Page 87 of The Language of Love

“What I mean to say is, you don’t need to accept either man’s proposal.” His pale skin became almost dangerously red. “I know you’ve already accepted Lord Rotherhithe, but it is not too late to change your mind. He is wealthy and—I daresay—physically appealing, but he will not be an easy man to live with, I think.”

Her uncle could not have surprised Annis more if he had broken into a sea shanty.

Before she could generate a response to this uncharacteristic show of affection, the door opened.

“His lordship, the Earl of Rotherhithe.”

Thomas Bowman sprang to his feet and approached his guest. “Good afternoon, my lord.”

Henry gave him a slight nod. “Bowman.”

Uncle Thomas stiffened at the cool greeting and turned back to Annis. “Annis, did you have anything else to say to me?”

She knew what he meant. “No, Uncle. But thank you for the offer.”

He nodded. “Then I shall give you some privacy.” He paused. “I won’t summon Ford, but I ask that you keep your meeting brief.”

“Yes, Uncle.”

The door shut behind the older man and Henry took the chair nearest to her.

He looked even more impressive than usual, and she supposed he could now dress in a manner befitting a man of his status.

He wore buff pantaloons that molded to his muscular hips, thighs, and calves in a way that left Annis breathless. His dark green coat and gold and green waistcoat gave his hazel eyes a verdant tint. His Hessians glowed the color of rich, polished mahogany, and his linen was as blinding as fresh frost.

He was utterly gorgeous.

Annis wore yet another hand-me-down day dress, this one a less unflattering color—a pale rose that put some pink into her cheeks—but just as poorly cut.

“Do you wish me to explain the marriage contract to you?” he asked coolly.

“That won’t be necessary,” she said, and then hesitated.

“Yes?”

Was it her imagination, or did he look even more hostile than yesterday?

“I—well, there is something I wish to say.”

“Oh?” The smile on his face was not particularly pleasant.

Well, whose fault was that? No doubt he was wondering what other surprises she had for him.

“I knew you were Rotherhithe before yesterday.”

“I know.”

“W-what?”

“I went to see Lady Sedgwick after I left here, and she told me the truth.” He put a not-so-subtle emphasis on the words she and truth.

Oh God.

“You—er, I—” Annis coughed; her throat was too dry to form the words. She swallowed and tried again. “You must wonder why I said nothing.”

“Must I?”

Annis cringed at his scathing tone and glance. She opened her mouth to apologize for yet another lie, but he wasn’t finished.