Page 105 of Courting the Country Miss

What a loving and devoted husband. Oh, what Leticia wouldn’t give for someone to look at her like that. She sighed.

Lady Tarrington gazed after her husband. “He does worry over me so. But if the doctor can’t find anything wrong, it’s probably nothing.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” Aunt Alice replied.

Leticia glanced back at the place where she’d last seen Tristan but he had moved on somewhere, hopefully not into the arms of the widow trying to attract his notice. Near the doorway, a movement caught her eye.

Tristan stood near the blonde, their heads close together, their postures intimate. It appeared Tristan the Rake had returned. Clearly, he had not changed so much. Her eyes stung and her vision blurred.

Leticia bit her lip and squared her shoulders. Lord Bradbury caught her gaze from a few feet away. As he led another lady out to the dance floor, he smiled at Leticia, a slow, private smile.

Lord Bradbury. Kind. Attentive. Well behaved. A respected peer of the realm. She would have him if he asked her. And she’d be happy about it. Lord Bradbury would not break her heart. In time, she would learn to love him.

She gave him her most brilliant smile before lowering her gaze, the picture of a demure lady. Let Tristan have his loose women. She would have a home of her own and a family with a man who understood the meaning of constancy.

Chapter Thirty

Tristan swore under his breath. How did he get himself into such entanglements? He looked down into Henrietta’s enchanting face. He must not weaken. Yes, she was beautiful, and yes, he was lonely, but he no longer sought such empty pleasure. He ached for meaningful, lasting pleasure. Joy. Love. With Leticia.

He edged back. “I’m sorry, Henrietta.”

The blonde widow smiled coyly at him and wound her finger around a long curl skimming her collarbone, a provocative motion he once found irresistible. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Tristan. Now that I’m back in England, we can resume where we left off…”

“No, we can’t,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

Her blue eyes searched his, her expression sobering. “I never asked you to wait for me when we last parted, you know. If there’s been someone else, well, I’m not so maudlin as to expect any sort of fidelity. You know that, don’t you?”

He looked away. “I’ve changed. I want something…permanent.”

She laughed. “Oh, Tristan. You aren’t thinking of asking me to marry you? You know how I feel about that.”

This was not going well. “No, I mean to ask someone else to marry me.”

There, he’d said it. Of course, he still had a great deal of work ahead, but he would not give up.

Her smile faded. “You’re in earnest.”

“I am.”

That irrepressible spirit, born of supreme confidence returned, but her tone took on a mocking edge. “Are you doing this to satisfy your brother? Oh, wait, I know, you’ve met an heiress.”

Tristan shook his head. “I’m courting her because I love her.”

She folded her arms and gave him a disbelieving frown. “I don’t believe you. Not you, of all people.”

“It’s true. I love her and I plan to marry her as soon as I’ve convinced her I’ve changed. Being seen with you won’t help that endeavor. This is goodbye, Henrietta.” He offered an apologetic smile and walked away from the passionate beauty from his former life who now tempted him no more than Mrs. Hunter had at the house party.

He glanced at his pocket watch. He’d been certain Leticia would be here tonight but he had yet to have spotted her. Of course, in this crush of humanity, he might never find her.

A footman appeared with a tray of drinks, but Tristan declined. Having a clear head made it easier to read people, outwit opponents, appreciate a subtle joke, and resist women best left in the past.

Winding his way through the crowd, Tristan found his sister-in-law conversing with Miss Seton. “Elizabeth. Delightful as always.”

Turning, Elizabeth smiled. “Tristan. I didn’t know you were here tonight.”

They made all the correct pleasantries before he asked the question burning him. “Have you seen Leticia?”

“Why, yes. She’s dancing.” Elizabeth gestured to the dance floor.