Drew sighed, wishing Wade would cease teasing him and offering to meddle in his love life. Wade had undoubtedly played a big part in helping him marry his first wife. He’d done so without being asked, and he had certainly helped set up an opportunity to propose. However, Drew expected he could manage a courtship and second marriage all on his own this time.
“The club? Tomorrow?”
“I suspect I will be there at my usual time,” Wade said. “We can discuss your battle plan for the rest of the season.”
At last, Aurora finally stood alone. But the fellow who had just left her turned back once to study her before continuing on his way out of the room.
His interest was plain.
So had Aurora’s been, too.
Drew gritted his teeth, annoyed that she was clearly more interested in a new acquaintance’s company over that of a gentleman she had known for the last two seasons. He pivoted on his heel to face Wade. “Making a marriage is not a battle.”
“But courtship is,” Wade warned. “The fighting is always fiercest where conflicting desires are involved.”
Drew happened to agree with that sentiment.
A bell tinkled somewhere in the crowd, signifying a new set being formed.
He was expected to dance with a new acquaintance, but found his feet were reluctant to move. He’d much rather look for an opportunity to approach Aurora again and get to the bottom of when and how he’d given her offense.
However, he’d made a promise he had to keep first. Speaking with Aurora Hillcrest would have to wait until another occasion. Only in relative privacy could he ask what he’d done or not done. And then, once he’d aired his grievance and hers, if there was one, he’d get back to his search for the right bride.
Drew excused himself from Wade. “I’d best find my next partner.”
Wade nodded slowly. “If we might part with a last word of advice. To catch the right bride, you might have to break a few rules. Clare made it easier than you deserved.”
Drew agreed with that, as well, and strode across the room toward his next dance partner. A widow just like him.
Drew smiled at her and extended his hand. He had been on his best behavior since returning to London in search of a bride. No loose women. No reckless behavior that might harm his chances of making the match he needed. His self-imposed restrictions sometimes chafed, but he was aware that returning to the marriage mart for a second helping set him apart from other men. His first wife had died trying to bear his son. He could imagine another lady might fear the same fate, were they to marry him.
Drew turned the widow into his arms on the dance floor and smiled down on her, dredging from his memory a question about her family situation he wanted to clarify. She answered immediately, and he became tongue tied.
This was not the woman he wanted, either. He hadn’t cared for her answer.
He held in his irritation. Wade was right. He hadn’t always been a well-behaved fellow. Like everyone else, he’d taken risks with his reputation for the thrill of it, and with a few ladies, too. His first wife had liked his wilder side, but it had almost ended their courtship before it had truly begun.
Marriage had settled him in lots of ways. He knew what he wanted in a woman now and couldn’t bear to make the wrong choice. Marriage was forever, or until death caused a separation. Drew intended to reserve his ardor and mischief for chasing his chosen wife around their bedchamber. Until that happy day arrived, he presented his best face to the world.
He faltered mid-step but swiftly recovered with a whispered apology to his partner.
Was that Aurora’s problem with him? Had she discovered his wicked past and realized he was always wearing a thin mask of respectability in public? They had talked extensively about his life, both married and unmarried. He’d of course left a great deal out of the latter while speaking to her.
Aurora Hillcrest had once made her living working with marriage-shy gentlemen. Had asked many questions about his opinion of women and desire for a second wife. If anyone knew him best of all, it might just be her. And if she did, she might have some insights into why he’d no luck finding a wife still, too.
Perhaps it was time to stop pretending, at least around her, and ask the blunt questions sooner than later.