“Oh?” A sudden vision of the lady doing just that every evening filled his mind and was nearly enough to make him grimace.
Thank goodness they’d returned to her mother and sisters. At this point, he didn’t think he and Lady Alice would suit. “Thank you again,” he told Lady Alice.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Lady Alice said.
Despite his intent to dance next with Lady Charlotte, her mother advised that due to a miscommunication, she’d already accepted a dance with someone else, leaving him to partner with Lady Constance.
It was of no concern to Philip despite Lady Oxley’s obvious distress.
After reassuring her, he turned to Lady Constance. “Shall we?”
She nodded then took his elbow and gripped it tightly. “This is truly an honor, Your Grace.”
Philip blinked, uncertain how to respond. In his mind, it was merely a dance. A chance to come to know one another better. Though he supposed it should come as no surprise that a lady who hoped to make a good match was flattered to be asked by a duke. “The honor is mine.”
He sighed and wondered if it truly mattered whether they’d suit. He needed a wife to produce an heir. Hopefully that person could help him fulfill his father’s plans and make certain the Trentworth name and title maintained or improved its good standing and represented the best. Not in possessions, but in actions.
It was becoming clear that the choice of a wife wasn’t as simple as he’d hoped. The effort to visit with the Graham sisters to become better acquainted with them was more difficult than he could’ve imagined. When he was with Eliza, conversing came naturally and was enjoyable. Why was that?
He forced his thoughts back to the dance. That was a question for later. He didn’t want to dwell on Eliza while with someone else.
The dance began and Lady Constance proved to be a good partner. She moved with grace though didn’t act as if she particularly enjoyed dancing.
That was all right. He didn’t especially enjoy it either.
Except when he’d danced with Eliza.
He smothered the thought with a smile at Lady Constance. Her face immediately turned bright red, making him feel bad for embarrassing her. Should he apologize?
Deciding that would only make matters worse, he attempted to act with decorum and kept his gaze away from her so as to not cause her further distress. The minutes slowly ticked by until at last, the music ended.
“Do you enjoy any hobbies?” he asked as they moved through the crowd. No doubt the sisters would compare notes and realize he asked them the same question. Surely that was for the best.
“Embroidery is my favorite.” She frowned as if uncertain that was the proper answer. “I enjoy other needlework as well.”
“Do you like to ride?”
“No. Although, I do enjoy a carriage ride.” She glanced at him as if hoping he might suggest they take one. “Hyde Park is lovely in the autumn, wouldn’t you agree?”
“It is.” He was careful not to smile since his last attempt seemed to cause her distress and was relieved when they reached her family.
It didn’t seem as if he and Lady Constance would suit either. He clenched his teeth, knowing he had to pick one of them. The thought of dancing with Lady Charlotte next held little appeal but nor did he want it hanging over his head the rest of the evening.
However, she was nowhere in sight.
“I’m terribly sorry, Your Grace,” her mother began with her gloved hands clasped tightly before her. “But Lady Charlotte fell ill and had to leave.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” His relief nearly had him smiling. He forced what he hoped looked like concern. “Please send her my regards.”
“Of course. Thank you.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I see someone with whom I must speak.” He nodded at the three ladies and turned away, searching for anyone he could use to fill his excuse.
Lord Bolton was a sight for sore eyes, and Philip halted beside him.
“Your Grace.” The earl dipped his head. “Are you enjoying the evening?”
“Not really.” How refreshing to be honest. “Are you?”
