“Perhaps, but a country bumpkin can be dull. Where I grew up in Derby, most of the people have never left the area.”
“But you have travelled, Sir Heath.”
“Only because of my time in the military. If it wasn’t for that, I would have stayed in Derby until now.”
Miss Wilcott remained silent, considering his statement.
“What is your take, Mr. Theobold?” Heath asked. “For a sophisticated lady such as Miss Wilcott, wouldn’t you say she is destined for more than simple lawn parties and country fairs?”
“Without a doubt, sir. Miss Wilcott is the epitome of fashion for our great city.”
“Exactly! It would be a shame for her light to shine only in Dover. She deserves to travel, to be clothed in only the softest silks and richest velvets.”
“Oh, Sir Heath.” The young lady’s eyes had glazed over.
“And that is why a cultured man such as Monsieur Duvall is really the best choice.”
“Best choice for what?” asked Miss Darnell.
“As a suitor, of course.” It was time to plant the seed.
“A suitor?” Miss Wilcott exclaimed. “I had never thought about him that way. We are acquainted, of course, but he is a tad older. On the other hand, he has talked about his trips not just to Paris, but also to New York.”
Heath caught the hint of jealousy in Miss Darnell’s face. So his assumption was correct. The other young lady had a tenderness for the Frenchman. Even better. There was nothing like friendly competition to make a man appear more desirable.
“Miss Darnell,” he turned to the other lady, “I’ve heard Duvall mention a time or two of how he admires your knowledge of all things French.”
The lady blushed, clearly pleased to hear about the compliment.
“He also said that Miss Wilcott,” Heath looked at the other lady in question, “has a way of making each style her own, such a sense of fashion.”
Miss Wilcott smirked, also loving the compliment. “Monsieur Duvall has a good eye. Yes, a man of his refined taste would know the best dressed in the county.” She glared at Miss Darnell.
Hopefully Heath hadn’t said too much to cause a scene. Perhaps he should have kept his mouth shut. If it got back to Duvall that he was spreading these imaginary compliments, there might be hell to pay.
He turned his attention back to the guests at the table when he noticed Miss Darnell sit up straighter, her gaze fixed on a point behind him.
“If you all will excuse me, I think I will get more punch.”
Heath and Miss Wilcott had their backs to the refreshment table, but when Heath turned around, he saw Duvall was also getting a beverage.Clever girl.
“I feel parched as well. I think I will join Miss Darnell.” Miss Wilcott almost tripped over her chair to hurry after her friend and Duvall.
That had worked out better than planned.
“Well played, sir,” said Mr. Theobold.
“I don’t have the faintest idea what you mean,” he replied.
Theobold cocked his head. “My apologies, but I thought you were purposefully pitting the ladies against each other so that Miss Wilcott would release her claws from you. Seems I was mistaken.”
The man was perceptive.
“But if you were,” Theobold said with a pointed stare, “my congratulations. Your plan appears to have worked perfectly.”
They shared a chuckle. After the ladies left, Heath had an enjoyable conversation with Mr. Theobold and another gentleman who joined them. The afternoon passed with no further interruptions by Miss Wilcott, for which Heath was grateful.
The day progressed. Even with it being near eight, there was no sign of darkness— a benefit of the long summer days—but Heath was ready to go home. He wanted to be with Kane, so he found the Wilcotts and made his excuses.