Julia could not deny it. She acted put out by the duke in order to protect herself from the feelings growing for him inside her. “I am sorry. The more I try to find fault in him, the more I realize he’s an honorable man.”
“I am pleased to hear it,” Willa said. “Would you venture to say not all men leave something to be desired?”
“I have never condemned all men.”
Willa rolled her eyes. “Name one you have found tolerable before. Your father or anyone over fifty years of age do not count!”
Julia laughed. “There is that young man at the museum—he is kind enough.”
“He is the curator’s assistant, not someone you socialize with.”
“What about Mr. Lawrence Murphy, he is highly agreeable.”
“And shares the same political views as you. Let me amend my guidelines—you cannot name men you attend political meetings with.”
Julia looked about the drawing room. “What about Mr. Garland from America? He is an interesting man.”
“Oh?” Willa looked in his direction. “Handsome in a rugged way.”
“Perhaps.” She had not really considered his looks that way, though he was attractive enough.
“Would you marry him?”
She coughed. “No!”
“Then he doesn’t count, either.”
“Are you considering a husband?” Lady Amelia suddenly intruded on their private conversation.
“Every single woman is considering a husband,” Willa said.
“I am not,” Lady Amelia countered with a wicked smile.
“Well…” Willa began, then gazed at Julia.
“You have been married before,” Julia pointed out.
“Yes, the very reason I will never seek another husband.” She laughed at her own joke.
But Julia and Willa were not impressed.
“One of the benefits of being a widow is the ability to take a paramour.”
Willa blushed immediately, but Julia just stared at the woman with disapproval.
“We do not discuss such things,” Julia warned her.
“Why not? Were you not looking for eligible husbands when I joined you? I believe I heard you compliment Mr. Garland. And watched you stare at the Duke of Pridegate as if he were the only man left in England. Remember, if you think the thought, then you have committed the sin.”
“Admiring men is a sin?” Willa asked sarcastically.
Amelia shook her head. “Such an innocent debutante, aren’t you? Admiration is not a sin, but lust is.”
“I do not care for your tone, Lady Amelia,” Julia said. “What is it you want?”
“I am here to give some friendly advice. Alonzo is a man of the world, not the sort to marry an inexperienced girl like you. Save yourself the humiliation of wishing for a match with him. He might shower you with attention now, but once I make my intentions clear to him, you will be but a fading memory in his mind. Find another suitor to place your hopes on.”
Shocked at her audacity, Julia could only stare at her. Willa, however, quickly took her by the hand and tugged her away. “Ignore her, she is jealous.”
