“That’s good to hear. What do you suggest as far as where to start viewing the collection?”
Philip was familiar with the house as he’d visited it with his brother on more than one occasion. He was interested to see how they’d changed it to display the artifacts.
“The next floor with its jade and rock crystal objects is the most interesting in my opinion. If you like everything that you see there, the third floor is worth visiting, too.”
“Thank you. I look forward to it. I’m sure I’ll see you again before I leave.”
Alastair bowed and moved on to greet someone else.
Philip walked up the stairs with several other guests, speaking with a few familiar faces. Many continued to the upper floor, but he followed Alastair’s advice, along with one or two other guests, and entered the large room to the right at the top of the first landing.
Most of the furniture had been removed with the exception of a few chairs and a narrow settee. Glass shelves, tables, and display cases held a variety of items, including an elegantly carved pale jade jug that caught his eye.
He had seen parts of India and Asia during his Grand Tour and found the artifacts interesting, especially since he knew some of the history behind them. As he studied the artifacts, he kept watch on the doorway for Eliza only to see Lady Charlotte Graham enter the room.
“Your Grace. How nice to see you.”
Philip bowed. “Good evening, Lady Charlotte. I didn’t realize you were a fan of history.” Then again, he didn’t know that much about her or her sisters.
“Oh.” She glanced around as if just now seeing the objects. “I suppose I don’t mind it.” She leaned close. “Just don’t ask me to recite who was king during what year or what battle they were engaged in.” Her smile had him smiling in return. She glanced over her shoulder, but the other visitors were on the opposite side of the room. “Actually, I’m pleased to have a private word with you.”
“Oh?” Philip braced himself, uncertain what she might say.
“I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the attention you are paying to my sisters. While my mother and father might think it a fine idea for you to consider me for a wife, I must confess that my heart would not be in it. My affections were quite caught with Oscar and...” Her voice trailed off as if her emotions were gaining the better of her.
“I understand.” Never mind the huge relief he felt. He couldn’t imagine marrying her either.
“Please know that I mean no offense.” She squeezed her eyes tightly shut for a moment. “I would ask you not to mention this conversation to my parents.”
“You may count on my discretion.”
“Thank you. Needless to say, they would be overjoyed if you considered one of my sisters.” She glanced around again to make certain she wouldn’t be overheard. “I know it isn’t proper of me to speak of this, but the financial situation my family is in is rather dire. I thought it best that we speak plainly and avoid any misunderstandings.”
Philip nodded, his respect for the lady increasing. Perhaps her forthrightness was one of the reasons his brother had been taken with her. But he didn’t want to know about Oxley’s financial troubles as that only made him feel more pressured. “I appreciate that.”
She lifted a brow. “May I ask whether Constance or Alice is winning your favor?”
Philip smothered a groan. Unfortunately, he couldn’t return the courtesy of her honesty and share that it was neither. Rather, it was a pair of green eyes set in a heart-shaped face with a hint of dimples that held his thoughts and stirred his passion.
A faint scent caught his attention and caused him to breathe in more deeply. The familiar mix of fresh flowers, sweet with a hint of spice, had him turning to find its source as awareness spread through him.
The green eyes he was just thinking of met his. “How delightful to see you, Your Grace.” Eliza dipped into her customary, graceful curtsy which never failed to make him sigh with appreciation.
“Lady Eliza.” He bowed with a smile, hoping he hid his reaction to her. Her timing was perfect and kept him from having to answer. “Lady Charlotte, have you met Lady Eliza Chadwick?”
“I have not yet had the pleasure.” Lady Charlotte studied Eliza in such a way that made Philip wonder if he hadn’t masked his attraction for her completely.
“How nice to finally meet you.” Eliza looked at her with the same open interest she showed everyone. “I’ve seen you and your sisters several times from across the room. I do believe my aunt has spoken with your mother on occasion.”
He watched to see if Lady Charlotte would succumb to her charm like everyone else seemed to. “Yes, I believe you’re right,” she said. Then she glanced between them with a curious look. “How is it that the two of you are acquainted?”
“My brother and His Grace have been friends for many years.” Eliza’s expression filled with sympathy as her gaze shifted to them both. “I’m terribly sorry for your shared loss.”
Grief flashed over Lady Charlotte’s expression even as a wave of it washed over Philip. It was a terrible thing to have in common. That realization confirmed he couldn’t marry Lady Charlotte.
“Thank you. The past year has been...difficult for both of us.” Lady Charlotte managed a smile even if it didn’t reach her eyes. “What of you, Lady Eliza? Why is it that I don’t remember seeing you at any events until the last few weeks?”
Eliza spoke of her time in Switzerland and the travel she’d enjoyed with her aunt. The version of it that she told expressed only gratitude for having such an opportunity even if Philip knew those years had been challenging for her.
