He had managed not to burp or slur his words, although it may have been a trifle too clear that his attention had wandered during the discussion of the season and what the best time to be seen in the park was. It had been all he could do not to yawn when Anne’s brother, Mr. Williams, had spent twenty minutes discussing whether his next waistcoat should be aqua or burgundy silk. When Mr. Williams had finally decided to order one of each, Derek had almost let out a loud laugh. The conclusion had been clear even before the discussion began. Anne had been sweet and smiling again, caught up in the excitement of London and all the adventures and shopping it offered. She’d been so busy discussing the wonders and the fun that she hadn’t noticed his monosyllabic answers. It was good to see her looking so happy and sure of herself. He could almost imagine himself nodding indulgently over dinner in years to come as she discussed bonnets and soirees and what she planned for dinner the next day.
