lies about you? Maybe even truth of why he hates you in the first place?”
Lady Anna’s innocence was both endearing and exasperating. There was so much yet she didn’t understand, and more Ernest wasn’t ready to tell her. He decided biting his tongue was preferable to saying something that might upset her. They kept on walking, Ernest changing the subject when he finally spoke again. “Not many of the gentry ever bother to come to this part of the city. They look at the broken windows and dirt on the streets and judge it not worthwhile. But I’ve found some of the most beautiful sights in London by looking past that and exploring what’s really here.”
“What does that have to do with Duke Richards?” Anna asked curiously.
“Forget Duke Richards!” Ernest snapped, instantly regretting his harsh tone. He had not meant to direct his anger at her. He inhaled deeply, attempting to compose himself. Looking deep into Anna’s eyes, he found serenity. “Can we do that? This night, this hour, can we forget either of us ever met Duke Richards? Can we just be a man and a woman, the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, walking together in London?”
“Mr Sinclaire…?” Her countenance revealed she was as shocked to hear his admission as he was to have said it.
“That dress…You are…like a vision. You make me feel as shabby as the streets around us.” He had always been transfixed by Anna’s beauty, but on this evening, in her elegant gown, illuminated by the moonlight, she was positively glowing. He would never know a more heavenly creature. He took her hand in his, lightly tracing his fingers over her knuckles. He knew he should take her home, but he’d already crossed one line with his bold statements. What was one more? “Let me show you Westminster Bridge. At night, the lamps lit, the whole city looks like a sky full of stars.”
Anna’s radiant smile returned. “I would love to see the city with you. Ifyou agree to stop putting off my questions.”
“Ask me anything. Except about Duke Richards.” He shuddered at the thought of the duke anywhere near her. “I cannot stand to have even his name touch your lips.” He wondered if she noticed the slight shaking of his voice or the quickening of his breaths as he imagined his own lips on hers. As they navigated around puddles and refuse, Mr. Sinclaire was reminded again how extraordinary Anna really was. “You are the only woman I know who would have come here tonight.”
“Well…I was only spying on you. I should apologize for that,” Anna confessed.
“Most ladies I’ve met, and gentlemen too, would never have dirtied their hems by even walking down a road like this.”
Anna chuckled. “Most of my childhood, I owned one dress. If I worried overmuch about dirtying it, I would never have left the house.”
“It’s more than that. Most people, they assume that a place…or person’s…outside reflects what they really are.”
“That’s what you always hear, that poverty and misfortune are something people bring upon themselves.” A faraway look crossed her face.
Ernest realized she had probably been looked down upon many times for her status growing up. “They’re wrong. Beggars, fallen women, they are no less deserving of our kindness than the highest prince.”
“I believe it is only luck that sets us over them. My own life shows how large a role fortune plays. I did nothing to deserve becoming heir to Edgewater.”
Anna, ever humble, didn’t know how wrong she was. In Ernest’s eyes there was no one more deserving. “I regret any assumptions I made about you based on your background.”
“Well, I don’t,” Anna replied with a cheeky grin.
“What?” Ernest wasn’t sure he followed.
I don’t regret that I assumed you were a stuck-up, self-absorbed bore who cared about nothing more than his own image.”
“You…don’t?”
“Because it has been such fun learning how wrong I was.” Anna traced her fingers down his arm leaving a trail of goosebumps along the way, interlacing her fingers with his once she reached her destination.
“Then I shall say the same. It has been…fun…to learn how wrong I was.” It is the hypocrisy of the gentry I should truly despise.”
“You should tell me more of what you like about me,” Anna teased.
She was too much, and he loved her for it. “Lady Anna, you have opened my eyes, and I can never close them again.”
Anna gave his hand a squeeze. “I like this side of you.”
That she should like any side of him thrilled him like nothing else. “Do you? It would..mean a lot to me to think you could care for me.” She shied away at his admission, dropping her gaze. He gently lifted her chin so their eyes met again, so she could feel the truth in his words. He swore he could hear heart pounding in her chest in time with his. He released her with ragged breath, for had he not, he’d have lost all control. “The bridge is just over here.”
Ernest relished seeing the look on awe on Anna’s face as she witnessed the glory of the bridge at night, lamplight reflections dancing on the river. “It’s beautiful,” she marveled.
“I knew you would appreciate it.” His words came out with unexpected emotion, and Anna was equally as surprised. ”Lady Anna…My Lady.” Could he call her his? In this moment it felt right. “I am the worst kind of fool. The kind who had to see how wrong he was before he realized it. Your intelligence, your grace, your humor…You shame me.”
“Enough. You need not prostrate yourself for me, Mr. Sinclaire.” Anna brought a hand to his shoulder and let her fingers wander upward, tracing his neck on up to his jaw, sending shivers down his spine. “I knew you felt something for me, even on that first day. I was only waiting for you to realize it.”
How was it she could so easily see through him? She was right he had felt something. He was too stubborn at the time to realize what it was, but Anna had always known. “Lady Anna…My impression of you has turned completely about. Dare I hope that your feelings about me have also changed?”
“I have conceived a great fondness for you.”
“And I you.” Ernest took her by both hands and backed her against the bridge railing. He assumed the look of desire in her eyes mirrored his own.
“Mr Sinclaire…”
“Anna…Lady Anna.” He was so enraptured he almost forgot his sense of propriety. He swept a strand of hair from her face which led to him cupping her face in his hands, their lips being drawn together by a magnetic force neither could control.
Suddenly, as if the fates were speaking, the skies opened up and rain came pouring down. “Oh no!” Anna cried.
“Here, stay close to me.” Ernest held out the side of his jacket and tucked her into him, shielding her from the storm as best he could. Seeking shelter, Ernest flagged down a passing carriage, all the while keeping Anna protectively under his arm. “Please sir, we need a ride to Grosvenor Square for a gentlewoman. I can pay!” Ernest didn’t like to flaunt his wealth, but in this case it was warranted. The driver obliged and Ernest immediately lifted Anna inside. “Are you all right?”
Anna laughed, water dripping down her hair. Even soaking wet, hair matted in her face, she was still the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He got out a handkerchief and instinctively dabbed her face and hair. He noticed a slight shiver as he touched the back of her neck.
“My apologies, my lady. I…I don’t know what came over me on the bridge.”
“You did nothing wrong.” A smile played on Anna’s full, pink lips.
Just then a bump in the road caused the carriage to jolt, flinging Anna right into Ernest’s arms. His arms instinctively tightened around her and her eyes found his once again. “There is nothing about this night that I regret.”
Her words put a smile on his face. “I would be lying to say I will not savor the memory of it.” She stroked his cheek and there was a gleam in her eyes. “Lady Anna, we can’t–” His words said one thing but his actions quite the opposite. He closed his eyes but he could feel the heat of her breath, their lips mere centimeters apart.
“We’ve reached Grosvenor Square, sir!” The driver called out at the worst possible moment, their near indiscretion foiled once again. Once was a coincidence, but twice…Maybe it was a sign they were moving to fast.
Ernest pulled back and smiled. “We had best get you home, my lady. Before either of us does anything we might regret.” It was clear now she wanted him as much as he did her. He reluctantly helped her back in her seat and directed the driver where to drop her off. He helped her out of the carriage, and kissed her hand softly. “Have a good night, Lady Anna.”
She smiled back at him sweetly. “I already have.” As he watched her walk away, he longed for the she’d be coming home with him to stay.