Ezra’s mother disapproved of her, Constance could tell. It wasn’t something she was unaccustomed to. Though she was titled and not unattractive, and possessed a reasonable dowry, she was generally considered too tall, too outspoken, and too interested in matters outside society to be viewed as a particularly good match.
Oh, a fortune-hunter would certainly marry her without hesitation, but she had no wish for such a man. And the few men who had introduced her to their mothers had made it perfectly clear that she was not the mother’s first choice. In the end, she had not been the son’s either.
Hence why she was here – unwed, and being criticised, ever so politely, by the Dowager Countess.
And yet, she wasn’t even here in pursuit of the Earl. She was here to see the castle.
Yes, perhaps there was a spark between them – something she had not felt before – but that did not mean he felt it too. Why would he? His reaction to her when she had been dressed simply was something he had apologised for, yes, but it had made everything perfectly clear.
When she did not go to excessive lengths to make herself look prettier or more feminine than she really was, he had simply shouted at her to get out, refusing to listen to a word of explanation.
So there was no way he could possibly be interested in her romantically, not really. His mother need not concern herself.
Chapter Twelve
"Would you like to dance?" Ezra asked, and, as she now expected, her heart began to race.
"Yes, thank you," she said, offering him her gloved hand.
Ironically, she had danced more here than she probably would have during the Season in London. She usually avoided the dance floor, watching her sister from a distance, making polite conversation where necessary, and wondering when she might be able to escape the evening.
But here… here she found she wanted to be at the balls. And she wanted to dance.
With Ezra.
She was struggling to remember all her logical thoughts about why there was no way he could be interested in her. Because he was showing her unexpected levels of attention – even she could see that. And it wasn’t only her grandmother who was commenting on the warmth between them now.
There had been the tea at Gracewood Castle, where his mother had made it quite clear that she thought something was going on, even if she did not approve. And then there had been the gossip in this very ballroom earlier that night.
"Did you see? The Earl of Gracewood is at another society event – more this month than in the last five years!"
"I heard he’s been dancing and spending time with the Dowager Duchess of Basingstoke’s granddaughter. The one who’s visiting."
"Lucky for her."
The gossip had made her blush, and she was even more aware of the eyes upon her when Ezra did indeed ask her to dance.
But that didn’t mean she was going to say no.
"Are you enjoying your evening?" he asked, as they moved with ease through the dance steps.
Had he been practising? He seemed far smoother than he had been at the previous ball.
"I am," Constance said with a smile. "I mean – this is no castle," she continued, gesturing to the Amblewood Assembly Room, "but it is pleasant. And you?"
The Earl nodded, and for a moment the dance took them away from one another. Constance found herself waiting in anticipation for him to return to her.
"The company is excellent," he said when they met again, his eyes catching hers with a glint that made her heart flutter. "Are you finding Northumberland is holding your interest enough?" he asked. "Not missing London?"
Constance shook her head – perhaps a little too quickly.
"No. I’m not sure I ever have missed London – and certainly not when I’m in such a beautiful part of the world, with so much to divert me."
She hoped she wasn’t being too bold. She was going to mention the castles, but in that magical moment she wanted to make it clear: she was interested in him. She was entertained by him.
He smiled at her, and when their hands touched in midair, she thought she felt a spark, even through her gloves. He made her feel so hot and flustered it was hard to think straight.
"Could you ever see yourself living in Northumberland?" he asked, and her heart leapt.
