An Affair To Remember by Karen Hawkins

Author:Karen Hawkins
Language: eng
Format: mobi, azw3, epub
Tags: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction
ISBN: 9780380820795
Publisher: Avon
Published: 2002-07-29T04:00:00+00:00

“Damn it, Ledbetter! What about my shoes?”

“They have gone missing.”

Brandon frowned. “Missing?”

The valet nodded. “All of them.”

“Perhaps they have been misplaced,” Brand offered.

“No, my lord. They were all there last night. I polish His Lordship’s boots every night, and last night, when I brought them back, all of his shoes were right where they were required to be. I fear someone has stolen them.”

“That’s odd.” Brand glanced at Anthony. “Who could possibly want your shoes?”

Anthony knew of at least five little somebodies who might think it amusing to steal his shoes. “I’ll strangle every one of those little monsters.”

“Ah, the children. I’ll wager you are right. Unless…”

“Unless what?”

“Unless it was Miss Thraxton. Perhaps she harbors a secret passion for you and has taken your shoes and has built a shrine with them in some obscure part of this moldy house.”

Anthony shot him a dark glance. “Aren’t you needed in London?”

“No. And even if I were, I wouldn’t miss this little play for the world.”

Anthony made an exasperated noise. “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times that I—” He caught sight of Ledbetter’s averted gaze. “Damn it, we’ll discuss this later. Ledbetter, are there any shoes left at all?”

“Yes, my lord. One pair, but—”

“Bring them out.”

“Yes, but—”

“Now.”

His mouth pinched with disapproval, the valet bowed and disappeared back into the dressing room.

“Why do you think they stole your shoes?” Brand asked, still looking annoyingly amused.

“To irritate me to death.”

“You are quite red. Be careful or they will succeed.”

“I’ll be damned if I let a bunch of ill-mannered hoydens get the best of me. When I see them, I will calmly demand they return my shoes or—” Anthony bit off his thoughts.

“Or?” Brand prompted.

Or what? What could he take from them? The rides they enjoyed with their governess? He suddenly had a picture of Anna returning to the house, her hair tumbling from her pins, that ridiculous hat with the long white feather caressing her cheek. By God, that’s exactly what he’d do. Maybe then she’d ride with him instead.

Ledbetter returned carrying a pair of red velvet slippers, ostentatiously embroidered with purple and gilt thread. The tips were slightly pointed and large gold tassels adorned the sides.

Brand choked. “Bloody hell!”

“They’re from our beloved Aunt Delphi,” Anthony said, eyeing the shoes with distaste. “She assured me they were all the rage in France.”

“And to think I complained when she bought me that pair of spangled stockings,” Brand said. “Pray tell me you aren’t going to wear those monstrosities.”

“I don’t have a choice. I’m going to find Miss Thraxton and show her how remiss she’s been at her position.” Anthony yanked the slippers from Ledbetter’s hand and threw them onto the floor, then rammed his feet into them. His heels hung a good inch over the backs. “Damn it!”

Brand winced. “I can’t watch this. I’m on my way to the stables to see to Satan. Come and join me if you find your riding boots.” Casting a last, laughing glance at his brother’s feet, Brand left.

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