He rounded a statue that was a replica of Venus, only much smaller, and scanned the crowd. To his left, he caught a glimpse of his mother, and beside her he found his target. Catherine was murmuring something, her lips hinting at a grin as she spoke quietly to his mother.
The Duchess of Wesley held up her fan, but Quin could see by his mother’s expression that though her mouth was covered by the fan, she was charmed at whatever Catherine had said.
He scanned the room, searching for the best method to find his way to them. He meandered around a group of gentlemen talking, passed them before he heard his name.
“Quin!”
Pausing, he turned to see Morgan’s welcoming presence. “Well, it looks like they’re inviting everyone these days.” He clapped his friend’s back.
“I was just thinking the same thing when I saw you,” Morgan replied with dry humor. “How goes it?”
“Good, good. Just heading over to see my mother,” Quin replied, then speared his friend with a meaningful stare.
Morgan paused, then shifted his focus to behind Quin’s back, toward where the Duchess of Wesley stood some few yards away.
Quin noted the way Morgan’s expression widened, then turned back to him. “Looks like someone lit a fire under you finally.”
“Perhaps.” Quin nodded, thankful for the subtle understanding that had passed between them. As much as it was a bother to have friends who knew you so well, it was also a boon when you wished to communicate something without including others in the details.
“Best of luck with that.”
“I’m certain I’m going to need it.”
“Conceivably, but I’d move quick. Rumors have started to spread that she’s partaking in the season, if you gather my meaning.” Morgan lowered his tone, then stole a look behind him to the group of gentlemen still conversing between themselves.
“I see. I suppose I expected as much.”
“But you have a leg up, don’t you, old man?” Morgan winked.
“I should think so,” Quin replied, unable to hide his self-satisfaction.
Morgan lowered his chin. “Perhaps more than a head start then. Well, I must say I’m proud of you. I’ll not detain you further. Oh, but I have one request. Can you please ask Joan for a dance? I would like to know that she has at least one person I can trust on her dance card.”
Quin nodded. “It would be my pleasure. I’ll ask her directly after I take care of one matter.”
“Brilliant. Thank you and good luck.” Morgan winked again, patted his friend on the shoulder, and turned back to the others.
Quin continued on his way toward where Catherine waited. As he approached, his mother welcomed him with a wave of her fingers. “Finally. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten.”
Quin kissed her hand and bowed. “Forget? Never,” he replied and then turned to Catherine. “Good evening.” He grasped her hand and, bowing over it, gave a tender kiss to her gloved wrist. The scent of roses teased his senses, and he lingered just a moment to enjoy the torment. Releasing her hand, he met her amused expression, just before her cheeks bloomed with color and she averted her eyes.
“Holding court, I see.” Quin moved to stand beside her. He studied the gentlemen who lingered near, waiting for an introduction or an opportunity to speak with her. Quin was thankful for the presence of his mother, who tended to make an eager buck think twice about approaching the beauty beside her.
“About as much as you were.” Catherine turned to him, arching a brow. “You certainly were attracting attention.”
“Watching me?” Quin asked, baiting her.
“When half theton’s scrutiny shifts to a particular person, it’s hard to ignore,” she replied with a joking lilt to her tone.
“It wasn’t that bad.”
Catherine scoffed playfully. “You didn’t see the half of it. I almost sent your mother to your rescue, but she wouldn’t abandon me. I think she likes me more.”
“While I’d love to refute your claim”—he leaned toward her ear, murmuring—“I think you’re correct.”
He noted the way she shivered slightly at his words, as if his nearness was as electric to her as it was to him.
“I won’t put you through the torture of finding out the truth. I’ll let you keep your hope,” Catherine said after a moment.