Nathaniel masked his startled reaction and inclined his head, taking the drink.
“You look beautiful tonight, My Lady,” Nathaniel said quietly. Honoria wore an elegant dress that shimmered under the light. The ribbon she purchased was tied around her waist. Now that he saw it being worn, he did have to admit that it was rather plain.
“Thank you, Your Grace. You are looking handsome yourself. Everyone seems in good spirits. You host a wonderful ball,” she said, and again it struck him that every word was rehearsed. She said exactly what she was expected to say.
There was no unpredictability at all. She wasn’t like Charlotte, who could astound him with unexpected questions. But Honoria would be his wife.
He needed to make the best of it.
“You have outdone everyone here in beauty and grace, My Lady.”
“You are too kind, Your Grace. I seek only to please you. I hope that I reflect your glory well.”
“Indeed… do you mind if I ask you something unorthodox?”
“You may ask me what you wish.”
“Is there anything personal to which you aspire, anything outside of marriage?”
“Not at all.” There was a slight moment of hesitation, and Nathaniel detected a hint of insincerity in her voice. “There is nothing I want more than to be a wife. If you are worried that I should be like Lady Charlotte, I can assure you that is not the case.”
“Lady Charlotte?” he asked, hoping that the way his voice caught in his throat wasn’t noticeable.
“I don’t mean to speak ill of anyone, but I only wish to illustrate the differences between us. I have become aware of a certain movement among some of my peers. They value individual expression more than traditional values. I assure you that I will strive to uphold these traditions and bring pride to you and your family name. There has never been a hint of scandal surrounding me, nor shall there be.”
“That is gratifying to hear, although I was unaware that a scandal had been whispered in the same breath as Lady Charlotte’s name.” A look of concern came over his face, fearing that if anyone had gotten wind of the scandal, his name might well follow hers.
“I was merely speaking in general terms, Your Grace.”
“Of course.”
“Her Grace impressed upon me the importance of propriety. I assure you that I shall be everything you require in a duchess and a wife.”
It wasn’t the first time she had said something along these lines, and it made Nathaniel wonder if there was a purpose to it, as though she was trying to convince him through repetition.
Still, he couldn’t very well argue the point even if he did find his heart sinking that there would be no spirited debates or contests of wit and skill.
However, Honoria’s words did serve as a timely reminder about what was expected of him. He could not shirk his duty at this juncture in life. Honoria may not have stirred the same passions as Charlotte, but she was a better match.
“Would you care to dance with me, My Lady?”
Honoria accepted with a slight inclination of her head. Nathaniel took her hand and raised it high, moving through the crowd. Excited murmurs followed, as it was always a grand occasion when the host took to the dance floor. The musicians noticed and struck up a jaunty tune.
Nathaniel bowed. Honoria curtsied. They began dancing, and soon enough, other people joined them. Honoria was perfect once again. Even the expression on her face was measured. She displayed no signs of strain or exertion. It was as though she had danced this exact dance countless times before.
Nathaniel moved through the routine, having practiced all the movements many times during his upbringing. But even so, his attention kept flitting like a wayward bird, always searching for Charlotte. The more he tried to stop himself, the more he failed in the attempt.
And then he did see her. His heart froze. She was speaking to a man, a handsome man. She threw her head back and laughed. Her hair shone. Her face was radiant with delight. Then, the man led her to the dance floor.
A dark feeling surged in Nathaniel’s heart.
Who was this man?
What were his intentions toward Charlotte?
Why did it matter to him at all?
The sight was enough to freeze his feet. Honoria looked at him, puzzled.
