With vague nods and smiles at those he passed, David trudged along. He couldn’t leave. Not when his mother and sisters were still partaking in the merriment. No matter how much he needed to. David shifted his jacket, straightening it as he fought to keep his grin in place.
What he needed was a distraction—something that had nothing to do with ladies. And when he searched the gathering, he spied the perfect option. Benjamin raised a hand in greeting and called David over. Once within reaching range, his friend took him by the shoulders and drew him into the conversation.
“You are just the man I wanted to see,” said Benjamin, giving David a friendly shake. “I was just telling Mr. Pine about our excellent Katherine.”
David’s brows rose. “You were?”
“Of course,” he replied with a puzzled smirk, as though speaking of his sister in such laudable terms was an everyday occurrence, despite the fact that David had never heard a single one of her family ever do so. Her brother was rarely openly critical, but that was a far cry from the beaming fraternal pride he was showing at present.
Releasing his friend, Benjamin clapped him on the shoulder. “I do not know why gentlemen overlook her, for she has the makings of a good wife.”
David’s brows rose, though it was not in response to the statement as much as the man giving it and to whom he was speaking. Mr. Pine might only be a decade older than Miss Leigh, but his face was lined and cragged, making him look like her grandfather. Not that appearance was the only measure of a person, but David thought it said much of the fellow that he’d never seen Mr. Pine smile.
“She’s quiet and keeps to herself most of the time,” said Benjamin. “As long as you keep a piano on hand for her, she can entertain herself all day long.”
With a scoff, David couldn’t help the genuine smirk that emerged. “Your sister isn’t a toy to trot out whenever you are bored and ignore the rest of the time.”
“Of course not,” said Benjamin with a wave of his hand. “I am merely saying that she isn’t one of those ladies who inserts herself into every facet of a man’s life. She’s content to keep her own company, which is quite an asset to some men.”
With a nudge, Benjamin nodded for David to say something, but what could he say to that?
“She’s far too serious for my tastes,” said Mr. Pine, and it took all of David’s willpower not to snort at that declaration.
“Her wit is subtle, but I assure you, it is there,” David said, though his remark had less to do with convincing Mr. Pine as it had to do with his own honor, which demanded that he defend Miss Leigh in the face of such bald-faced misunderstanding. “She is one of the most amusing people I know.”
Mr. Pine wrinkled his nose and shook his head, turning away from the pair, and David was happy to see the back of him. With a chuckle, he turned to Benjamin, though his friend watched the departure with drooped shoulders.
“I had thought he might be a good match. Clearly, she is far too shy to find someone on her own and requires assistance,” he mumbled.
David couldn’t help himself. He laughed. Not some little chuckle but a true, full-bellied laugh—enough so that it drew others’ attention. He couldn’t decide which of his friend’s statements was more ridiculous.
“That is brilliant,” said David, clapping his friend on the shoulder, but when Benjamin merely stared at him in return, the laughter died, and David straightened. “You aren’t teasing, are you?”
Benjamin gaped. “Why are you so shocked? Mr. Pine is a fine gentleman—”
“I do not know why you are attempting a bit of matchmaking, but I would leave it to your mother. She may be no better at it, but at least only one ridiculous family member would plague your sister instead of two. Three, if I count Mrs. Tate, who seems just as determined to fob her off on any man who will take her.”
David paused and crossed his arms. “But why are you tossing gentlemen at her?”
Scratching at the back of his neck, Benjamin shifted in place. “I want to see her happily situated. Besides, it is only a matter of time before Katherine gives in to Mother’s prodding, and that lady is indiscriminate in her choices for Katherine’s husband. At least I can ensure that she doesn’t end up with someone who would treat her poorly—like Mr. Mowbry.”
David arched a brow. “She has withstood your mother for over a decade. Do you really think your sister will give in now?”
Benjamin tugged at his jacket cuffs and squirmed. “You never know. I just want to see her properly settled, but she is determined to remain a spinster.”
“Is it any wonder when you present her with gentlemen like Mr. Pine or Mr. Moody? Surely spinsterhood is better than a cold marriage,” replied David, though the words brought to mind his conversation with Miss Leigh.
Ever since she had mentioned it, he couldn’t leave the thought be. What was the “escape” she had planned? The choices for unmarried women were few and far between, so there were few possibilities. Yet still, David couldn’t imagine what it was. Nor could he help the twist his stomach gave at the thought of Miss Leigh venturing out into the world alone. She was a capable and intelligent lady, but that alone did not guarantee safety or security.
Benjamin huffed. “Rather than pointing out the flaws in my plan, perhaps you could make a suggestion of someone else who would suit her?”
“I would rather point out that your sister is unlikely to accept anyone chosen for her,” replied David. “She is one of the most stalwart people I know and will not be swayed by others’ opinions. She knows her own mind.”
Leaning back, Benjamin studied him for a long moment. “You really do enjoy her company, don’t you?”
With a furrowed brow, David huffed. “Is that so surprising? We are often together.”
“No.” Benjamin paused and changed course. “I mean, yes, you do, but I suppose I had always thought you were simply doing so out of pity, as she has no friends.”
