“How is your newest composition?” I pulled her closer to me to avoid a rather loose-limbed lad whose poor dance partner was struggling to keep up with his exuberant moves.
Blue eyes the color of the sky, lit up, Eleanor’s mouth curving in a pleased smile. “It is coming along swimmingly. I shall play it for you once it is done.”
“I look forward to hearing it.” I was a constant fixture at the ducal house due to my lifelong friendship with Rex and we often spent pleasant evenings playing cards and in other entertainment. “I can’t believe it’s already been over twenty years since we first met.” And I proposed to her. She had turned me down for Rex. I never told him about the proposal. It was still one of my biggest disappointments.
“If I recall, you were a bit of a rake.” Eleanor tilted her head back, our bodies swaying to the music. She still looked the same and was equally tempting. “And very bold.”
Did she remember the time at the garden fountain when our kisses turned into a heated embrace?I shrugged and tightened my grip on her waist. We were in the middle of a crowded ballroom, and I had to remind myself that she was simply replaying a nostalgic time. She’d chosen Rex over me, and that was my reality. “I was young and full of myself.”
“You are still rather full of yourself,” she said with a light laugh, her gaze falling to my lips. Her own mouth parted, herlithe body swaying toward mine before she righted at the last second. “Would you do anything differently?”
I pretended to think about it because my one regret was never far from my mind. She was married to Rex, and although I envied him, I also desired him. My feelings were very complicated and unhealthy. If my friends knew about my recent obsession, they’d think I was a bedlamite. “Of course. In case you haven’t noticed, I am not dead yet, nor are you. We still have time to follow our passions.”
“That sounds wonderful in theory. On the other hand, when can I find the time?” She shook her head and swayed on her feet, a giggle escaping. “I think I might have had too much champagne. Rather like that night you and I waded in the fountain.” The flush returned to her neck and cheeks, her fair coloring giving her away.
It had been spontaneous on our part and out of character for Eleanor. I kept the friendly smile on my lips, trying to keep my mind away from places it had no right to be. “You do recall.”
“Of course I do. I, well, I shouldn’t though, should I?” She stared past my shoulder, licking her lips. “I am married, and I love Rex, I truly do.”
My heart leaped in my throat. Was she trying to convince me or herself? People often spoke their truth while in their cups. “Is everything all right with you two?”
She tilted her head and frowned. “Of course, I was just waxing nostalgic.”
“I understand.” The music ended, giving me an excuse to gather my thoughts. I kept the smile firmly on my lips and spied Olivia standing on the sidelines, a determined gleam in her eyes. “Oh, bother.”
Eleanor lifted onto her toes and whispered near my ear, “You can’t avoid her forever. If you don’t wish to marry her, tell her.”
I turned my head, telling myself not to, but unable to resist. Our eyes met, and I needed only to dip my head to catch her mouth with mine. I stepped back, very much aware of being watched by those on the sidelines. Mortification rushed through me. This obsession I had with the past had to stop. It was unhealthy for me, and if my friends found out, our friendship would suffer because of it. With a bow to Eleanor, I said, “You are right. I will take your words to heart.”
Chapter Four
Lady Eleanor, Duchess of Smythington
I entered the Stratham Hotel and glanced around, a bit nervous to attend such a public venue without being on Rex’s arm. The lobby was rather modest but elegantly appointed. Olivia had asked me to meet her at the hotel for luncheon. Wishing to break from my routine to try other things, I eagerly agreed.
I asked the concierge for her table, and the snappily dressed gentleman led me through the hotel’s atrium with its soaring ceilings of crisscrossed woodwork polished to a high gloss. The sound of cutlery and low voices greeted me as we entered the dining area.
The smell of enticing food made my stomach rumble. With other things to do, I hadn’t eaten that morning. Now that the time was at hand, I was starving. The concierge walked me to a corner where Olivia was sitting at the table, talking to a suave waiter. He looked up at the sight of me, flashing a white smile. He was very debonair with his crisp suit and black hair slicked back with pomade.
“Eleanor,” Olivia said. She wore a navy hat with a white plume and a handsome navy dress that complimented her coloring. “I was just talking to Guy about today’s specials. I ordered a bottle of Bordeaux for us.
“Madame,” Guy said in a charming French accent.
The concierge pulled out my chair, and I slipped into it. The table was draped with a white cloth, and swan-shaped napkins sat next to polished silver. There was an air of liveliness about the establishment that I found appealing. Ferns in potted urns were placed throughout the dining room, blocking us from most patrons.
