"Thank you," she replied, accepting his arm. "I confess I am in need of courage tonight."
His hand covered hers where it rested on his arm.
"You possess more strength than you know, Lady Anne, but whatever you lack, I shall gladly provide."
The journey to Westmere House passed in comfortable silence, each lost in private thoughts. As the carriage approached the impressive mansion, Anne felt a flutter of anxiety in her chest.
"We need not stay long," David assured her. "A brief appearance, polite conversation, and a timely departure."
Anne nodded gratefully.
"A sound strategy."
The Duke of Westmere and his new Duchess received their guests in the grand foyer. Anne steeled herself as they approached, her hand tightening involuntarily on David's arm.
"Lady Anne," Charles greeted, his expression carefully neutral. "How kind of you to accept our invitation."
"Your Grace," Anne replied with a perfect curtsy. "One must observe the proprieties."
Charles's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly at her pointed remark.
Marie stepped forward, her dark eyes seeking Anne's.
"Sister, I..."
"Duchess," Anne interrupted smoothly. "You look well. Marriage clearly agrees with you."
A flash of hurt crossed Marie's face before she composed herself.
"May I present my husband to your companion?"
"Of course," Anne replied. "Your Grace, may I introduce Lord David Harrington, Duke of Norfolk. Your Grace, the Duke and Duchess of Westmere."
The men exchanged terse bows, sizing each other up with the practiced assessment of aristocrats accustomed to measuring power and influence.
"Norfolk," Charles acknowledged. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of hosting you before."
"Indeed not," David replied coolly. "I select my social engagements with great care."
The implied slight was subtle but unmistakable.
Before Charles could respond, a butler announced dinner, providing a timely interruption to the tense exchange.
Throughout the meal, Anne maintained a facade of perfect composure, contributing to the general conversation without directly engaging either Charles or Marie. David remained attentive at her side, his steady presence a balm to her frayed nerves.
As the gentlemen prepared to withdraw for port and cigars, leaving the ladies to their coffee, Charles approached Anne.
"Might I have a private word?" he asked quietly.
Anne hesitated, glancing at David, who had paused in the doorway.
"A brief conversation in the adjoining sitting room," Charles clarified, "with the door open, of course."
After a moment's consideration, Anne nodded.
"Very well."
David's expression darkened with concern.
"I shall remain within view," he assured her before reluctantly joining the other gentlemen.
In the sitting room, Charles maintained a respectful distance, his hands clasped behind his back.
"I wish to offer an apology," he began. "My actions caused you pain and embarrassment, which was never my intention."
Anne regarded him steadily.
"What was your intention, then?"
Charles hesitated.
"I discovered feelings I could neither ignore nor suppress. It was wrong of me to pursue them while engaged to you, and for that I am truly sorry."
Anne felt a curious lightness as she realized the pain of his words had diminished considerably.
"You loved her from the start, didn't you? Even while courting me?"
"No," he insisted. "Our engagement was genuine, but as I came to know Marie, something changed."
"Something changed," Anne repeated softly. "Yes, I believe I understand that now."
Charles studied her face, his expression shifting to one of curiosity.
"Norfolk seems quite devoted."
"Lord Harrington has been a true friend during a difficult time," Anne replied carefully.
"Just a friend?" Charles pressed, a note of something like jealousy in his voice.
Anne felt a flash of indignation.
"That is hardly your concern anymore, Your Grace."
"No," he conceded. "I suppose it isn't."
From the doorway, Marie's voice interrupted them.
"The ladies are retiring to the music room, Anne. Will you join us?"
Anne turned to find her sister watching them with undisguised apprehension. The sight stirred a complex mixture of emotions: anger, loss, and an unexpected pang of pity.
"Of course," she replied, moving toward the door without a backward glance at Charles.
As she passed Marie, her sister whispered, "Are you well?"
Anne paused, meeting her sister's gaze directly for the first time that evening.
"I am becoming so," she answered truthfully.
The remainder of the evening passed without incident, and when David suggested their departure after an appropriate interval, Anne gratefully accepted.
As they waited for their carriage in the foyer, Marie approached once more.
"May I write to you?" she asked hesitantly.
Anne considered the request. The anger that had sustained her through the initial betrayal had begun to fade, leaving room for more complex feelings.
"You may," she finally answered. "Though I cannot promise a swift reply."
Relief flooded Marie's features.
"Thank you."
Outside in the cool night air, David helped Anne into the carriage before joining her. As they pulled away from Westmere House, he studied her profile in the dim light.