“Both?” Christopher feigned an affront, a smile finally breaking on his face.
Alaina shook her head, and let out a chuckle of her own. “Yes, both. Now do not claim offense so soon.”
Christopher grunted assent and led her through the steps of the dance in comfortable silence. As soon as it was their turn to join in the center of the column of couples, Alaina placed her hand just on top of Christopher’s, feeling a warmth spread up through her fingers, her body tingling at every point of contact with the man next to her.
Christopher felt once again stunned into silence. He had convinced himself that it was his duty for the season to determine the character of any lady Graham took interest in, and yet she had caught him off-guard.
Clearing his throat, he attempted once more to start a conversation. “So, Alaina, from your description the Norwich country estate sounds like quite a gem. Very well kept, if I were to guess.”
Alaina gave him an oblique look, but answered his question. “I do love the country. It is serene and quiet, perfect for enjoying nature.”
“Sounds lovely,” Christopher agreed. “I expect there are not too many neighbors either.”
“Actually,” Alaina countered, “there are quite a few estates that belong to those of the peerage nearby my own family’s. We even have our own balls from time to time, but they do not compare to what I have seen in London.”
“Hmm, interesting,” Christopher said, considering how best to proceed.
Alaina let out a giggle. “How is that information interesting?”
“Well, uh… I guess I find it interesting that one who is so enamored with the country, and has sufficient neighbors, would feel it necessary to travel to London to find a husband.”
Alaina halted briefly as they promenaded down the aisle of dancers, and then continued, her voice tight, “I fear I do not know what your observation may mean?”
Even hearing the edge in her voice, Christopher pressed on, reminding himself his line of questioning was necessary if he was to determine her real motivations. Graham was much too trusting and had been fooled in the past. Christopher ventured a guess that genuine affection often resembled the attentions of a lady out for money or flirting for other ends, like Lady Bella. “I just find it strange to brave a season, when a perfectly suitable gentleman could be found nearer to home.”
“Well, if you must know,” Alaina gritted her teeth. “Lord Finch is not the first person to be narrow-minded in his vision for a perfect wife. There are many in the country who feel the sharpness of my mind is a detriment. I thought London would be better, but I was a bit disappointed at the start of the season.”
“And now?” Christopher asked.
“Now, I have made better acquaintances, or at least I thought I had. The duke and his family seem like wonderful people. It would be a shame to leave now.”
“Why a shame?” Christopher pounced.
Alaina mused, “My logic must be muddled because I fear that I am missing why it would be odd for someone such as myself to use the London season to meet new people and possibly make a match.”
A few moments passed between them. Christopher was unsure of just what to say, and Alaina seemed deep in thought.
Alaina’s eyes widened, then narrowed, as she watched Christopher from across the aisle, couples weaving in and out of the lines. Once the marquess and Alaina rejoined, Alaina hissed, “Am I to guess that you’re prying about the state of my family’s country estate and then prodding about why I would come to London instead of making a match closer to home is an attempt to determine if I am a suitable match for your friend?”
Christopher opened his mouth to offer a hollow rejection of that claim, but it seemed Alaina was incensed enough to continue without waiting for an answer. “How dare you! My family has no need of the duke’s wealth or position. Did it occur to you that I may be in search of something more than a good match? Someone to respect and love me for myself? Is it so hard to believe that my experiences in courting have been less than ideal in the country, and I am just happy to find someone in the duke that is kind and thoughtful?”
Christopher noted the high color in Alaina’s cheeks and felt a pang of guilt for his line of questioning. Having taken his interrogation to the extreme, he had once again offended the lady and could offer nothing to placate her that was not a lie.
As the dance ended, they both bowed to the other, after which Christopher closed the space to offer his arm and escort her back to the group. As they walked back, Christopher adjusted his cravat, suddenly feeling it too tight. He was ashamed and hoped he would find some words to take away the hurt he had imparted, but his tongue remained still. The marquess delivered Alaina back to the group, and watched as she forced a smile on her face, one that did not reach her eyes.
Only a few moments passed before Alaina turned to her mother. “I fear I am spent from all the dancing. Would it be possible for me to rest a bit in the ladies’ retiring room?”
Her mother looked to the group. “If you would excuse us, Alaina and I need to find a place to sit and rest for a bit.”
Eleanor was quick to understand. “Actually, Georgiana and I could join you. It certainly is about that time in the evening.”
As the ladies walked away from the two men, Graham turned to Christopher. “Well, I would say this evening is a success. Lady Alaina is absolutely lovely this evening and truly a delight, but I would ask, what did you say to take away her smile? You are supposed to be helping me, remember?”
“I was just…” Christopher started, but was interrupted.
“Christopher! Graham!” called Charles, and he approached the men through the crowd. “How nice it is to see you here; the Stamford Ball is always the talk of the season, and this one is no different.”
Graham nodded in greeting, his face impassive.
