“Let us see to refreshment for the ladies,” Mr. Balfour suggested.
“Good idea,” the duke answered. “Miss Addison, may I leave you a moment with Miss Taylor?”
“Of course.”
The two men walked away, joining a stream of men on their way to procure refreshments for their ladies. Kate had no doubt that Mr. Balfour would use this opportunity to give his nephew an earful.
She was also conscious that there were cliques of women around them. Kate focused on Miss Taylor.
One of the most handsome men she had ever seen approached them. He had an air that was both studious and slightly anxious.
Miss Taylor smiled her welcome and introduced him to Kate as Mr. Ned Thurlowe, the local physician, and her intended.
There went Kate’s plans for a match between Miss Taylor and the duke. When they were young, and she had still lived at home, her older sister Alice had always claimed Kate was a terrible matchmaker.
Mr. Thurlowe was all that was polite but then excused himself from the dance. “I’ve received word that the Widow Hastings has taken a bad turn. She is having difficulty breathing. Her son has sent for me.”
“Of course you must go,” Miss Taylor said.
“I am sorry to leave you. It seems as if this happens every time we are together.”
“It will not be a problem.”
He smiled his appreciation and left. Kate felt his parting was decidedly unlover-like. The two of them had not held hands, not even touched. “It is a pity he must leave on such an important evening,” Kate offered.
“He is in demand,” Miss Taylor said. “He is dedicated to the healing arts.”
“That is admirable.”
A moment passed and then, almost as if she could not help herself, Miss Taylor murmured, “Of course, he won’t miss the seminar he has planned on the morrow, no matter who takes ill.”
“Seminar?”
“He belongs to a local society,” Miss Taylor answered. “They call themselves the Logical Men’s Society.”
“Sounds heady.”
“It’s not. The village women would adore to see it closed down. The society is for men who are unmarried. It has gone on for years. I’m told there was a time when many didn’t marry just because they enjoyed being part of the society. That isn’t the case today. Their numbers have dwindled. Mr. Thurlowe is the chairman of the group and he wants to add to the membership.”
“When the two of you marry, their numbers will go down by one.”
“Yes,” Miss Taylor said, drawing the word out. “It is a conundrum for him. I know he means to marry me...” Her voice trailed off.
“How long has he been courting you?”
“Almost two years.”
“And you haven’t grown impatient?” Kate wondered.
A pensive look crossed Miss Taylor’s lovely face. “I was a foundling, left on the parsonage doorstep. I have few options available to me. Mr. Thurlowe was extremely kind to offer for me.”
“There are other options beyond marriage for women.”
Miss Taylor gave a start. “I didn’t mean to insult you—”
“You haven’t,” Kate replied calmly. “It is just that you are promised to a man who is making you wait? For nearly two years? While he participates in a club that encouragesbachelorhood?”
“That sums it up.” Miss Taylor lowered her voice to confide, “In truth, I’m not that anxious to marry.”
