“Is there something wrong, Your Grace?”
“An old injury is playing up. I’m sorry, I’m afraid I’m going to have to retire from dancing for the evening. If you wish to continue, I’m sure you can find another partner.”
“My place is by your side, Your Grace,” Honoria replied.
She dutifully followed Nathaniel to the side of the room where they collected fresh drinks. Nathaniel angled his head, peering across the room to watch Charlotte’s auburn hair and slender body dancing.
“Forgive me, but you seem distracted tonight,” Honoria observed.
“I’m just trying to make sure that everyone is having a good time. That is the host’s duty after all.”
“Her Grace appears to be making sure of that, and it seems as though everyone is in good spirits,” Honoria pointed out, gesturing to Beatrice. She was floating among the guests, utterly in her element. Nathaniel afforded a smile.
“I fear I do not host as many events as my mother would like. She does enjoy such occasions. As do you.”
“Indeed, but we shall only entertain guests when you see fit, Your Grace, assuming that we shall be married.”
There was a testing glint in her eyes. Nathaniel was startled by her statement. He would indeed need to propose. Such a thing could not simply be presumed. Was she hoping that he would ask the question tonight?
He couldn’t.
Not yet.
He wasn’t ready. He still needed to speak to Charlotte.
But Honoria was standing before him. The future was standing before him, and all he needed to do was take it in his arms. Never before had Nathaniel hesitated this much. He prided himself on his decisiveness, but now, all his resolve slipped away from him.
“I see no reason why that should not be the case. We are well matched after all.”
“My parents shall be delighted,” Honoria replied. There was no trace of happiness on her face, however. She didn’t even smile. She was a most curious woman, he thought. Perhaps her diffidence was due to his being cold.
He remained with her out of a sense of obligation, having lost sight of Charlotte. Others gathered around them, and they enjoyed brief conversations. Honoria remained quiet. She seemed happy to blend into the background, almost to the point where she was forgotten. All Nathaniel could think was that Charlotte would offer her opinions freely.
She could never fade.
He glanced toward Honoria. She was perfectly lovely, but it was not fair to be with her when he was thinking of another.
“Forgive me, My Lady, but I must go and speak to my mother about an urgent matter. Shall we reconvene later tonight?” he asked.
“Very well. Farewell, Your Grace,” Honoria replied, offering a gentle curtsey. There wasn’t a hint of disappointment on her face. In fact, Nathaniel thought he detected a hint of relief, but he did not linger long enough to find out.
Someone else was calling, and he required the wisdom of his family to help him decide what to do next.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“What a night this promises to be,” Edmund said, with an eager smile on his face. Charlotte clasped her hands together, her furtive gaze flicking around the room, scared to meet the Duke’s gaze. The kiss continued to haunt her. Sometimes it felt as though his lips were still pressed against hers.
“I’m not sure I will stay all night. I am still feeling rather faint,” Charlotte confessed.
“You can rest after the ball. These are the moments that we need to enjoy the most. This is what life is all about. Everyone is dressed up, looking their best. There are smiles everywhere, and there’s a sense of wonder in the air. Anything might happen.” Edmund rubbed his hands together with anticipation.
“I’m not sure His Grace would welcome that,” Lydia said. “He doesn’t strike me as the type to enjoy the unexpected.”
I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Charlotte thought. She just managed to stop herself from giving voice to these words. Her cheeks took on a rosy glow, so she bowed her head. A servant passed. Edmund stopped him and picked out glasses of champagne for Charlotte, Lydia, and himself.
“I’m sure his attention will be focused on his intended bride. I did catch a glimpse of her just then. She is certainly the star of this ball,” Edmund observed, craning his neck to try to see her again.
“You’ve certainly changed your opinion of her,” Charlotte remarked.
