Winston stood with a shake of his head. “My mind is fine as it is. Trentworth is coming by for me this evening. No need for either of you to bother greeting him.” With that, he stalked from the room.
Philip was coming to Linford House? Eliza straightened. This could be the perfect opportunity for her to take the next step in her plan. Excitement and nerves filled her at the thought.
Philip would soon become more aware of her, and she’d know whether or not they had the attraction necessary for a future together. She could hardly wait.
Chapter Four
Philippacedthedrawingroom at Linford House, wondering how long he’d have to wait before Winston was ready. In hindsight, he should’ve told his friend to pick him up, but Philip wanted his own carriage this evening. He didn’t intend to stay out as long as Winston would surely want to. Philip’s cousin, Markus, would be joining them as well.
While Philip knew Winston didn’t care for Markus, Philip wanted to try to forge a bond of sorts with his cousin. The deaths of his father and brother had been a stark reminder of the importance of family.
But Philip wouldn’t deny that he was often irritated by Markus as well. His poor behavior reflected badly on them all, something Markus didn’t seem to understand. His brother had been better able to make Markus see reason. Perhaps this evening would help their relationship.
While Philip looked forward to the evening, he wasn’t about to overindulge in anything. There was little worse than waking filled with regret.
He couldn’t resist glancing into the hallway even if his coming to Linford House had nothing to do with the possibility of seeing Eliza again. Certainly, he’d been thinking of her often since coming upon her at the garden party. That was because she looked so different than he remembered.
He need only remind himself that she was his best friend’s younger sister, not to mention their age difference, to help him stay away from her. Years ago, he considered her much like his own sister.
While his father didn’t speak often of Philip’s mother, he’d insisted Oscar choose a lady near his age, saying the years between him and his wife had added to the distance that separated them. They’d had different interests and friends because of it.
Yet a voice in his head whispered that she was no relation to him. She was a beautiful lady. Aneligiblelady.
Philip blew out a breath, determined to ignore that voice.
“Good evening, Your Grace.”
He turned to see her standing in the doorway as if he’d conjured her with his thoughts. Blast it. He needed a moment longer to shore up his defenses, especially when she looked as lovely as she did this evening.
She curtsied. The slow graceful movement made his mouth dry.
“Lady Eliza. How nice to see you again.” He bowed.
Her gown fit her figure perfectly, the neckline low enough to show the tempting swell of her breasts. The pink fabric fell in folds that emphasized her curves. It wasn’t the pale color so many debutantes wore but one in a more vibrant shade. The color was flattering on her, especially since it matched her lips. Full, lush lips.
He wrenched his gaze away, confused by his sudden lust. While he enjoyed women, this kind of reaction was unusual. He blamed it on the fact that Eliza was forbidden. That had to be the explanation.
“I assume you’re waiting for Winston?” She ran the white gloves she held through her hands as she glanced over her shoulder as if expecting him to appear in the doorway at any moment.
Philip dearly wished he would. He hadn’t been prepared for a conversation with Eliza.
“I am.”
Eliza shook her head, a hint of a smile curving her lips. “He still finds it a challenge to be on schedule. Some things never change.” The sparkle in her eyes suggested they shared a secret.
He didn’t want to share a secret or anything else with the lovely lady. Not when her presence set him off balance.
“Where are you going this evening?” he asked in an effort to change the subject. Based on her attire, she was surely venturing out.
“My aunt and I are visiting friends of hers.”
“How nice.”
“We shall see.” She glanced toward the empty doorway once again. “I wonder if...” Eliza paused, her brow furrowed as she placed the tip of a bare finger between those tempting lips.
How ridiculous that the gesture shot straight through him, stirring desire, when more than likely she was going to chew on her nail as she’d been wont to do in her youth.
He told himself not to ask what was on her mind but had to clamp his lips together to keep from doing so.
