Yet that was exactly what he wanted to do.
“Oh. How nice,” Lady Bolton murmured as she, too, looked past him to where Eliza stood.
“What is it, my dear?” Bolton asked.
“Lady Eliza Chadwick is here.” She glanced at her husband. “She’s one of the new members of the literary league.”
“I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting her,” Bolton said.
To Philip’s dismay, Lady Bolton departed to fetch her and was soon escorting her to them. He’d hoped for more time to prepare himself. To bolster his defenses. Something about the lady sent his good intentions and common sense flying out the window.
“Lady Eliza?” His aunt frowned. “Isn’t that the one you spoke with at the garden party?”
“Yes, it is,” Philip confirmed.
“It seems everyone knows her but me.” Bolton lifted a brow at Philip, making it clear he was surprised Philip knew her. Or had he already noted Philip’s fascination with her?
Before he could try to explain, Lady Bolton returned with Eliza at her side.
“Good evening.” Eliza smiled at the small group. That smile widened when her gaze settled on Philip. Damn if she didn’t curtsy. “Your Grace.”
He clenched his teeth to quell his reaction as he bowed in return. “Lady Eliza.”
Her attention shifted to his aunt. “How lovely to see you again, Lady Carstairs. May I say how pretty your gown is?”
“How kind of you to say so.” Aunt Eleanor smoothed her skirts, looking quite pleased by the compliment.
“The color is very becoming,” Her gaze shifted to Bolton as Lady Bolton introduced them.
“Lord Bolton.” Eliza extended her hand to the earl which he took and dipped his head. Why had she never done that to Philip? “I feel as if we’ve already met since your wonderful wife has shared so much about you.”
“Has she? I hope it was favorable.” Bolton studied Eliza before looking at Philip with a knowing smile.
“It was, indeed,” Eliza said as Bolton returned his attention to her.
“Then I shall return the favor and tell you how amazing my wife is.” Bolton grinned as Lady Bolton blushed, shaking her head.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Eliza,” he added. “I know your brother, Linford, of course, though it’s been some time since we’ve spoken.”
“Winston has been living the bachelor life far too long, but now my aunt and I have joined him and clipped his wings.” Eliza’s smile made it impossible not to do so in return.
The earl chuckled. “I’m sure he’s pleased to have you with him.”
“I believe that’s yet to be determined, isn’t that right, Your Grace?” Her gaze shifted to Philip again, and his heart leapt in response. Unfortunate when it had just been slowing its beat.
“Not at all,” Philip denied. “He just mentioned the other evening how much he enjoyed having you home.”
“So gracious of you to say even if I don’t believe you.” She offered him a wry look. “How did you come to be acquainted with Lord and Lady Bolton?”
“Bolton and I were at university together, although I’m a year or two older. We’ve been friends for some time.” Philip hoped he successfully masked his reaction to Eliza, though the way his friend watched him made him wonder.
“Long friends are the best kind.” The brightness in Eliza’s expression dimmed as longing briefly shadowed her face. “I’m so grateful Lady Bolton has allowed me to join her book club.”
“We’re pleased to have you,” Lady Bolton replied. “It is always a pleasure to find a fellow reader who enjoys books as much as our members do.”
“I didn’t realize you still enjoyed reading,” Philip said. Certainly, he’d seen her with a book in hand in her youth, but many outgrew the habit.
Eliza’s eyes sparkled, her enthusiasm returning in full. “I can’t imagine not having a book or two in progress. They’re always such a comfort, and I’ve learned so much from reading.”
