“More than you, I would say.” An amused glint lit his eyes. “Not finding your dance partners particularly engaging?”
“No.” Too late did he realize how vehemently he’d answered.
“Please. No need to sugarcoat it.” Bolton chuckled. “Searching for a wife isn’t as entertaining as you hoped?”
Philip had mentioned it during the dinner party and was pleased he could speak frankly.
“I can see why marriages of convenience are arranged. At this point, I would rather someone tell me who to marry so I could be done with it.”
“Trust me, that wouldn’t be to your liking.” Bolton shook his head. “My parents had an arranged marriage, and it didn’t suit either of them.”
Philip realized he didn’t know whether his parents’ marriage had been arranged or not. His father had rarely spoken about his mother but hadn’t acted distraught when her name was brought up. “I suppose there is no simple solution to the problem.”
“Perhaps you shouldn’t look at it as a problem. Consider it as more of an opportunity.”
Philip smiled. “It’s all a matter of perspective. Is that what you’re suggesting?”
“I am.” The certainty in Bolton’s expression had Philip reconsidering his words.
“I will certainly keep that in mind.” His choice would’ve been made easier if one of the Graham sisters appealed to him. With a sigh, he perused the room to see who else he could ask to dance, hoping he didn’t see Eliza.
“Lady Eliza, may I introduce Miss Frances Melbourne, a member of the literary league who was out of town at our last meeting.” Lady Shaw glanced at the woman who stood beside her. “This is Lady Eliza Chadwick whom I told you about.”
“What a pleasure to meet you,” Eliza said, pitching her voice above the rumble of the crowd and the orchestra.
Miss Melbourne was attractive with warm brown eyes and brown hair. Her pale blue silk ball gown flattered her slender figure.
“I’m pleased you have joined our league.” Her enthusiasm seemed genuine. “Phoebe and Tibby have told me how much they’re enjoying your company already.”
“How kind. I would say the same of them.” She shared a smile with Lady Shaw. “I must tell you how fortunate I feel to have found the group.”
“I feel the same way,” Miss Melbourne said. “To know the ladies share similar interests is a true delight.”
“I can see how discussing books helps you to come to know one another better. I already feel comfortable sharing my thoughts.”
They were speaking about the book they’d started reading for the next meeting when Lady Shaw nudged Miss Melbourne and glanced toward a lady approaching them.
“Oh dear,” Miss Melbourne whispered. “Why can’t she leave well enough alone?”
Before Eliza could ask what the matter was, the other lady joined them and addressed Eliza.
“I do hope these two ladies aren’t attempting to convince you to join their little book group.” There was an edge to the woman’s voice that Eliza didn’t care for.
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” Eliza said, already feeling protective of her new friends.
“Lady Jane Ferrington. My mother and your aunt are acquaintances.”
“Oh?” Eliza followed the lady’s gaze to where her aunt spoke with another.
“From what your aunt said,” the lady continued, “you’re anxious to make friends.” She gave a dismissive glance to Lady Shaw and Miss Melbourne. “There are many others to befriend than the ladies of The Mayfair Literary League.”
Eliza held her temper as she offered an amused smile. “I assume you are suggesting yourself in their stead?”
“I am.” Lady Jane leaned close as if to share a confidence. “You don’t want the poor reputation of their book group to sully your own.”
“How interesting.” Lady Shaw tapped a finger on her chin. “I thought certain you and your sister both asked to become members.”
Lady Jane’s face turned red. “That was before I discovered you weren’t interested in just books.”
