They reached her aunt’s side, and it was clear from his closed expression that the opportunity was gone.
“Thank you for the dance. Good evening,” he said and turned away.
With a heavy heart, she watched his broad-shouldered form walk to the opposite side of the room as if to get as far away from her as possible.
Thank goodness she hadn’t told any of the league members of her attempt at theFor Better or Worseagenda since it looked to be a complete failure.
Chapter Thirteen
“Whatdoyoumeanyou don’t want to go?” Aunt Frieda stared at Eliza as if she’d grown two heads. “We already accepted the invitation.”
Eliza bit her lip, realizing too late she should’ve made up a better excuse than simply stating the truth—that she didn’t want to venture out this evening.
The opening of a new museum had sounded exciting last week when the future had looked bright. Now it looked anything but.
In the two days since the ball, she hadn’t been able to shake her dismal mood. All she could see was Philip’s reserved expression when they’d parted ways after dancing. His manner had turned positively chilly, and she had no idea how to change it. He had to know of her admiration already since they’d shared those kisses. Surely, he didn’t think she frequently kissed gentlemen.
After he’d left her side at the ball, she’d glimpsed him speaking with the Graham sisters again. She supposed it made sense that he would marry one of them since his brother had intended to.
But the few times she’d seen him with them, he’d looked anything but happy. Polite, yes. Ducal, yes. But happy? Definitely not.
Of course, he had duties and responsibilities to see to given his title. That didn’t mean he had to be unhappy for the rest of his life. He would have so much more to give if he was filled with love and joy.
She need only look at her parents to know that.
They’d been so busy arguing and seeking petty revenge against one another for this affair or that one, they’d left their holdings to a steward to run. Luckily, the man had taken his duties seriously and was talented enough to make them profitable. He’d taught Winston more about running the estate than their father had and continued to manage it to this day.
Her parents had also ignored their children. Now that she considered the matter further, she realized how selfish they’d been as they hadn’t bothered with charitable activities either.
If Philip had the right person at his side, preferably Eliza, they could work together and do twice as much good for the people who depended on them as well as those in need.
“I suppose I’m not feeling myself,” Eliza began. “Attending an event sounds less than appealing.”
“Nonsense. If you step out, you’ll feel better. You need to be around people your age. Some of your new friends, perhaps.”
That idea was certainly appealing. Any time spent with the ladies in the book group was welcome.
“I suppose we should go since we already said we would,” Eliza relented.
“Go where?” Winston asked as he strolled into the room.
Her brother had made more and more appearances of late. Perhaps he was finally adjusting to them being in the house with him.
“To the party celebrating the opening of the Museum of Ancient Artifacts.” Eliza raised a brow. “I don’t suppose you are going?”
It would be nice to have him at one of the events they attended, but thus far, he hadn’t gone to any.
“To a museum?” He frowned. “No, thank you. Though I think Trentworth is, as he mentioned something about it.” Winston dropped into a chair and extended his legs before him.
Eliza perked up at the news. “Is he?” Her mood immediately plummeted again. “That must mean the Graham sisters are going as well.”
“Why do you say that?” Winston asked.
“Those are the only events he seems to attend.” Eliza hoped her tone didn’t reflect her feelings on the matter.
“Yes, well, it sounds as if he’ll be marrying one of them.” Winston didn’t sound particularly pleased about it either.
“Which one?” Aunt Frieda asked, much to Eliza’s relief. She was happy to know she wasn’t the only one who was curious.
