She looked at him from under her lashes then pulled that finger from those lips.
Damn.
“What is it?” he asked only to silently curse himself for his lack of will.
“It’s probably too much to ask.” She shook her head, her brow still puckered.
“You won’t know until you inquire.” There. At least he’d kept himself from begging her to share what was on her mind.
He wished she hadn’t changed so much in her years away. The finishing school in Switzerland. Months in Paris and who knew where else with her aunt. She was so different from the little girl he’d enjoyed teasing.
Why couldn’t he keep his focus on his plan to court one of the Graham sisters? They were all older and more experienced than Eliza and doing so would honor his brother’s memory. Any one of them could manage a household, host a ball, and comport herself with the decorum necessary of a duchess.
Eliza was not for him.
“It’s a simple favor, really.” She drew closer, her doubtful expression suggesting she was still uncertain whether to proceed.
“What sort of favor?” He wanted to know more than he wanted his next breath.
Her smile was shy and sweet but the look in her eyes belied it. “There is a certain gentleman who has caught my interest.”
“Already? Who?” Protective instincts he hadn’t realized he had reared up to tighten every muscle in his body. Whoever it was couldn’t possibly be good enough for her.
“I refuse to say. You’d only interfere with my plan. Or worse, tell Winston.” She stepped closer still until she was within reach.
He was proud of himself for keeping his hands at his sides even if they were fisted. “What is your plan?”
She waved in dismissal, the graceful gesture making him long to take that hand with its long, elegant fingers in his.
“Never mind. I shouldn’t have raised the topic to begin with.”
Damn if he wasn’t going to have to beg after all. He couldn’t stand not knowing what she intended to ask. “What is the favor?” Surely his tone didn’t reflect this burning need to know her deepest thoughts.
Her lips twisted, weakening his knees. “Would it be too much to ask if you could pay a little attention to me at the next gathering? Just a few minutes of conversation. Perhaps a dance at one of the upcoming balls and maybe the one after that. For the next few weeks. That might help the gentleman notice me. With your assistance, I will surely catch his attention.”
The hopeful look in her green eyes insisted it would take a stronger man than him to refuse her.
This felt like more than a simple favor. Yet on the surface, it was just that. He would more than likely be at the same events as she since he was looking for a bride. Speaking and dancing with her would be no hardship.
“Tell me his name.” He truly wanted to know.
She drew closer and brushed his lapel as if to remove a piece of lint. The intimacy of the gesture sent his heart hammering. “I can’t say. Not yet.” Her gaze captured his. Why did he feel as if it captured far more? “Would you do this for me?”
It was a poor idea given these strange feelings he had for her. He should definitely refuse. The less time he spent with her, the better. “Yes, I’ll help you.”
“Truly?” Her bright smile sent his heart racing even as his mouth went dry. “Thank you so much.”
In that moment, he knew beyond a doubt that he was headed for trouble with a capital T. But he was powerless to take back his words when she was looking at him with those intriguing green eyes. Lord, help him in the days to come.
The following morning, Eliza was still giddy with excitement. She’d been certain Philip would refuse. His stern expression had made her sure of it. Her asking for the favor would provide an excuse for them to be together. He’d be obligated to converse with her and share a dance or two.
Her plan was perfect.
Little did he know the man to whom she referred was him. It wouldn’t be difficult to keep that secret.
She wished she would’ve asked him not to tell Winston but perhaps that wasn’t necessary. It seemed doubtful that he’d share the arrangement with her brother and risk his displeasure.
Winston hadn’t made an appearance for breakfast, and she was surprised when he strolled into the drawing room just before luncheon where she was alone working on her tatting.
