“Frankly, I find that I do not care.” He gave her a warm smile. “Come, let’s enjoy the rest of the evening together while avoiding those who wish to ruin our fun.”
Putting the unpleasant encounter from his mind, he helped her secure a glass of punch. He took one too and drank down a mouthful before addressing their earlier discussion. “You asked me why I wanted you here this evening, and the truth is it’s because you left the park before I was able to offer an explanation. While I did consider returning to the shop and forcing the subject, I decided that might have appeared too pushy. You see, as much as I wanted to tell you how things really stand between me and Miss Starling, I wanted you to have the choice of whether or not you wanted to hear me out.”
“An invitation to meet you at a museum or for a walk would have had the same effect.”
“Yes, but I also wanted to do something special for you. I realize it’s proven a bit more uncomfortable than it should have,” he added when she raised her brows. “All of that aside, I believed this was something you might not have the chance to experience otherwise. Plus, it allows us the chance to dance.”
She rolled her eyes. “Please don’t remind me.”
He grinned and linked his arm with hers once more so they could resume their tour. “My situation pertaining to Miss Starling is not as it seems. She and I are not engaged to be married.”
“But she said…” Miss Quinn gasped. “Did she lie about the contract because she thought me a threat?”
“I don’t believe so, though seeing you as a threat was surely her reason for bringing it up.” He drew Miss Quinn closer, allowing the length of her arm to brush his. “The fact is I went to her father, Viscount Ebberly, a few weeks ago, when the extent of my financial troubles hit me for the first time. Miss Starling has the largest dowry of any woman currently on the marriage mart. Offering her a title in exchange for her fortune seemed like a good idea after spending a sleepless night hopelessly trying to find a path forward. So I met with her father in order to mull it over – see if he might be amenable to it.”
“And I take it he was?”
“Very much so. His enthusiasm, however, had a rather rousing effect on me. I immediately regretted going to him and made it clear that I’d yet to decide if marriage would be the right answer. He agreed, but then he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, namely for Miss Starling to help my sisters with their entrance into Society in exchange for me spending time with her. He clearly imagined this leading to courtship and marriage. Especially if he’s already drawn up a contract in preparation for an eventual proposal.”
“Oh dear. That does sound like a bit of a bind though I do understand your reason for entering into such an agreement. Is there a chance Viscount Ebberly and Miss Starling might force your hand?” The genuine concern in her voice gave him hope.
“They could try if they were extremely determined, but I’m not sure they’ll dare. Miss Starling may be intent on becoming my duchess, but she’s smart enough to know that will never happen through underhanded means, like spreading gossip or placing an announcement in the papers. Although I may be struggling to fill my coffers, my position and the connections that come with it are impressive, Miss Quinn. I’ll discredit her in a second if she dares to cross me like that.”
“A notion you may want to keep in mind now since she seems to be heading our way.”
Anthony glanced in the direction Miss Quinn was looking and muttered a curse. Well, it was time. He couldn’t expect to avoid Miss Starling forever unless he fled England. Considering they’d been present in the same room for the past half hour, it was rather impressive that he’d been able to do it for as long as he had.
“Your Grace,” she said, gliding into his path with the sort of syrupy smile he detested. “It’s time for our dance.”
Already? He glanced toward the dance floor and saw other couples take their positions for the quadrille. A brittle grimace was the best he could manage. “So it is. If you will excuse me, Miss Quinn?”
“By all means.” Miss Quinn sent Miss Starling a kind smile and retreated a step so the other woman could take his arm. “Lovely to see you again. I hope you enjoy the dance.”
Miss Starling blinked. Her grip on Anthony lessened ever so slightly. “I…um…thank you.”
Anthony gave Miss Quinn a look he hoped would convey more than gratitude. Truth was, he was downright impressed by the level of class she’d just shown. The lack of hostility she conveyed toward a woman who wasted no time marking her territory was precisely in line with what he’d expect from his future wife.
This thought had him turning a bit too sharply and bumping into Miss Starling, who promptly gave him a haughty look of displeasure before replacing the ugly expression with something closer to adoration. Sickening, was all that came to mind in that instant. He sent Miss Quinn a sheepish look over his shoulder while moving toward the dance floor, his heart bouncing lightly when he caught her answering grin.
Once the dance was over, he'd find a way to spend more time with her, something that not only bolstered his spirits but filled him with purpose and excitement.
11
Pleasure simmered within Ada’s heart as she watched Mr. Gibbs walk away. Despite the blatant criticism she’d been subjected to earlier, he’d managed to cheer her. The information he’d since imparted had turned her world upside down once more. It left her feeling slightly giddy. He wasn’t attached. Moreover, Miss Starling’s dogged pursuit of a man with no interest in her filled Ada with sympathy as opposed to displeasure.
Honestly, she could face a dozen more Countess Bournerlys right now, and her current mood would not be dimmed.
“Did you learn something worth sharing?” Emily asked as she sidled up next to her.
Ada took a sip of punch. The drink was wonderfully refreshing. She glanced at her friend and nodded. “He’s not engaged.”
“That’s excellent news indeed.” Emily smiled. “In case you were wondering, your uncle is having a marvelous evening as well. He and Papa have become fast friends.”
Despite the relief this comment evoked, Ada had to ask, “No one has questioned his presence?”
“Not at all.” Emily frowned. “Why? Did someone say something to you?”
Not wanting to concern her, Ada shook her head. “Not at all. I’m glad I came.”
