He blanched. “I’m not sure.”
Everyone cheered until he grinned sheepishly and walked to the center of the circle. Harriet watched as Lillian spun him around, and the crowd counted. Anthony had always been handsome, but now he seemed so virile. The softness he had at twenty-four had been replaced with confidence and a muscular build. Harriet swallowed, feeling heat pool in her lower body. She glanced away, mortified by what she was feeling.
Anthony didn’t quickly stumble toward someone like Lady Leonora had, but instead stood rooted to where he had stopped spinning, steadying himself. Everyone grew quiet, waiting to see where he would head. He turned slightly and walked in Harriet’s direction.
She took a deep breath. A hum of something drifted between them. He tentatively held out his hand, seeking someone to touch. Harriet held her breath as his hand gently stroked the side of her face. It was the softest touch. She found herself leaning slightly forward.
His hand moved toward her mouth, and the tips of his fingers lightly brushed over her lower lip. Anthony took a deep breath. The touch likely looked innocent, but it didn’t feel that way to Harriet. It made her go hot all over.
He yanked his hand back, clenching his fingers into a fist. Gruffly, he said, “Lady Harriet.”
The entire group applauded, and he tore the cloth away from his eyes. It was over, but for some reason, it didn’t feel finished between them.
Chapter Five
It was the day before Christmas Eve, and Anthony really wished his mother and Lady Barstow hadn’t decided to play matchmaker. He wanted only family and close friends to be in attendance. He glanced at Harriet talking with Lady Josephine. The hellion had invaded his dreams last night.
They were not innocent ones either. A flash of her legs wrapped around his body appeared in his mind. Christ, what was he doing? He stood suddenly, and everyone glanced at him. Anthony didn’t have to explain himself because Smith announced Jon and his family.
It might seem unconventional that Jon’s family would be invited, but the man was his business partner and close friend.
He’d been shocked that his mother hadn’t fought him on it, but perhaps times were changing. It didn’t matter why she’d agreed. Anthony was just happy his friend was here.
He smiled and greeted them. Everyone else in attendance also welcomed them warmly. No one would dare to treat a duke’s guests coldly. “I’m glad you are here.”
Lillian appeared and ushered Jon’s parents toward an area where drinks were being served. Jon asked, “Is there a place we can talk? I have a few things I need to go over.”
Anthony nodded and they headed toward the library. Once inside, Jon handed him two telegraph slips. The first was their company’s earnings from last month, and the second was a note from one of the workers indicating that another pocketof exceptional-quality garnets had been discovered at their primary mine.
Anthony’s gaze flicked up, and he said, “This is amazing. We’d suspected we would find more, but not stones of such a high quality.”
Jon grinned. “It’s fantastic. It's sure to double our earnings statements over the next year.”
He poured them both a brandy, and they toasted their success. Eventually, Jon asked, “How is it being near Philip and Lillian?”
“Not as awkward as I assumed it would be. In some ways, it makes me feel foolish. I’m not sure my feelings ever ran so deep for Lillian.”
Jon nodded, “You were so infatuated with the idea of courting the lady of the Season.”
“I was a dolt.”
His friend shrugged. “You were young.”
“Harriet is still her usual self—overly curious and causing chaos.”
Jon chuckled. “I’m not surprised based on how fast she was flying in her phaeton.”
He smiled. “It has been good to see her.”
Silence hung between them, and his friend studied him. Eventually, he asked, “What do you mean by good?”
Anthony flushed. Jon’s eyes went wide. “You fancy Harriet?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “It is nice to see her, that's all.”
“Harriet has always been beautiful.”
Jealousy flared in him at Jon’s words. He scowled, and his friend threw his hands up in the air. “I’m not interested in Harriet. I’m only pointing out the obvious.”
