Despite his parting words, his goal had been clearly revealed. His interest was in the necklace. Not her.
“Nothing is going on between us,” Eleanor finally replied, her tone flat.
“Lie,” Lydia declared. “Today was not the first private conversation you two have engaged in.”
Bridget added, “Something is clearly afoot.”
Eleanor lifted her brows. “Afoot? Really?”
Bridget widened her eyes to stare with stubborn intensity. “Yes. Really. Confess or we shall resort to drastic measures.”
Eleanor glanced to Lydia who had quirked a brow in support of Bridget words. Then she sighed, completely emptying her lungs before taking a deep, fortifying breath. Walking to her window where she looked out at the street below simply so she could avoid looking at the two people who knew her best in the world, Eleanor shrugged. “Truly, there is nothing between myself and Lord Waring. He is like the others, enamored with my face and fortune. He’s just denser than most and took a bit longer to realize how fragile his infatuation truly is. And speaking of enamored,” she said with a lift in her voice, “did either of you notice how long Ralston stood speaking with Miss Dickson? Very interesting, don’t you think?”
“Nice try,” Lydia retorted.
“Your brother’s affairs are not nearly as interesting as yours at the moment,” Bridget countered firmly. “It’s clear that the viscount’s interest is far more than an infatuation.”
Eleanor rolled her eyes. “Extremely incorrect.”
“Then what is correct? The truth, if you please,” Lydia insisted.
Accepting that she could delay no longer, Eleanor waved a dismissive gesture. “The man acquired an artifact of sorts from India. He was simply asking if I knew anything about it. That’s all.”
When there was no reply to her explanation, Eleanor cast a glance over her shoulder.
Lydia and Bridget stared back at her with dubious expressions.
“Poppycock,” Bridget finally blurted. Rising to her feet, she crossedto Eleanor. “I saw the look in that man’s eyes when he spotted you approaching in the park. It was… it was…” she paused and widened her eyes to finish in a reverent whisper. “It was hungry.”
Heat flew through Eleanor’s body. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“She’s not,” Lydia chimed in. “Waring is clearly in lust with you.”
Despite the tingle of alarm that danced through her, Eleanor snorted. “As I said—baseless infatuation, which experience has proven does not last much beyond the first conversation.”
“And how many conversations have you had with the man?” Lydia questioned in a leading tone.
“Exactly,” Bridget added, excitement sparkling in her eyes before she flashed a grin. “I think you should enjoy it. The viscount is undeniably handsome and quite charming. Engaging in a little harmless flirtation could do you some serious good.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Eleanor asked, unsure if she should be offended.
Lydia scoffed and rolled her eyes. “It all depends on what the man is after.” Her tone was serious as she continued. “Be careful you are not seduced by that reckless charm and intense stare.”
“Seduced?” Eleanor laughed off the trembling in her belly. “Now, you’re both being ridiculous.”
“Are we?” Bridget countered. “As I said, there is something undeniably covetous in his eyes when he looks at you.”
“I assure you, all he wants from me is information on this item he obtained. I’ve made it clear that I cannot help him.”
The other young women shared another glance.
“This item must be rather interesting,” Bridget led.
Eleanor wasn’t exactly sure why she felt a need to minimize the issue. “Waring certainly thinks so. But I’ve just made it very clear to the man that there is nothing to be gained through me. Now that he knows that, I’m quite confident that we won’t be seeing much of him anymore.”
“We shall see,” Bridget muttered noncommittally.
“Speaking of covetous glances,” Lydia interjected, giving Bridget an arched look. “What of your interest in Lord Petworth?”
