“I don’t need to.” He released his grip on the bannister before she could say more.
“Anthony,” she half-hissed, half-whispered.
He rushed down the polished bannister. Too fast. He let out a ‘whoop’ that echoed off the walls.
She chased him down the stairs and couldn’t shout a warning in time. At the bottom of the stairs, the Dowager stared at her grandson aiming at her.
“Anthony!” Isabella and the Dowager said together.
He managed to slow his descent but slipped to the side and ended up at the Dowager’s feet with a loud thud. She winced when Anthony groaned, a hand on his back.
“Are you all right?” Isabella knelt next to him.
The Dowager’s eyebrow was so arched it reached her hairline. “Have you lost your mind?”
He groaned again, sitting up. “A slight miscalculation. That’s all.”
Lawson, Rogers, and other servants came to the landing from different directions.
“His Grace fell,” Lawson shouted over her shoulder.
“I’m all right.” Anthony waved dismissively.
“What happened, sir?” Rogers helped Anthony up.
“Nothing, just insanity.” The Dowager pressed a finger to her temple. “I don’t even want to discuss what just happened. We shall never mention it to anyone.”
“I want to host a ball, Grandmama,” Anthony said with an air of triumph. “Everyone is invited.”
The Dowager stared at him in confusion. “You? Hosting a ball? Did you hit your head?”
“Spare no expense. Let’s invite as many as we can from London!”
The Dowager frowned. “We’ll see if tomorrow you still want to host a ball. I’ve had enough odd things to deal with for one day. Good night.” She headed to her bedroom, muttering under her breath but paused. “Isabella, a word?”
Swallowing, she followed the Dowager to her bedroom as Anthony instructed Rogers to send the invitations straight away.
When they were out of earshot, Isabella fiddled with her hands. “I know it wasn’t appropriate, but it was a silly game Anthony and I played.”
The Dowager patted her cheek. “I’ve never seen my grandson so happy. Thank you.”
The shock made her speechless.
“I was worried about him,” the Dowager said. “He’s always been serious, but his brooding character has worsened since his parents’ deaths. But you make him happy, and I hope you are as happy as he is.”
“I am.”
When the Dowager hugged her, she remained frozen. It was a quick, shallow hug, but still a hug. The Dowager released her and cleared her throat.
“A ball. Unbelievable. Now off you go. I need to lie down.” The Dowager waved her off before retiring to her bedroom.
When Isabella returned to the landing, more servants crowded it.
“Are you all right, Your Grace?” Rogers asked.
Anthony scratched the back of his head, looking like a boy. “Yes, thank you. You may all return to your rooms.”
After everyone left, he burst out laughing. “It was one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done.”
