“Seems she didn’t wish any of it.”
Will glared at him across the divide.
“Have you ever considered just being honest with her about how you feel? I know it is a novel concept….”
“Women like mystery,” Will smiled at him.
“Well, while you are being all mysterious, you run a very great risk that she will run off with someone else.”
“The only person she is likely to run off with, as you put it, is Ernest Barrington.”
“Indeed.” John tipped his forehead towards him. “However, with the Duke laid up for months, someone else might slide in between you.”
“Like whom?”
“Me!”
“What?”
“Why not? She is a beautiful woman. I have known her almost as long as you. I am single. Why wouldn’t I try my hand?”
“Because I would kill you,” Will said coolly, and John laughed in triumph.
“I rest my case. Now, let’s go and find some pretty maidens to dance with so I may have some chance of finding a wife before I am in my dotage.”
Will shook his head.
“I think I am up for an early night. It has been a long week.”
“No.” John hauled him up by his dress coat. “You know it is far easier to hunt as a pair, and I am relying on you.”
John and Will got back on their horses and rode to a private ball they had been invited to in the center of the capital. As soon as they walked in and were presented into the room, Will was aware of many eyes upon them.
“I need a drink,” he said.
“I need to fill some dance cards,” John said, walking off in search of the host to introduce him to some unmarried ladies.
Will resolved to stay for a short time and then slide away and ride home when John was occupied. He was standing close to the bar, sipping on a glass of wine, when the lady of the house found him.
“Lady Altrincham, what a delight.”
“It is indeed a delight to see you here, Mr. Browning.”
“You have a good turnout.”
“More than a hundred people. Lord Altrincham and I were not expecting to be so popular. So, who would you like me to introduce you to?” Lady Altrincham asked
“No one.”
“Come, come, Mr. Browning. Just one dance would be polite, surely.”
“And who would you have me dancing with, my lady?”
“How about her?” Lady Altrincham picked a pretty young girl standing against the far wall of the dancing parlor with a rather stout woman, obviously her mama, at her side. “Would you be willing to give her a twirl around the dance floor?”
“In all honesty, I would rather not.”
“One dance.” Lady Altrincham was pulling his arm. “To show your presence at our ball. I will introduce you.”