Page 24 of A Marriage of Necessity

Chapter Six

Anne reentered the ballroom and scanned the room for her mother and Louisa, but found no sign of them. She stopped a passing waiter and took a glass of champagne from his tray, then glanced back in the direction of the open balcony doors. The man really was impossible. She took two deep gulps of champagne. He had better get her with child soon, because she was liable to murder him. Her stomach performed a somersault at the memory of his promise, “I will be at your service tonight, madam.”

The words were spoken in anger, but she hadn’t missed the deep timbre of his voice and the intensity of his gaze when he’d said them. Anne took another gulp of champagne. She’d never known a more insufferable man. Perhaps she should ask her mother how to deal with him. Nae. Her mother would be aghast to learn they hadn’t consummated their marriage. A lady always submitted to her husband’s commands in the bedchambers.

Anne lifted the champagne glass to her lips and found only a small mouthful remained. Where was another waiter? She scanned the room and caught sight of Jacqueline entering the ballroom from the balcony. Anne hadn’t seen her outside. Had she spoken with Kennedy?

Had Kennedy returned to the ballroom? She searched the room again, but there were so many people, she might have overlooked him.Jacqueline turned, and their eyes met. Anne read something there. Guilt? Jacqueline started toward her. Oh Lord, she was in no mood to speak to the woman. She didn’t like her. But she couldn’t ignore her. Jacqueline knew that she had seen her.

“There she is, Mama,” Louisa said behind her.

Anne turned as her mother and sister neared her. “I’m so relieved to see you,” she blurted.

Her mother’s eyes sharpened and Anne realized her mistake. She thought her mother would say something, but her eyes shifted past Anne and Jacqueline appeared beside them an instant later.

“Good evening, Lady Kinsley,” she said. “Lady Louisa, you look lovely.”

“Thank you,” Louisa bubbled over. “This is a special dress I wore just for this party.”

“It’s absolutely perfect,” Jacqueline said, then she turned to Anne. “I am so glad to find you. I have been looking for you for the last hour.” Anne had the feeling she was lying. “The earl would like to meet you,” Jacqueline said.

The earl wanted to meet her? She recalled Kennedy saying that she wouldn’t meet his father if he had his way. She glanced toward the balcony doors, but saw no sign of him.

“I hope he hasn’t fallen asleep,” Jacqueline said. “He now sleeps far more than he is awake.” She smiled at Anne’s mother. “It is so difficult.” She sighed, then looked at Anne. “Come, let’s go up to his chambers.”

“Perhaps I should wait for Kennedy,” Anne said.

“Do you know where he is?” Jacqueline asked.

“I left them out on the balcony,” Anne replied.

“I just came from the gardens,” Jacqueline said. “He was taking a walk.”

Shock reverberated through Anne. “You saw him in the gardens?”

“Oh, yes, walking in the gardens is a favorite activity of ours.”

Anne caught the startled look on her mother’s face.

“Kennedy has been so wonderful during his father’s illness,” Jacqueline said. “I don’t know what I would have done without him.”

Her tone was intimate. But why wouldn’t it be? They were family. Anne was being ridiculous. But it had been disturbing the way Jacqueline rested her hand on Kennedy’s arm yesterday morning at the wedding feast. Anne was no fool. She’d watched her friends flirt and bat their eyes to gain a young man’s attention. A woman didn’t touch a man’s arm like that unless they were close.

Jacqueline smiled sweetly. “Please, Joseph has expressly asked to see you.” She angled her head toward Anne’s mother.” You will excuse us, Lady Kinsley. Come along, Anne.”

Anne hesitated, then nodded. “I will return soon, Mama. Please let Kennedy know where I am. I am sure he will return from his walk in the garden soon.”

Her mother nodded, then Anne followed Jacqueline through the crowd to a hallway, but she wished mightily she was in the gardens with her husband.

* * *

Kennedy reentered the ballroom with the intention of finding Anne and Louisa and returning home. They had stayed long enough for Louisa to have gotten her fill of the party. He caught sight of them near the left hand wall and started toward them. He brushed past a group of men, and waited for three ladies to pass when he heard his name called. Kennedy cursed, and turned to face his uncle as the older man reached him.

“Can we speak?” Ranald asked.

“Can it wait?” Kennedy asked. “I am meeting my wife’s mother and sister.”

Ranald’s expression brightened. “I had hoped to meet your wife.”