Anne took Cedric’s offered hand as he guided her into the coach. She watched in silent interest as he tapped the tip of his cane against the metal step that hung down from the door. He looked handsome in his black evening clothes, clean-shaven and brown hair tamed just enough to give the impression that he’d risen from bed after a night of rough play and combed his hands through it.
Once Cedric seemed certain the step was there, he raised a booted foot up and slowly lowered it down. This gave him confidence, and he reached out for the edges of the coach’s open doorway.
“Here, let me help…” Anne began.
“I’m fine!” Cedric snapped as he climbed into the coach and felt around him for the seat. When he sat down directly next to her, he jabbed his cane on the roof to signal the driver to move
