“How difficult it must’ve been to be away from your parents and everything familiar,” Lady Charlotte said. “I’m not certain I could’ve managed it.”
“My parents passed away when I was younger, so finishing school was the best option.” A hint of the loneliness she’d experienced seeped into her face—a shadow in her eyes and a melancholy tone to her voice.
Though subtle, it pulled at Philip. To know she felt that way after all this time showed how hard those years had been.
Then she flashed a charming smile and erased any suggestion of sadness. “Life sometimes carries us in different directions than we expect, doesn’t it?”
“It does.” Lady Charlotte nodded, her gaze catching on someone past Eliza’s shoulder. “If you’ll excuse me, my mother is requesting my presence.” She looked at Philip. “Thank you for the conversation, Your Grace.” Then she turned to Eliza. “It was nice to meet you, Lady Eliza. I look forward to speaking with you again.”
“As do I.” Eliza’s attention shifted to Philip after her departure. “She seems very nice. Is it comforting to be with her since she knew your brother?”
“I confess that seeing her only makes me think of Oscar more often.”
“That’s understandable, if difficult.”
The understanding in Eliza’s expression made him wish they had more privacy. She was excellent company and always managed to make him feel better. He felt as if they could converse on any subject with ease. The odd thing was that the more time he spent with her, the more he wanted. As if he didn’t feel quite himself unless they were together. Her presence was a rudder that steadied him from the gales of life.
With a silent reprimand to gather his fanciful thoughts, he reminded himself what he wanted to say. “I trust you haven’t suffered any ill effects from the encounter with my cousin?”
“No.”
“I’m very pleased to hear that. He’s left town so I have been unable to speak with him. But I wanted to suggest you avoid him when possible.”
“That was my plan as well.”
“Good. I do believe it would be best if you told me the identity of the man who’s caught your interest. That way, we can make certain our efforts are effective.” And end the favor before his attraction to her grew deeper.
“No.”
He blinked. “Excuse me?”
“No thank you.” She smiled politely.
“Why not?”
“We’ve already discussed this. Besides, I feel certain our plan is already working.”
“Eliza, I must know his name. Then I can advise you as to whether he is worthy of your attention.”
She shook her head. “I appreciate your offer, but I have to decline.”
Philip sighed. How could she be simultaneously wonderful and undeniably maddening? Whatever was he going to do with her?
Chapter Fourteen
Elizagrittedherteeth.The man refused to believe that she knew her own mind when it came to the matter of whom she favored. It was incredibly maddening even if she still adored him. Whatever was she going to do with him?
Smoothing her expression, she said, “The simple favor I requested doesn’t require your approval of the gentleman.” Not when it was him.
For a brief moment, she almost wished he’d realize the truth. How would he react?
But no. If he knew how she felt, he would put an end to their relationship. She had to be patient and do her best to show him they were perfect for one another.
However, she couldn’t be too patient when the Graham ladies were so clearly on his mind.
Concern had flooded her when she’d seen him speaking with Lady Charlotte. She was nice enough, but even Eliza could see that Philip didn’t seem particularly enamored with her. Nor did the lady act as if she cared for him as anything more than a friend.
Then again, dukes rarely married for love, and Eliza understood the duty he felt to his brother’s memory.
