But surely that could not be true. He wasn’t hideous. She’d even called him handsome once or twice. She had assured him he’d have no trouble finding a bride. Had her praise just been to ensure he tipped them handsomely?
He turned to Wade. “I have a dance with Lavinia later.”
“Yes, the one after supper. Watch yourself,” Wade murmured.
Drew raised a brow at the unexpected warning. “What do you mean by that?”
“She likes you a little too much still,” Wade complained. “There was considerable excitement after you requested that dance with her. You know the sort.” Wade scowled darkly at him. “I won’t tolerate any nonsense, even from you.”
“You have no cause for concern from me.” Drew and Lavinia Hayes got along very well, and they often teased Wade at his home together. He liked Wade’s sister-by-marriage. She was funny, smart, and obviously fond of Wade. Drew had spent many a night in Wade’s company this season, in the company of all of Wade and Portia’s family members, too. But that was as far as his admiration went, or ever would for Lavinia. Lavinia, however, was clearly interested in him which worried Wade. “I’ll be on my best behavior,” he promised. Drew nodded solemnly. “I’m not the man for her.”
“Mores the pity,” Wade murmured. “But I do understand.”
Lavinia Hayes made him feel his years, too. She was all energy and excitement. The consequence of her youth and naivety, perhaps. There was so much of the world she wanted to go out and see. Only after some experience of the world would she be content with what a man like Drew could offer a woman. Stability, affection, and a life of comfort and companionship. Right now, Lavinia needed an energetic young man to come along and sweep her off her feet and turn her world upside down.
Drew was not that man.
He glanced around at all the young women being pushed at any man who might take them off their families’ hands, and shuddered. None were what Drew really wanted.
Marriage wasn’t what he really wanted yet, either, but if he was to tie the knot with anyone, their bond had to be real. Affection, the beginnings of love perhaps…companionship could be his again if he ever met the right lady. He had not found her yet, so unfortunately, he must continue his search.
Perhaps there was something wrong with him that he couldn’t see.
Drew turned toward Aurora Hillcrest again and frowned when he couldn’t see her on the dance floor or the perimeter of the ballroom. He couldn’t spot her partner for that matter, either, and that concerned him enough to stretch up on his toes for a better view of his surrounds. Aurora ought to be careful with men she didn’t know so well. She was too pretty to wander off alone.
He sagged when he finally spotted her standing with a friend not far away and chatting with a pair of rather unremarkable bachelors for a change. She looked to be enjoying herself still, as well. In a way she never did when he was around her. There really was only one conclusion he could come to.
He lowered his eyes. She must not like him at all, and that…hurt.
Wade thumped Drew’s shoulder. “Portia is planning another cozy dinner soon. Just the four of us. Will you join us, or can I say you have plans for every Thursday night for the foreseeable future? Or at least until Lavinia is engaged?”
“I’m not sure what my plans are.” He usually enjoyed dining with Lord and Lady Wade at their home on Thursdays, but perhaps some distance might be warranted if his attendance had raised expectations beyond that of friendship. “But by all means, tell your wife I’m otherwise engaged for Thursdays, and I will make sure I am,” he offered.
Wade nodded. “Thank you. You know it might have been fun to become related,” he mused.
Drew shook his head. “As much fun as sharing that room at school used to be, I’d say. Only for so much longer.”
Wade pulled a face. “You made school bearable.”
“You did the same for me, too,” Drew promised.
They stood shoulder to shoulder, talking about their school days and watching the parade of dancers glide past their spot.
He heaved a sigh as Aurora Hillcrest spun past again on the arm of another someone he didn’t recognize. “Who’s that fellow with Aurora Hillcrest?”
“Old friend of my father-in-law. I’ll introduce you later. George Fullerton. New money. Lucky son of a bitch, too. Made his fortune in five years on the ‘change. Ambitious. Portia tells me he’s hunting an equally wealthy bride this season, but he’s still got an eye for all the ladies, if you follow. You’d better stop wasting time, or you’ll miss out on your right match.”
Drew tore his eyes from Aurora Hillcrest immediately and smiled tightly at Wade. “I’m in no hurry to wed.”
“But he is. Asked if hiring a matchmaker to perform introductions to the best families was a done thing,” Wade warned.
“He’d only have to ask you for that sort of information,” Drew murmured, and let out a heavy sigh. “You know everyone—and their secrets, too.”
“He tried to get information from me, of course,” Wade murmured, brushing a speck of dust from his lapel and smirking. “But I’m saving all my best advice for my oldest and dearest friend. He needs all my help. And so, I again remind you that women won’t wait forever for a man to make the first move. If you see someone you want, go out there and get her.”
Drew peered across the room, noticing that Aurora was walking onto the dance floor with another man already. No wonder she could hardly spare him a moment’s conversation earlier. “I am in no rush, as I’ve told you many times before.”
“A little urgency on your part wouldn’t hurt,” Wade murmured. “You’re not getting any younger.”