She smiled mischievously but then sobered. “I do want you to know neither Philip nor I realized you were attempting to court me. I assumed you were being my friend like always.”
He shook his head, holding up his hand. “You don’t have to explain. It was foolishness.”
Relief filled her face. “I always thought you and Harriet would be a perfect match. You were both always so curious. She was clumsier than you, but you both had a similar nature. Will you take her to Bohemia with you when you go to visit your business ventures? She would love that.”
He smiled. “Philip told you that—”
“You are the King of Garnets!” she said, interrupting excitedly.
Anthony laughed. “Don’t share that too broadly, but Harriet knows as well.”
Lillian squeezed his hand. “She may be hesitant, but fight for her.”
“I plan to. She is the only one for me,” Anthony said, meaning it.
***
Harriet stood on the lawn beside Webster Hall, taking in all the festivities. Staff, locals, the Websters, the Barstows, and their guests were all playing games and enjoying hot cider. It had turned out to be a beautiful day, but her mind wasn’t on that.
It was on the kiss from last night. She closed her eyes. Her mind flashed to Anthony's fingers digging into her hips and his mouth claiming hers. A small groan of pleasure escaped Harriet, and she covered her mouth with a hand. It couldn’t happen again.Why not?
The thought was so shocking that her heart began pounding immediately. Jon stopped next to Harriet, forcing herto push the confusing thoughts away. He handed her a hot cup of cider. She smiled at him gratefully.
“It is splendid to see you, Harriet.”
She lifted a brow. “You and Anthony used to call me the hellion.”
He laughed. “When we arrived, we spotted you riding your phaeton to Webster Hall. It seemed obvious that you were still one.”
“Perhaps,” she said, grinning.
“I think Anthony and I are staying.”
Her heart leaped for joy at his words. It shouldn’t. They’d only shared a kiss. Harriet was sure he’d kissed dozens of women in the last few years. Plus, he’d tried to marry Lillian. She would never consider anything with someone who tried to wed her sister—that was ridiculous.
“He’s a good man,” Jon said as if he knew what she was thinking about.
She smiled at him, but didn’t have a chance to respond because the man they were talking about suddenly appeared before them. “I was looking for you, Harriet.”
Jon said, “We are just standing here, enjoying the cider.”
Anthony looked at her intently. She felt flustered and forced herself not to fidget. The man who’d passionately kissed her last night smiled. “When you're done, I would like to fetch you another cup.”
She frowned at him and realized he was staring back at her adoringly. What was going on? Jon must have sensed something amiss as well because his gaze darted back and forth between Harriet and Anthony.
“Would you allow me that honor, Harriet?” Anthony requested again.
“I’m unsure if I want another,” she mumbled.
Jon chuckled and smacked Anthony on the back. “I’m off to find my parents. You two enjoy yourselves.”
Anthony held his arm out and she took it, suddenly nervous. They walked around the grounds quietly. As they rounded a hedge, he pulled her into a more private area that was at the beginning of the garden.
Her gaze flew to his face as they stopped. Anthony swallowed nervously. Harriet frowned. “We don’t have to talk about it.”
His gaze darkened in a way that made her stomach dip. Her eyes darted to Anthony’s mouth. Her tongue ran along her bottom lip. A quiet groan escaped him. Her gaze snapped back to his eyes. Adoration was still clearly present.
“Harriet, will you allow me to court you?”
