She Fled Her Wedding — Then Found the Duke Escaping on the Same Train
Chapter 13
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Annora arrived in a blue dress she knew the Dowager admired. Piers noticed it. He also noticed that she had put away the little pin shaped like a running dog, which she had worn almost every day at the seaside.The meal began well. His mother asked about Rowena, listened to a story about the boat, and even smiled at Lucius' alleged seamanship. Annora answered prettily. She did not interrupt. When the Dowager described the excellent work of a local committee, Annora said she should be glad to assist. Piers knew she had just accepted a duty without asking what it involved; he had done much the same thing twice that morning.After luncheon, his mother took them into the smaller drawing room. On a table lay a box lined with tissue paper. Inside was a length of old lace, carefully cleaned and folded."I was going to have it put away," she said, "but perhaps there is no need to trouble anybody."Annora looked at it. The lace had been intended for her wedding dress.Piers could have spoken. His mother had not asked an impossible question. He could have said that they were seeing one another and had made no other arrangement. Instead, he watched Annora, afraid that if he spoke too firmly, she would think he did not want to marry her."It is very beautiful," Annora said."I wore it myself. It would please me to see it used.""Of course. Of course."The little phrase settled into the room as comfortably as a household pet. The Dowager closed the box. Nobody had promised anything; somehow, a promise had been made.On the drive home, Annora kept her hands folded in her lap."You were quiet," Piers said."I was trying to be pleasant.""You needn't try quite so hard."The moment the words were out, he wished them back."Did I embarrass you?""No, that isn't what I meant.""Your mother was kind enough to ask me.""I know."They rode the rest of the way in an uncomfortable silence. At her gate, he kissed her hand instead of her mouth.She went upstairs and wrote to Rowena that she was considering staying in England after all. It was a thoroughly reasonable letter: travel could be exhausting; their father would miss both daughters; perhaps January was too long to be away. She never once wrote Piers's name.Her sister came to Bellwick instead of replying."I thought this conversation might be quicker in person," she said, removing her hat.Annora looked at the bag beside her. "You came all this way to interfere.""Yes. Lucius was grateful to be excused."