A pucker immediately developed between her brows. “You should consider setting your standards a little higher, Walter. There’s nothing wrong with trying to find a lady you’re going to want to do more than enjoy an amiable relationship with.”
“I never said I’m opposed to developing a little, well, ah, affection for someone, but the problem lies in that I now have so many ladies seeking my attention, I doubt I’ll be able to get to know any of them well enough to discern whether there’s a...”
“Spark between you?” Gwendolyn finished for him when he faltered.
“I don’t think I believe in sparks, but I suppose that’s one way of putting it.” He released a sigh. “And to point out the obvious—by encouraging Clarence to embrace his love for Mrs. Lanier, you’ve now taken an eligible bachelor off the marriage mart, which will undoubtedly have the young ladies who’d set their eye on him turning that eye my way. Should I now expect Miss Howe to join me as often as Miss Ellsworth does?”
Gwendolyn’s nose wrinkled. “You’re not a viable candidate for Miss Howe. She seems to be a lady with a romantic heart, and the last thing she would know how to handle is a man with a heart I’m beginning to believe is made of stone. Because of that problematic circumstance, there’s no chance I’ll ever encourage her to try to capture your attention. Which should leave you extending me your deepest appreciation, given you’ll now have one less lady to contend with.”
Eleven
It was a curious situation to find himself in—one where he’d just been delivered what could certainly be construed as an insult, which added a nice cherry to the top of a day that was turning into a debacle.
Not only had he been given a surprising glimpse into how ladies comported themselves when they relaxed the restrictive rules of etiquette they embraced from birth, he’d also just been told he possessed a heart made of stone.
Walter crossed his arms over his chest. “How did you conclude that? Most ladies find me an engaging and attentive conversationalist, something a man with a stone heart wouldn’t bother to concern himself with.”
“Forgive me if I’m about to injure your gentlemanly feelings yet again, but it’s been my observation that you don’t appear to enjoy the conversations you’re engaging in.”
He frowned. “What signs did you observe that led you to that conclusion?”
“I’ve often seen you sport the exact same expression currently residing on your face when you’re speaking with ladies.”
“I’m sure you’re mistaken. I’ve made a point over the yearsto carefully school my expressions when I’m conversing with the feminine set, even when it’s difficult for any gentleman to enjoy the fabricated conversations we’re expected to hold at society events.”
He raked a hand through his hair. “Fashion and the weather are not exactly titillating topics, but I’ll have you know I read at least twenty fashion magazines before I stepped foot in Newport so I’d be knowledgeable about the latest styles. I’ve also been perusing the paper over breakfast to be up-to-date on the predicted weather on any given day. Miss Ellsworth, one ofyourladies, was most appreciative when I told her a storm was expected because she can now plan accordingly for the ball tonight.”
“Miss Ellsworth is apparently easily impressed, but have you ever considered you may enjoy the company of ladies more if you were to branch out and speak about topics that interest you?”
“I highly doubt any lady would be interested in hearing me wax on about the plans I’m considering for some real estate I recently purchased.”
“Last year, after questioning him about different qualities of wool, I spent two hours speaking with the Prince of Wales about sheep and what breed he thought my mother might enjoy adding to her flock.”
Walter blinked. “You conversed with the Prince of Wales?”
“He’s a most captivating individual and...”
Whatever else Gwendolyn had been about to say got lost when one of Priscilla’s howls rent the air.
Gwendolyn winced. “That child has quite the set of lungs on her, and frankly, it’s going to take a special lady to take on the role of mother to your children. You’re going to need someone sensible, strong, and unquestionably possessed of a great sense of humor, because she’ll have her work cut out for her getting your children in hand.”
She tapped a finger against her chin. “Even though I’m representing Miss Ellsworth and Miss Howe, you might consider becoming better acquainted with Miss Adelaide Duveen. From what I’ve gathered, she’s mature, sensible, and has a wonderful sense of humor, because she was certainly humoring her mother when she agreed to wear that atrocity marketed as an evening gown last night. She also didn’t descend into a fit of the vapors after almost finding herself the victim of a rogue glass of punch. That right there suggests she’s a woman possessed of a strong constitution and could probably handle your children with one hand tied behind her back.”
“Howisshe with children?”
“Adelaide didn’t specifically address that subject with me, but she adores cats. I would think a woman who loves cats probably enjoys children as well.”
“She sounds charming, but I’m afraid Miss Duveen isn’t a viable choice for me.”
“Because she doesn’t dress in the first state of fashion?”
“You do seem to relish insulting me, but no, her fashion sense has nothing to do with my reluctance. Her love of cats does.” Walter bent over to pick up a shell that caught his eye, handing it to Gwendolyn after he straightened. “Cats make Oscar and Priscilla sneeze.”
After glancing at the shell, Gwendolyn sent him a hint of a smile before depositing it in her pocket. “How unfortunate, because I found Adelaide to be a most delightful lady. She has quite the collection of cats, and I can’t see her giving them up for a gentleman who possesses numerous deficiencies, even if you’re rumored to have quite the fortune.”
“I do not have deficiencies.”
“Yet another topic we’ll need to agree to disagree about, but...” Gwendolyn narrowed her eyes toward Priscilla, who was now wailing in earnest and shaking a finger at the pony Walter had left with a footman. “Your daughter is in seriousneed of a nap,” she said, before she began marching in Priscilla’s direction without another word.
