He began walking over to the drawing room, but Harriet stopped him. “Just… just one thing before you go, Tobias. You know this evening is important for your brother and me, as we wish for you to find yourself a suitable match.”
Tobias nodded. “Yes, you told me as much.”
“I do not wish to judge you, but knowing your reputation, I know that you do not feel any sort of hesitance around women. In fact, you are quite charming, as they say.”
Tobias nodded, looking confused by the direction she was taking.
“Well, consider this advice from someone who cares for you. To have an affair with and to pursue a woman seriously are vastly different things.”
Tobias gave her an expression, as if to say,really?
“It may sound like simple advice to you,” Harriet continued. “But it really is profound, if you decide to think about it.”
“I am not sure what wisdom I am meant to be taking out of it, Duchess…”
Harriet shook her head. She was going to be have to be direct after all.
“Remember, Tobias. You must be careful when choosing your person. The right woman will not wait for you for too long, as she will already have a line of suitors waiting for her.”
That seemed to make him contemplate for a moment.
“Well, thank you. I shall be sure to keep that in mind, then.”
“Happy to help,” Harriet smiled, pushing down her nervousness.
It was pivotal that tonight went exactly as planned.
“Now, I shall go in and greet the others…”
“Let me join you,” Harriet said, and walked alongside her brother-in-law. The drawing room had been converted into a room where guests could stand, and talk whilst they were being served an assortment of hor d’oeuvres
She kept a hawkish eye on Tobias, waiting for him to notice the one person that she had orchestrated this entire thing for.
And finally, he did.
Emma stood near the fireplace. She wore a dress of muted blue, simple yet elegant, a choice that made her stand out in the most subtle of ways. Her hands were clasped lightly in front of her, her expression composed but not without a hint of nervousness.
For a moment, Tobias froze. The mask of indifference he usually wore slipped, revealing the surprise that flashed across his face.
He hadn’t expected to see her here, not tonight, not ever again. His usual self-assured demeanor faltered as his gaze locked onto Emma.
Emma, sensing his gaze, looked up. Their eyes met, and the world seemed to pause around them. The noise of the room faded into the background, the other guests mere shadows as Tobias and Emma stood gazing at each other.
Is it working?Harriet found herself thinking. She held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest.
They sure seemed to have quite a strong reaction to one another. Not just Emma, but Tobias as well.Was it circumstantial evidence enough to indicate his feelings towards her?
Harriet knew that she had some more probing to do.
Quietly, she cleared her throat beside Tobias, who snapped out of his little staring contest.
“Do you have your eye on someone already?” she asked teasingly.
Tobias shook his head, and looked away. “No, it is just that… I have run into someone that I have met before, it seems.”
Harriet acted as though she did not know to whom he was referring.
“Well, I do not know if you noticed but Lady Emma Spencer is also in attendance with her family,” Harriet said. “Though, I am not sure you have much of a chance with her…”
