A Secret Affair by Valerie Bowman

admit. It’s a bit difficult when I’m still pining a bit over your future brother-in-law, even if he isn’t interested in the members of my sex.”
    Annie winced. “I’m so sorry.”
    Frances smoothed her skirts. “Ah, listen to me. That is neither here nor there, is it? Besides, Charlie and I have become fast friends. Now, do you truly think if I kiss Sir Stuart, I will know?”
    “Oh yes,” Annie replied with a bright smile. “If you don’t suit, you will not feel the butterflies. Trust me.”
    Frances blew out her breath. Annie’s theory stood to reason. Frances may have acknowledged the butterflies winging through her insides when Charlie Holloway kissed her, but that didn’t mean he was the only man who could make her feel that way. Perhaps even bigger, grander butterflies would take flight when Sir Stuart kissed her.
    “Sir Stuart is invited to the engagement party tomorrow night,” Annie reminded her, giving Frances a conspiratorial smile. “The perfect time to test the theory if you ask me.”
    Frances nodded resolutely. “Thank you, Annie. I intend to do just that.”

CHAPTER 19
    Charlie was sitting in the study of Devon Morgan’s town house, when Annie came barreling through the door. He’d come to attend the engagement party and had been waiting for his brother and the marquis who had yet to make an appearance. Instead, he found himself confronted by his brother’s future bride, her cheeks pink, and her breathing labored.
    “Have you been … running?” He arched a brow.
    Annie pressed her hand to her middle. “Why, yes. Yes, I have.”
    “Dare I ask, why?” Charlie responded.
    “Because I had to get here before Jordan and Devon did, of course. Now listen, I don’t have much time.”
    Charlie shook his head. His soon-to-be sister-in-law was full of surprises. He’d give her that. Jordan was in for a life full of mischief with this one, but Charlie liked her immensely and more importantly, his brother adored her. She’d made Jordan happy after years of his not believing in love.
    Annie glanced over her shoulder. “I sent Jordan on an errand to fetch me my shawl, but he’ll be here any moment so I must speak quickly.”
    “By all means,” Charlie replied. “I cannot wait to hear this.” He stood, crossed over to the sideboard, and poured himself a drink.
    Annie followed him. “Frances is staying here with me for the next day or two. To help me with the wedding preparations.”
    “I see.”
    “But that’s not what I came to tell you.”
    Charlie looked at her from the corner of his eye. “Then what is it?”
    “Sir Stuart Walters will be here at the party tonight.”
    Charlie clenched his fist on the decanter. “I expected as much,” he answered noncommittally. “Nice enough chap.”
    Annie shook her head. “No. No. You don’t understand. Sir Stuart will be here, and he means to offer for Frances.”
    Charlie’s jaw went hard. It wasn’t news, but he also wasn’t quite certain why Annie was telling him. “Yes. Frances mentioned something about it to me.”
    “I’d like you to help me with something,” Annie continued.
    Charlie shrugged. “I don’t see what I can do about it, though I cannot say I’d enjoy watching her marry that fool.”
    Annie arched her brow this time. “Oh, so now he’s a fool, is he? Not a nice chap?”
    Drink in hand, Charlie turned to face her. “What’s your point, Annie?”
    Annie crossed her arms firmly over her chest. “My point is, I’d greatly appreciate it if you would give Sir Stuart a bit of friendly competition.”
    Charlie eyed her carefully. “I don’t see how it’s any of my business whatsoever, and I—”
    “Oh, Charlie,” Annie said, fluttering over to him, reaching up on tiptoes and touching a quick kiss to his cheek. “For once in your life, don’t be so cerebral. It isn’t any of your business whatsoever, but don’t you just want to? I have a feeling that Frances isn’t quite as settled on the match as