She would have to face that eventually, but the longer she could put it off, the better. Philip needed time to become committed to their agreement first. Once he’d done it a few times, he would be less likely to change his mind.
She hid a smile. The day was getting better and better.
Chapter Five
Philipshiftedhisshoulders,his evening attire more uncomfortable than usual. He almost felt as if he wore his brother’s jacket rather than his own. But no, the sensation was due to the fact that he didn’t want to be at Bentram House for a musicale.
He didn’t particularly care for music and certainly not when it was performed by those who should find a hobby more suited to their limited talents.
His aunt had mentioned the invitation at the last minute. “Didn’t I tell you that I accepted on our behalf? I am certain I did. All three of the Graham sisters will be there along with other guests, of course. It will be an opportunity to compare and contrast them, don’t you think? That should aid in your decision.”
At times, he wondered if his aunt enjoyed putting him in situations that made him ill at ease. Perhaps even relished doing so. She probably thought it was good for him to have these experiences or some such nonsense.
Chances were few, if any, that any of his friends would attend. In moments like this, loneliness washed over him. Had his father ever felt the same way? Philip barely remembered his mother as she died when he was five, but had his father missed her? If so, he’d never mentioned it. For the first time, Philip wondered if his father had been a little cold-hearted.
While being a duke often made Philip the center of attention, it also served to isolate him. He hadn’t expected that, nor did he like it. He’d always had a wide circle of friends. Now it seemed as if he had a wide circle of acquaintances instead. It wasn’t the same at all.
He supposed it was to be expected when he no longer partook in the same activities that he had in the past. He’d gone so far as to distance himself from friends who seemed inclined to indulge in vices they should’ve outgrown. The future suddenly seemed a long and lonely path.
Would a wife change that or make the feeling worse?
“I suppose we didn’t need to arrive quite so early.” Aunt Eleanor waved a fan before her face.
Philip shoved aside his thoughts, noting how warm the room was already, and they were among the few in it. Unfortunately, the heat would only grow worse once more guests arrived.
“I thought the sisters might arrive early as well, and we’d have a chance to converse,” she added when he didn’t respond.
“It’s fine.” He managed a smile, reminding himself how much he appreciated her guidance. “This way, we have our choice of seats.”
She glanced at the empty chairs lined up in neat rows. “True. Shall we take ones in the front row?”
“No.” His vehement answer caused her eyes to widen. “It will be more convenient to stay toward the back in the event that we need to converse with one another.” Or leave if the performance was truly terrible.
“Very well.” She nodded as if appreciating the wisdom of his reply.
He couldn’t imagine sitting in the front where he’d be forced to feign enjoyment for the next two hours. The thought was enough to make him shudder.
Before he could gesture for her to lead the way to the chairs, the sound of voices heralded the arrival of other guests. His breath stuck in his throat as Lady Eliza and her aunt, Lady Frieda Ainsworth, entered the room in addition to half a dozen others.
Eliza was the only one who held his attention. She looked around the music room with interest, her gaze on the instruments at the opposite end.
He found it fascinating how she always appeared to be thoroughly engaged in whatever was happening around her. When she cast that attention in his direction, he smiled before he considered whether it wise to do so. He didn’t want any gossip to surround them.
Her warm smile in return melted away the concern as she made her way toward him along with her aunt. Her focused attention was enough to send a heated flush along his skin. He didn’t understand his reaction to her. Perhaps he was becoming ill, not that he was ever sick.
“Your Grace,” Eliza said with her smile still in place.
Philip braced himself as she curtsied yet still his body tightened as she gracefully dipped low, holding the skirts of her gown and managing to make it look elegant.
He was definitely coming down with some sort of illness if a simple curtsy bothered him so.
“Lady Eliza. I hope the evening finds you well.” He bowed. “You remember my aunt, Lady Eleanor Carstairs.”
“Of course. Such a pleasure to see you again.” Eliza shared her warm smile with his aunt who didn’t seem immune to Eliza’s charms either. “I’m sure you remember my aunt, Lady Frieda Ainsworth.”
As the two older ladies exchanged pleasantries, Eliza leaned close to Philip. “Isn’t it interesting that we both have aunts who often accompany us?”
“It’s an odd thing to have in common.” He bent close. “Does yours drive you half-crazed like mine does?” he asked in a whisper.
